Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A firm (including its affiliates) must meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 26, Subpart D, concerning group membership or individual disadvantage, business size, ownership and control.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federally mandated program governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) 49 CFR part 26 intended to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts for highway, mass transit and airport financial assistance programs.

You do not have to be DBE-certified to perform work on Pace contracts; however, opportunities may increase if you are certified.

Pace participates in the Illinois Unified Certification Program (UCP).

The certification process takes approximately 90 days after receipt of the completed application and all supporting documentation.

A firm's certification is for the life of the firm unless an adverse decision is rendered to remove the firm's eligibility.

Your certified DBE firm is listed in a directory.

DBE, MBE, and WBE are acronyms for various state/county/local agency programs that provide contractual opportunities for disadvantaged, minority, and woman-owned business enterprises.