US DOT Unified Certification Program
In March 1999, the DBE regulation, 49 CFR Part 26, required states to establish a Unified Certification Program to provide "one-stop shopping" for firms seeking DBE/ACDBE certification. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program is designed to ensure there is an equal opportunity for socially and economically disadvantaged firms to compete for Department of Transportation (DOT) contracts.
PA Unified Certification Program (UCP)
The purpose of the PA UCP DBE Certification Website is to provide "one-stop shopping" for firms seeking certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26. The PAUCP makes all certification decisions on behalf of all agencies and organizations in the Commonwealth with respect to participation in the DBE Program. In other words, firms certified as a DBE with the PAUCP are eligible to participate on any Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and the Federal Transit Administration funded contract as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
Certifying Agencies
PennDOT along with the listed certifying group are members of the PA UCP who process DBE Certifications. Questions or requests for information regarding DBE firms certified through PennDOT, should be sent to penndotucpinfo@pa.gov.
Prospective DBE/ACDBEs seeking certification can submit an application and supporting documentation to any one of the following five certifying agencies: