DBE and ACDBE Certification
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE Programs were created to provide a level playing field for small, minority- and women-owned companies wanting to do business with TxDOT and other agencies receiving federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This program adheres to the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26. Our DBE Policy outlines our goals and mission for the program.
TxDOT is a member of the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). The TUCP is a certification program for the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) Programs in Texas. A business' DBE or ACDBE certification received from any of the TUCP members is valid and can be relied upon by any Texas entity that receives federal funds.
In addition to TxDOT, the following agencies are members of the TUCP:
- City of Houston
- City of Austin
- Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
- North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
Firms certified through the TUCP benefit from “one-stop shopping.” They will have their business listed in a central directory and can bid as a DBE or ACDBE at all participating entities receiving federal funds. The information within the directory is not a guarantee of the DBE's capacity and ability to perform work.
Apply for certification
In-state certification (Texas-based firms)
Small businesses desiring ACDBE and/or DBE certification must submit the following to the appropriate certifying agency.
Applications for TxDOT can be submittedthrough TxDOT's DMS Portal, via email, or by sending hard copies to the address below.
Interstate certification
DBE and ACDBE firms with a home state other than Texas must follow the interstate certification expectations as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 §26.85(c). Firms can submit their interstate certification items to any TUCP member.
There is no fee associated with completing or submitting an ACDBE or DBE application.
Declaration of Eligibility
Certified firms are required to submit a Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) on the anniversary of the firm’s certification date. It is the firm’s responsibility to ensure that the information in the TUCP directory is correct.
You may submit the DOE online through TxDOT's DMS Portalor download and submit the form to the Civil Rights Division.