FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the mission of the Nevada DBE Program?
- Who can be certified? Why should I consider DBE certification? What are the steps to certification?
- What is the criteria to become DBE certified?
- Do you have a separate WBE/MBE Program?
- How long is the certification process from start to finish?
- What is the Nevada Unified Certification Program?
Q: What is the mission of the Nevada DBE Program?
A: In an effort to eliminate inequalities, each state’s Department of Transportation administers the DBE program with one DBE officer presiding as a liaison officer. Here in Nevada, that DBE liaison officer is Roc Stacey. He and his staff have a dedicated goal to help eligible businesses become DBE-certified so they can become part of the Nevada Unified Certification Program and bid on federally funded highway construction and other projects shoulder-to-shoulder with major corporations.
You’ll find the DBE’s current procedures and regulations clear, specific and fair. Here are the main factors to determine if you can apply and take advantage of this beneficial government program.
Q: Who can be certified? Why should I consider DBE certification?
What are the steps to certification?
A: We've dedicated a website page to answer these specific question - click here to learn all about this.
Q: What is the criteria to become DBE certified?
A:
- Personal net worth must be less than $750,000.00, excludes primary residence
- Meet small business cap by NAICS Code
- See CFR Title 49, Part 26 for additional information
Q: Do you have a separate WBE/MBE Program?
A: No, it all falls under the same umbrella as the DBE Program.
Q: How long is the certification process from start to finish?
A: 4-6 weeks
Q: What is the Nevada Unified Certification Program?
A: The Nevada Unified Certification Program (UCP) is a cooperative effort by all of the U.S. Department of Transportation recipients in the state to provide a one-stop shop for all DBE firms and those looking to do business with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certified firms. The Nevada UCP is comprised of the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Commissions (RTC) for Washoe and Clark Counties and the Reno/Tahoe and McCarran Airports.
The Nevada Department of Transportation and the two airports accept DBE applications and conduct certification reviews including on-site visits. Once the reviews are completed, the UCP meets once a month and certifies eligible firms. The agency that processes your application will be the agency you contact for all questions you have regarding your certification. However, your certification will be valid for all of the agencies in the UCP. For example if you are certified with NDOT you can use that certification to bid on a job with McCarran Airport or any of the other agencies.
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Venodr List is available on this website, is fully searchable and can be downloaded in PDF format.
Contact numbers for all of the UCP participants are listed below:
- State of Nevada Department of Transportation – NDOT 775-888-7497
- Regional Transportation Commissions of Washoe County 775-348-0400
- Regional Transportation Commissions of Southern Nevada 702-676-1500
- McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada 702-261-5161
- Reno Tahoe Airport Authorities 775-328-6421