Qualifications for DBE/ACDBE Certifications.
Qualifications for DBE/ACDBE Certifications.
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged.
In the case of a corporation, 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.
Eligibility requirements for certification as a DBE/ACDBE are stated in 49 CFR, Part 26 and 23. The following six requirements must be proved by a DBE/ACDBE applicant but do not cover all the requirements found in 49 CFR, Part 26 and Part 23.
1. Social and Economic Disadvantaged: A disadvantaged owner must be a U.S. Citizen (or resident alien) and meet the federal definition of socially and economically disadvantaged as defined in 49 CFR Part 26.67. Presumptive groups include women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian-Americans; or other minorities found to be disadvantaged by the regulations or any individual found to be socially and economically disadvantaged on a case-by-case basis.
2. Personal Net Worth: Only disadvantaged people having a personal net worth (PNW) of less than $1.32 million can be considered as a potential qualified DBE. Items excluded from a person’s net worth calculation include an individual’s ownership interest in the applicant firm, and his or her primary residence.
3. Business Size Standard: A firm (including affiliates) must be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). It must not have annual gross receipts over $30.40 million (for ACDBE applicant firms, $56.42 million) in the previous three fiscal years. Depending on the type of work the business performs and if the firm is applying for ACDBE, other size standards may apply.
4. Ownership: Must be a for-profit business concern where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51% interest and control management AND daily business operations.
5. Independence: The business must not be affiliated with another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control. These include, but are not limited to, such areas as personnel, facilities, equipment, financial and/or bonding support, and other resources.
6. Management and Control: The socially and economically DBE/ACDBE owner(s) must possess the power to direct or cause the direction in the management and policies of the firm and to make day-to-day decisions, as well as long-term decisions on matters of management, policy, and operations.
If you would like to obtain more information regarding the above-mentioned certifications contact me at maria@supplierdiversityconsultants.com.
