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Certification

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) according to federal law. A DBE is a small, for-profit business that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

In State Certification

If you wish to be considered for DBE certification, your business must meet the following general guidelines:

  1. The business must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. A socially disadvantaged individual is a citizen (or lawfully admitted permanent resident) who is a member of one of the following groups: Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, Subcontinent American, or Female.

  2. The company must be an independent business, and one or more of the socially disadvantaged owners must control its management and daily operations.

  3. Only existing “for-profit” businesses may be certified, and DBE applicants are subject to applicable small business size standards (average annual gross receipts not to exceed $30.72 million over the previous three fiscal years). 

  4. The Personal Net Worth (PNW) of each socially and economically disadvantaged owner must not exceed $1.32 million (excluding one's primary residence and investment in the business).

  5. Use this application to apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification. This application is only for businesses residing in the State of Vermont. For assistance with this application, contact Diane Meyerhoff, 802.865.1794. 

Applicants are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) prior to completing the application.

Out of State Certification

A DBE certification is only valid in the state in which the certification was issued. Once you have obtained certification in your home state, you should contact the DBE Liaison Officer from the state in which you want to obtain certification. A complete list of DBE Program Contacts can be found here

They will inform you of the required documents.

For certification in Vermont, we require the following information:

  1. A copy of your most current home state DBE certification letter; and

  2. A completed copy of the Out of State Certification Request form.

This information should be emailed to sonya.boisvert@vermont.gov.

Reciprocal certification is contingent upon review and approval by VTrans. Please be aware that reciprocal certification is not guaranteed; we will review all materials submitted and may ask for additional information. 

Annual Renewal

To remain in the DBE Program, an annual update is required. This is a simple and easy process. In late October/early November, you will receive an email from Sonya Boisvert at VTrans. To renew your certification, submit the required documents listed in the email via the secure online portal.