Small Business Development

Small Business Development

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Please be advised that a DBE Final Rule released by USDOT was issued on April 9, 2024 and goes into effect May 9, 2024. This may impact your operations and regulatory compliance obligations. The Final Rule encompasses several key areas that require immediate attention and action. If you would like more information please visit USDOT's website.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's DBE Program, administered by the Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development, was established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to ensure that firms owned by minorities, women and other socially and economically disadvantaged persons have an equal opportunity to participate in federally assisted projects. The DBE Program is governed by the U.S. Federal Regulations in 49 CFR Part 23 and 26.

Should I Apply?

To achieve DBE status a business must meet the following criteria:

Must be an existing “for-profit" business that is currently operational;
Must meet the federal definition of a small business concern;
Must be an independent business which does not depend on its relationships with another firm or firms. If it is a subsidiary of a corporation, the business must still operate in a self-sufficient manner;
The qualifying owner(s) must meet the federal definition of "socially and economically disadvantaged" individuals;
The qualifying owner(s) must own a minimum of 51% of the company; and have an investment in their company;
The qualifying owner(s) cannot have a net worth that exceeds $2,047,000 (excluding the owner's business, primary residence, and retirement accounts);
The qualifying owner(s) must have day-to-day control of operations and possess an expertise in their work specialty.

How to Apply for DBE Status in Kentucky

The DBE certification process differs depending on if a firm is already DBE certified in other states. Certifying agencies are required to follow the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) outlined in 49 CFR §23 and/or 49 CFR §26.

First Time Applicants

First time applicants applying for DBE certification must complete and submit the Unified Certification Application (UCA) and supporting documentation, then participate in an on-site interview conducted by the agency. If you fail to submit the required documents, your application may be delayed and/or denied. Firms already certified as a DBE in another state will need to follow the DBE Interstate Application process.

You may submit your DBE/ACDBE Application, Personal Net Worth (PNW) Statement, and all supporting documents to our office through mail.

DBE Interstate Application

Firms that are already certified as a DBE in their state of Jurisdiction of Original Certification (JOC), are required to follow the Interstate Certification expectations as outlined in 49 CFR §26.85 of the Code of Federal Regulations. You MUST provide:

A Cover Letter - that specifies that the DBE is applying for interstate certification, identifying all UCPs in which the DBE is certified (including the UCP that originally certified it);
An Electronic Image - of the UCP directory of the original UCP that shows the DBE certification;
A New Declaration of Eligibility (DOE).

Please email the three (3) required documents to: KYTC.OCRSBD@ky.gov.

If you have any questions regarding DBE Certification or how to apply, you may contact:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
(502) 564-3601
KYTC.OCRSBD@ky.gov

Note: Once certified you must submit a Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) annually along with current business taxes (including affiliates). Certification can be verified by visiting the DBE Directory as certificates are not issued annually.

DBE Reciprocity

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has established a DBE reciprocity agreement with Indiana DOT for statewide projects allowing DBEs certified in either Kentucky or Indiana to be used for any transportation federal aid project in the partner state. For the most up to date list of DBE's certified in Indiana please click here: Indiana DBE Directory.

There is also an agreement with Ohio DOT exclusively for the Brent Spence Bridge Project.

DBE Reciprocity Agreements - please click here:

Supportive Services

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provides supportive services to DBEs conducting business with or seeking to conduct business with KYTC. Supportive Services are designed to contribute to the growth and business efficiency of DBEs so that they may achieve proficiency in competing for contracts and subcontracts. For more information, please visit the CEI Supportive Service webpage.