Program Description
The DBE Program is a federal program that was established in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations 49 CFR Part 26. The Department’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is designed to remedy ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in federally-assisted highway, transit, airport, and transportation contracting markets nationwide. The primary remedial goal and objective of the DBE program is to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.
Pursuant to 49 CFR Sections 26.3 and 26.1, the Port of Seattle is the recipient of Federal airport funds authorized by 49 U.S.C. 47101, et seq. is required to implement a DBE program in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26. The DBE program outlined herein applies to all Port of Seattle contracts that are funded, in whole or in part, by USDOT.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) falls under the USDOT; thereby FAA funds are received and allocated for specific Port projects, which are typically at the SEA International Airport, unlike WMBE projects which are not funded by federal funds and are located at the Airport, maritime locations, and corporate locations. DBE program guidelines and procedures aid in ensuring DBEs have equal opportunity to compete for contracts, subcontracts, and agreements in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.
The Port of Seattle’s Diversity in Contracting DBE Program works toward an equitable system that:
- Increase DBE Participation on FAA funded Port projects
- Conduct informational sessions for upcoming DBE projects
- Collaborate with state and local transportation agencies to increase technical assistance training for DBEs
- Ensures businesses working on projects/contracts represent the community we serve;
- Grows and sustains a diverse workforce, fosters an inclusive culture and builds organizational capacity; and
- Ensures equal employment opportunity and equal access to our programs, services and contracting opportunities.
As a recipient of Federal funds, Port of Seattle implements a Disadvantaged Business Program (DBE) and a Title VI Program compliant with Federal regulations. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion -Workforce development administers Port of Seattle’s Project Labor Agreement to foster labor harmony and promote opportunities for women and people of color in construction.
Get DBE Certified
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) has now began its re-evaluation process. If you are currently certified, you should’ve received the email below sharing details on how to assist you in completing your application. The application should be submitted by February 4th. If you have further questions regarding this process, please reach out to OMWBE. Their information is at the bottom.
How to submit your Re-evaluation Application
Follow the steps below to submit your materials through our secure online portal:
- Log in to your OMWBE account at https://omwbe.diversitycompliance.com/
- Under "Key Actions" choose "Renew/Apply for Certification"
- Under "Select an Option” choose “Your firm is currently certified with OMWBE”
- Choose “You are an existing DBE/ACDBE, headquartered in Washington State, and you would like to submit for 2025 IFR Re-evaluation”
- Choose "Submit a 2025 Re-evaluation Application"
- Upload your Personal Narrative directly into the application
- Complete the USDOT Personal Net Worth Statement included in the application
Personal Narratives submitted in languages other than English will be translated by a third-party service. Visit our website to learn more about writing your Personal Narrative.
Please Note:
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When you start your Re-evaluation Application, our system will notify you of a 90-day timeframe to complete the process. This is the amount of time before a pending application will be automatically deleted from the system. Please submit your Re-evaluation Application within 30 days by February 4, 2026.
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The Re-evaluation Application is separate from your annual Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) application. Your business is still required to submit a DOE application annually before your anniversary date. This re-evaluation requirement does not affect the anniversary date of your business certification.
Why are we requiring Personal Narratives?
The eligibility requirements for the DBE and ACDBE programs changed on October 3, 2025 due to an Interim Final Rule (IFR) recently issued by USDOT. This change is retroactive for all currently certified DBE and ACDBE businesses. The IFR removes the presumption of social and economic disadvantage for women and certain minority groups.
To remain certified in the DBE and ACDBE programs, each owner must submit a Personal Narrative (PN) and a current Personal Net Worth (PNW) Statement. We will re-evaluate and recertify your business if you meet the new certification standards. At least 51% of the firm’s owners must demonstrate Social and Economic Disadvantage based on their own experiences and circumstances within American society, without regard to race or gender. DBE and ACDBE businesses that do not meet the new standards will be decertified.
How can I opt-out?
We encourage every DBE and ACDBE owner to submit a Re-evaluation Application, but we recognize that some may want to be removed from the DBE or ACDBE programs instead. If you do not intend to submit a Re-evaluation Application and would rather be decertified from the DBE or ACDBE programs, please:
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Email your request in writing to [email protected].
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Clearly state which certification you would like to be decertified from.
Businesses that opt out of DBE certification will keep their Federal Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification, which does not require proof of social disadvantage. We also encourage you to explore OMWBE State Certification, which has different benefits from the Federal Certification program.
This notice is being sent to all DBEs and ACDBEs that we have identified as Washington-based businesses. If you receive this message, but obtained your DBE or ACDBE certification through the “Interstate” application process—please let us know and contact the certifying agency in your home state.
The OMWBE Team
[email protected]
(360) 664-9750
Program In Action
It is our objective/policy to:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award of DOT-assisted contracts
- Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts
- Ensure that the DBE Program is administered in accordance with applicable law;
- Ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
- Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts;
- Promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally-assisted contracts and procurement activities;
- Assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program
- Make appropriate use of the flexibility afforded to recipients of Federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs
- Identify business enterprises that are qualified as DBEs and are qualified to provide the Port of Seattle the required materials, equipment, supplies and services; and to develop a good rapport with the owners and management of those business enterprises.
- Develop communication programs and procedures that will acquaint prospective DBEs with Port of Seattle contract procedures, activities and requirements that allows DBEs to provide Port of Seattle feedback regarding existing barriers to participation and effective procedures to eliminate barriers.
- Administer the DBE program in close coordination with the various Port of Seattle departments to facilitate the successful implementation of the program.
- Foster participation by small businesses by implementing the strategies set forth in this DBE program
- Promote the use of all types of DBEs
We accomplish this by:
- Develop and ensure compliance with the management and implementation of the DBE program.
- Gather and report statistical data and other information as required by DOT
- Ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of US DOT assisted contracts; identify contracts and procurements to ensure that DBE goals are included in solicitations and identify progress improvements.
- Work with all departments to set overall three-year goal.
- Advise staff and contractors/consultants on DBE matters, overall goal achievement and good faith effort requirements.
- Partner with the Port of Seattle Legal Counsel, Central Procurement Office, and Project Managers to determine Contractor Compliance.
- Plan and participate in DBE training seminars.
- Provide DBEs with information and assistance in preparing bids, obtaining bonding and insurance.
- Explain the DBE participation requirements at Pre-Bid Conferences.
- Ensure that solicitations contain the clauses and goals required by DBE program.
- Review third party contracts and purchase requisitions for compliance with this program.
- Identify contracts and procurements so that DBE goals are included in solicitations (both race-neutral methods and contract specific goals) and monitors results.
- Analyze the Port of Seattle’s progress toward attainment and identify ways to improve progress.
- Chair the DBE Advisory Committee.
- Determine contractor compliance with good faith efforts.
- Act as liaison to the State of Washington’s Uniform Certification Process.
- Provide outreach to DBEs and community organizations to advise them of opportunities.
- Ensure the maintenance of the Port’s bidders’ list information with regard to Prime and Subcontractor requests.
- Support the dissemination of information on available business opportunities through various mediums to provide DBEs an equal opportunity to compete for FAA assisted contracts.
- Ensure that bid notices and requests for proposals are available to DBEs in a timely manner.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings.
- Advise the CEO/governing body on DBE matters and achievement.
Business Inclusion
Port of Seattle is committed to eliminating barriers, creating opportunities and building capacity for underrepresented and women-owned businesses to ensure businesses represent the communities we serve.
Diversity In Contracting office, champions Port of Seattle contracting equity and inclusion commitments through the administration of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
It is the Port of Seattle’s commitment to assure that all procurements and contracts are administered without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex or national origin, and that DBEs have an equal opportunity to compete for and participate in the performance of all agreements, contracts, and subcontracts awarded by Port of Seattle or its contractors.
Moreover, it is the policy of Port of Seattle to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin in the award and administration of federally-funded contracts. It is the intention of Port of Seattle to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for agreements, contracts and subcontracts, including but not limited to construction, procurement and proposal contracts, professional and technical services agreements, and purchase orders.
DBE Program Team
Mian Rice
DBE Liaison Officer
[email protected]
206-787-7951
Lisa Phair
DBE Program Manager
[email protected]
206-902-6048
Evan Nnambi
DBE Program Contract Compliance Specialist
[email protected]
(206) 890-2346
Additional Resources and Documents
DBE Program Documents
Other Resources
- Federal DBE Program – 49 CFR Part 26
- Official Q&A on DBE Regulation - 49 CFR Part 26
- Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (DBE and ACDBE Certification-granting agency)
- Monthly Amounts Paid and EPI Submissions (MAPS) PDF User Guide
- DBE Events and Training
- Port of Seattle DBE-ACDBE IFR Notification 10-3-2025
