The federally-mandated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is intended to provide contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Pace's DBE Department is responsible for administering the program.
Pace is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in the conduct of its business, including the procurement of goods and services. Pace recognizes its responsibilities to the communities in which it operates and to the society it serves and reaffirms that commitment through the operation of its DBE program and Pace's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy Statement.
The Illinois Unified Certification Program's DBE Directory identifies all certified DBE firms as a reference to assist prospective bidders in meeting any DBE participation requirements. Please be advised that a firm's DBE certification does not guarantee that the firm will be approved to participate toward a contract′s DBE goal. For work performed by a DBE firm to count toward the goal, the firm must perform a "commercially useful function", meaning it is responsible for execution of a distinct element of the work and carries out its responsibilities by actually performing (with its own workforce), managing, and supervising the work involved.
Every three years, Pace is required to set an agency-wide DBE goal for the coming three-year period. Learn more about that process in Pace's DBE goal methodology.
Is your business considering applying for DBE status or seeking help in the bidding process? For your consideration, Pace offers a list of DBE assistance agencies who can help with the DBE certification process, bidding on construction contracts, and bid notifications.
Pace's 2025 - 2027 Triennial DBE Goal is 12%.
