Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

As part of Metro's commitment to advancing economic and social equity, we operate a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. This program sets aside some of Metro’s spending for small businesses whose owners are socially or economically disadvantaged.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, a federal agency, requires us to set aside some of our spending for businesses like these, and establishes the rules.

Is my company DBE-eligible?

To qualify for DBE certification, your company must:

• Be a for-profit business (not a nonprofit).
• Be at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more individuals who are members of one of these socially and economically disadvantaged groups: African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic, Native American, Subcontinental Asian-American, Women.
• Meet size criteria set by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), including a maximum personal net worth of $1.32 million and average gross receipts not exceeding $30.40 million over three years.

Apply for DBE certification: D.C. businesses

If your company is located in the District of Columbia, first prepare your supporting documents, then use the Supplier Portal to apply for DBE certification and upload your documents.

Gather your documents

Collect and fill out your application and the supporting documents you need:

• Uniform Certification Application
• DBE Personal Net Worth Statement
• Checklist of other supporting documents
  

Submit your application

To submit your application and documents, use the Supplier Portal. You should do this from a computer, not a phone or mobile device. In the Supplier Portal, from the Main Menu, choose DBE/SBE/MBE Certification > Add a New Value.

Apply for DBE certification: businesses in Maryland and Virginia

You first need to be DBE-certified in Maryland or Virginia. Metro will confirm your certification with your home state, either via your state’s electronic directory or a written confirmation from the agency that certified you.

Maryland Department of Transportation DBE certification

Virginia Department of Transportation DBE certification

To get your certification confirmed by Metro, use the Supplier Portal. You should do this from a computer, not a phone or mobile device. In the Supplier Portal, from the Main Menu, choose DBE/SBE/MBE Certification > Add a  New Value.

Annual certification review

Once a year, on the anniversary of the date your company was certified, you need to upload documents to the Supplier Portal to confirm that you are still eligible for the DBE program.

You must have the following documents to complete the annual certification review: 

• SBE Annual No Change affidavit
• Business Federal income tax returns for that year
• Personal Federal income tax returns for that year 

To apply for annual certification via the Supplier Portal:

1. From the Main Menu, choose DBE/SBE/MBE Certification.
2. Upload the No Change affidavit and your tax returns.
3. Click Submit Application to WMATA.

If your ownership changes

If your business undergoes a change in ownership, control, or management, send a written statement to SBPOHOTLINE@wmata.com.