Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Program Overview

King County has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The program purpose is to ensure that DBEs have an equal opportunity to participate in USDOT assisted contracts.

DBEs are small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. King County encourages its contractors to maximize the amount of work opportunities available to DBE firms. The County establishes a triennial (three-year) goal for DBE participation levels on its federally funded contracts, and monitors the performance of contractors across all eligible construction, design, and service contracts.

Business owners interested in obtaining DBE certification should contact the State of Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fair Share Program

It is the EPA's policy that recipients of EPA financial assistance award a "fair share" of procurement and contracting opportunities to disadvantaged, minority and women-owned businesses. The EPA and the State of Washington have established Fair Share goals for MBE participation and for WBE participation on public works projects. Such participation may be as a prime contractor/consultant, subcontractor, joint-venture, supplier, or other type of work.

Eligible MBE and WBE firms are certified by the Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprise. BDCC reviews contract procurement and monitors contractor compliance with the Fair Share requirements.