Tennessee Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
The state UCP route to DBE certification for USDOT-assisted transportation contracting. [USDOT UCP directory]
Tennessee Unified Certification Program. Official program information
Sources reviewed .
DBE eligibility requires individual evidence of social and economic disadvantage. Race or sex alone does not establish eligibility under the current federal rule. [49 CFR 26.67]
TDOT’s page contains conflicting notices about new applications. Confirm whether intake is open before preparing a submission. [Tennessee DBE program]
Who qualifies
For-profit small businesses at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who control daily operations. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
- Meet applicable small-business limits and demonstrate genuine ownership and control. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
- Qualifying owners must provide a personal narrative with individualized evidence of disadvantage, economic harm and a current personal-net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67]
- Provide ownership, financial, licensing and business records and cooperate with the certifier’s interview and site review. [49 CFR 26.83]
Cost
A state-specific fee is not confirmed in the sources reviewed. Federal rules permit approved reasonable fees and appropriate waivers; ask the certifier. [49 CFR 26.83]
Processing time
Typical turnaround is not confirmed. The federal decision deadline is 90 days after all required information arrives, with a possible 30-day extension and further USDOT-approved extension. This is a rule, not a turnaround estimate. [49 CFR 26.83]
What it unlocks
- Certification establishes eligibility to participate as a DBE in covered transportation procurement. Check the UCP’s current reevaluation status before relying on contract goals. [49 CFR 26.83] [USDOT UCP directory]
How to apply
- Start with the state’s lead UCP and confirm the appropriate certifier and current intake instructions. [USDOT UCP directory] Visit the state certifier.
- Prepare the uniform application, supporting records, personal narrative and net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67] Check the application requirements.
- Submit through the certifier’s instructed channel and respond to requests for records or an interview. [49 CFR 26.83] Follow the certifier’s submission instructions.