Virginia DBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 01/29/2021. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The Virginia Unified Certification Program (VUCP) operates to allow for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to apply for certification as such in the state of Virginia. Application may be made to either the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD) or the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority. Participants in the bidding process on many federally-funded projects must make a good faith effort to involve certified DBEs; becoming certified allows one to benefit from this process, in addition to giving one the benefit of being listed in an online directory of Virginia DBEs. Certification must be verified annually through the submission of certain documents.

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Procedures have been made for interstate certification, but a business must be certified as a DBE in its home state first.

Does this certification expire? DBEs must submit certain documents annually to remain certified.

Are there multiple agencies that offer this certification in the state? The Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (DSBSD) and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) are the two certifying members of the VUCP.

Does this program require bidders attempt to make a good-faith effort to meet participation goals? Yes, bidders must make a good-faith effort to reach the project's DBE participation goal, if one has been specified.

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