Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program

To encourage the growth of small businesses and contribute to a more inclusive economic landscape, Metro’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program sets aside portions of specifically federally funded contracts for small businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, a federal agency, sets the qualification criteria.

Is my company SBE-eligible?

To qualify for SBE certification, your company must:

• Be a for-profit business (not a nonprofit).
• 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 SBE 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

Fill out your application and collect the supporting documents you need:

• SBE Certification Application
• SBE 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 SBE certification: businesses in Maryland and Virginia

You first need to be SBE-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 SBE certification

Virginia SBE 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 SBE 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.