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King County has established a DBE program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The program purpose is to ensure that DBEs have an equal opportunity to participate in USDOT assisted contracts. For King County projects that have an element of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding, loans, or grants, the County operates its federally mandated DBE program using the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) FHWA-approved DBE plan.
Program guidelines and procedures help to ensure that DBEs have equal opportunity to compete for contracts, subcontracts, and agreements in the award and administration of USDOT assisted contracts.
Additional program objectives include:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award of USDOT assisted contracts.
- Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for USDOT assisted contracts.
- Ensure that a firm meets federal eligibility standards (49 CFR Part 26) prior to participation in the DBE Program
- Assist in identifying and removing barriers to participation for DBEs in federally assisted contracts
- Assist in the development of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, in order to increase their competitiveness in the market place
How to participate:
King County encourages participation by all firms wishing to participate in County contracting opportunities. Firms seeking to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) should contact the state of Washington Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE).
How do I become certified as a DBE?
Contact the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises in Olympia, Washington for information on the eligibility criteria, instructions and certification materials.
Check their website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/omwbe/ (external link) or call the OMWBE at (360) 753-9693.
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