Owner(s) must own 51 percent of the firm and be a member(s) of one of the following groups:
- Women (Regardless of race)
- Black Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Native Americans
- Asian-Pacific Americans
- Subcontinent Asian Americans
DBE Final Rule (April 2024)
On April 9, 2024, the Department published a DBE Final
Rule in the Federal Register to modernize and streamline the DBE program
regulations. The following is updated overview of MARTA’s DBE Certification
Program
What are the criteria for DBE certification?
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or DBE is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one individual or at least two individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. In the case of a corporation, 51 percent of the stock must be owned by one or
more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. In addition, the business management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.
The complete list of eligibility requirements for DBE certification is stated in 49 CFR, Part 26 and can be viewed online at
https://www.transit.DOT.gov/dbe. The following six requirements must
be proved by a DBE applicant; please note that these do not cover all the
requirements found in 49 CFR, Part 26.
Social and Economic Disadvantage: A DBE owner must be a U.S. Citizen (or resident alien) and meet the federal definition of socially and economically disadvantaged as defined in 49 CFR Part 26.67. Presumptive groups include women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans,
Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian-Americans or other minorities found to be disadvantaged by the federal regulations. Other individuals may be found to be socially and economically disadvantaged on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Net Worth: The US Department of Transportation requires proof that participating DBE owners have a net worth not to exceed $2,047,000. When an individual's net worth exceeds the $2,047,000 threshold, the individual is no longer eligible to participate in the DBE
Program. Net worth excludes the value of the business and the primary residence of the owner.
Business Size Standard: The DBE firm (including affiliates) must be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Its annual gross receipts for the three previous fiscal years cannot have exceeded $30.72 million (or $56.42 million for airport
concessions in general with some exceptions). (1) Banks and financial institutions. $1 billion in assets; (2) Passenger car rental companies. $75.23 million average annual gross receipts over the firm's previous five fiscal years; (3) Pay telephones 1,500 employees; and (4) New car dealers. 350 employees. Depending on the type of work
the business performs, other size standards may apply.
Ownership: The DBE must be a for-profit small business concern where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51 percent interest and control management and daily business operations.
Independence: The DBE must not be affiliated with another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control. Independence should be achieved in areas including, but not limited to, personnel, facilities, equipment, financial and/or bonding support, and other
resources.
Management and Control: The DBE owner (s) must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm and to make day-to-day decisions, as well as long-term decisions on matters of management, policy and operations.
What does the certification process involve?
The certification application is first reviewed to ensure all information is complete. If all required documents from the checklist are submitted as required, the application is assigned to a MARTA Certification Analyst who reviews the file and schedules and conducts a site visit to the
business. Based on all submitted information and the site visit, the Certification Analyst issues a recommendation to accept or deny the application for DBE eligibility. If your firm’s application is approved, a Certification Letter is issued to the applicant. If your firm is denied certification, the applicant is
given an opportunity to appeal the denial.
MARTA handles certification for Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton Counties ONLY. GDOT our Unified Certification Partner handles all other counties in Georgia as well as Interstate DBE Applications.
https://www.dot.ga.gov/GDOT/pages/DBE.aspx