Learn About the Program

The federally required DBE program is designed to ensure that firms owned and controlled by minorities, women and other socially and economically disadvantaged persons have the opportunity to grow and become self-sufficient through participation in federally funded transportation projects. Originally begun in 1980 as a minority/women's business enterprise program, it was established by regulation under the authority of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and has been reauthorized by Congress several times since its inception, most recently in 2015 under the "Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act", or FAST-ACT. Regulatory authority for the program resides in 49 CFR Parts 26 and 23, as amended.

The regulation requires all recipients of US DOT funds to participate in a Unified Certification Program, state by state. The Michigan Unified Certification Program (MUCP) establishes reciprocity among its recipients, makes certification decisions on their behalf and provides "one-stop shopping" for applicants. Firms seeking certification may submit an application to one of the 3 certifying agencies listed below.

NOTE: firms seeking ACDBE certification within the state of Michigan must file the initial application with Wayne County Human Relations, the certifying agency representative of the Wayne County Airport Authority.