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).

2024-2026 FTA DBE Proposed Triennial Goal - Small Business Survey

King County is soliciting feedback from small business owners regarding its proposed overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal for its Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) DBE Program. The proposed overall DBE goal for FTA projects in FY 2024 through FY 2026 is 15%.

King County will receive and consider public comments on the proposed goal. Please complete the survey below and submit your comments via the "Submit" button at the end of the Microsoft Forms survey. We value your input and ask that you complete the survey. The estimated time to complete is 10 minutes or less. Please use the link below to access the survey.

2024 - 2026 FTA DBE Survey

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.