The Port of Seattle Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
The Diversity in Contracting Department has two distinct programs: The Women and Minority Business Enterprise (W/MBE) Program and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. The DBE Program is a federal program that was established in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations 49 CFR Part 26. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) falls under the USDOT; thereby FAA funds are received and allocated for specific Port projects, unlike WMBE projects which are not funded by federal funds. DBE program guidelines and procedures aid in ensuring DBEs have equal opportunity to compete for contracts, subcontracts, and agreements in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.
It is our policy to:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award of DOT-assisted contracts.
- Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts.
- Ensure 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 DBEs to increase their competitiveness in the marketplace.
- The Port operates under race-conscious goals on its federally assisted projects.
Port of Seattle's 2023-2025 Methodology HERE
Port of Seattle DBE Program Plan 2022-2023 HERE
Upcoming for 2023
The focus of the DBE Program will be the following:
- Increase DBE Participation on FAA funded Port projects
- Conduct informational sessions for upcoming DBE projects
- Collaborate with state and local transportation agencies to increase technical assistance training for DBEs
For more information, please see the Official Questions and Answers Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Regulation.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at diversityincontracting@portseattle.org
Past Information:
2019 Federal Washington State Airport DBE Disparity Study CLICK HERE
Get Certified as a DBE:
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies small businesses owned and controlled by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged persons. OMWBE certifies business in order to increase contracting opportunities for certified businesses with state and local governments. Learn more about certification and how to apply here.
Access OMWBE FAQs and Fact Sheets here.
Questions include "What if I am certified as a DBE in another state?" The answer: you will just need to complete the application for Interstate DBE Status.
