Frequently Asked Questions

ACDBE = Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (49 CFR Part 23). DBE = Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (49 CFR Part 26). DVBE = Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (State of California). SBE = Small Business Enterprise (various agencies). MBE = Minority Business Enterprise. WBE = Women Business Enterprise. 8(a) = SBA Section 8(a) program for small disadvantaged businesses.

The CUCP provides "one-stop shopping" certification services to small, minority and women businesses seeking to participate in the USDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. Once certified by any CUCP agency, your certification is accepted by all USDOT-funded agencies in California.

No. The CUCP is a statewide program offering "one-stop shopping." Once you have submitted your application to one certifying agency and been approved, your certification will be accepted by all agencies administering USDOT-funded contracts in California.

DBE certification is not a precondition to competing on Caltrans, or any other agency, contracts. Your firm should bid regardless of certification. If certified as a DBE by any CUCP agency, your firm can participate as a DBE in all USDOT-assisted contract opportunities in California.

The ACDBE program (49 CFR Part 23) focuses on concession and car rental activities at airports receiving FAA financial assistance, with a higher gross receipts cap of $56.42 million. The DBE program (49 CFR Part 26) focuses on construction and design contracts funded by FTA or FHWA, with a lower cap. Different types of businesses and size standards apply.

No, DBE certification is not a prerequisite to doing business with any CUCP participating agency. However, agencies are required to establish annual DBE participation goals, and specific contracts may have DBE percentage goals. The CUCP agencies encourage small businesses to compete regardless of certification status.

Two tests apply: (1) The firm must be a small business per SBA standards (13 CFR Part 121), which vary by NAICS code. (2) Even if meeting SBA standards, the firm cannot have average annual gross receipts exceeding $28.48 million over the previous three fiscal years (this cap is adjusted for inflation by USDOT). Verify the current cap at ucp.dot.ca.gov.

The personal net worth limit for both DBE and ACDBE is $1,320,000 (as of the last USDOT adjustment), excluding ownership interest in the applicant firm and equity in the owner's primary residence. Verify the current threshold at the official CUCP website, as USDOT may adjust this amount.

The timeframe varies as no two businesses are alike. Federal regulations require certifying agencies to complete analysis within 90 days after receiving a completed application package, including all supporting documentation. An on-site visit is mandatory and may require additional lead time.

No. To maintain DBE status, you must submit annually a No Change Declaration form along with supporting documentation. Based on your annual submission that no material change has occurred, your certification continues until removed by the certifying agency.

Yes. There is no minimum number of years of business ownership required. The disadvantaged owner must demonstrate capability in their industry, ability to make managerial and technical decisions, and the firm must be in a position to conduct business (not in a planning stage).

Generally, no. These are separate programs with different certification requirements and size standards. However, some agencies may accept DBE certification in lieu of their own program. Check with the specific agency regarding certification acceptance.

Yes, but you must also be certified by the CUCP as an out-of-state DBE or ACDBE. The CUCP uses a two-page declaration form for out-of-state firms. All out-of-state applications are processed by Caltrans.

UDBE identifies DBE firms that are underutilized in public contracts. DBE owners who are African American, Asian-Pacific American, Native American, or Women are automatically designated UDBE. There is no separate UDBE certification process — all firms submit the standard DBE application.

Contact the certifying agency where you plan to submit your application for basic questions. For in-depth assistance, contact the Southwest Small Business Transportation Resource Center at (916) 443-5957, local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), or the Northern California Minority Business Enterprise Center.