Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)​ ​

Interested in applying for DBE certification or want to learn more? Check out the program information listed below.


Georgia Unified Certification Program (GUCP)

​​The Georgia Unified Certification Program, GUCP is responsible for certifying firms in Georgia as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). If a firm is certified in its home state, it is also eligible for Interstate certification in Georgia by submitting a request for such certification.

The GUCP is in receipt of newly articulated instruction from U.S DOT in the form of an Interim Final Rule (IFR) published on October 3, 2025, regarding the DBE Program. The IFR removes the presumption of race and gender based disadvantage and requires a reevaluation of all existing DBE firms based on their ability to demonstrate individual disadvantage. We are assessing the new language to determine appropriate next steps for firms with existing certification. The GUCP is seeking further clarification on this issue and will communicate with DBEs regarding the status of firms and expected action(s) to maintain or otherwise secure certification anew once that clarification has been provided. ​​​​

Interim Final Rule​​​​​​​​​

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Need Assistance?​​​

If you would like to talk to a representative, call the DBE Help Desk at (404) 631-1273​.​​​​



DBE Marketplace 

2024 DBE Marketplace

Thursday, December 5 | 9am - 12pm

The DBE Marketplace highlights a group of DBE firms that provide services supporting small businesses. Register now to network and meet potential business partners seeking to do business with Georgia DOT.

Register Now

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FTA Tri-ennial Goal Setting Meeting

Every three years, Georgia DOT is called upon to submit an overall agency goal for its DBE Program. This year Georgia DOT will host two meetings to discuss the process of establishing that goal relative to FTA project activity.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
10 AM - Noon
One Georgia Center - Room 403

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
10 AM - Noon
Virtual Meeting (Stay tuned for registration information)

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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation

​​ Georgia DOT held a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation teleconference for FAA-funded contracts/agreements on July 31,​ 2023. The conference provided information to stakeholders pertaining to projects occurring in federal fiscal years 2024 through ​2026. ​​​​

DBE Program & Goal (Aviation)​​​​​​​​​

Programs

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Supportive Services

If you have questions pertaining to DBE certification or if your firm is already a Georgia Certified DBE and has questions related to your certification, need assistance identifying work with GDOT, need bonding assistance, or have other training needs please contact the GDOT Supportive Services Provider, Construction Estimating Institute at (404) 631-1273.

Email

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SSFP Business Help Center

A Business Help Center is open to eligible GDOT certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, registered small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses that have an interest in working on GDOT’s State Funded Projects. The Center provides training, consulting, targeted matchmaking, one-on-one assistance, and meeting space and computer access.

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DBE Certification​​​​​​

​How Can I Become DBE Certified

Learn how to​ apply for DBE certification​.

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DBE Brochure​​​​​​

I'm Certified Now​ What?

Learn how to how to qualify to work for Georgia DOT.

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Application Description

Program Documents
Prime/Sub Contractor
UCP Directory
Goals

Plans

Studies

Reports

Regulations

A DBE must always perform a commercially useful function (CUF). Evaluation of whether a DBE is performing a CUF on a particular contract will occur every time the DBE is listed to work on a contract. A business performs a CUF when it is:

  • Responsible for the execution of a distinct element of work in the contract.
  • Carrying out its obligation by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved.
  • Performing work that is normal for its business, services, and function.
  • Performing or exercising responsibility for at least 30 percent of the total contract with its own work force and is not further subcontracting a portion of the work that is greater than that expected to be subcontracted by normal industry practice.

2016 Disparity Study