Visits are conducted at the applicant’s principal place of business with firms seeking first-time certification. During the on-site visit, the firm’s principal officers and key employees must respond in writing to questions designed to clarify information contained either in the application package or received at the on-site visit. Questions are designed to verify whether or not the applicant meets DBE certification standards. During the on-site visit, certification staff may review a firm’s financial, corporate, payroll and other records. Following the on-site visit, a report based on facts contained in the applicant’s file will be developed and presented for managerial review and a certification eligibility decision.