HISPANIC/LATINO BUSINESS OWNERS LEARN ABOUT DBE
OPPORTUNITIES, APPLICATION PROCESS

Members of Greater Louisville Inc.’s Hispanic/Latino Business Council met with Project officials to learn more about opportunities for minorities on the Ohio River Bridges Project.

Most importantly, many said they learned that earning Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) status doesn’t assure firms of a contract.  It’s only the first step along the way to securing design and construction work on the Bridges Project. 

Being diligent --
Two recognized authorities on the subject provided information to more than 50 members and guests attending the Jan. 29 event - to be diligent in earning work once they’ve achieved DBE status.  Jose Sepulveda, Kentucky district administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, and Jose Ceballos, director of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Business and Occupational Development (OBOD), stressed several important points:

· There is ample work available on the Bridges Project for DBE firms throughout the region.

· In order to take advantage of these opportunities, firms must be accurate, diligent and persistent in applying for DBE status.

·
Achieving DBE status alone is not enough – firms must strive to close the loop by achieving prequalification status for construction work.

Sepulveda emphasized that operating as a DBE-certified company can help firms raise their profile in the community, establish meaningful and productive business partnerships and lead to improved workforce training and development opportunities.  Ceballos recommended adopting a strategic approach in seeking work, such as partnering with other firms that bring complementary skills and experience to the team.       

Clearing the first hurdle --
Business owners applying for certification were advised to be thorough.  Ceballos told minority business owners to carefully and accurately complete all paperwork necessary for DBE consideration.  His office examines all applications and conducts on-site reviews, confirming that the firm’s work capabilities, financial records, owner/proprietor status and other information accurately reflect the firm’s DBE application. 

Once an application has been received, OBOD has 90 days to respond.  Ceballos explained that incomplete or inaccurate application packets can be deferred, or even turned down.  If deferred, the applicant must wait another year before re-applying.  

The process for applying for prequalification (Certification for Eligibility) can be done while the DBE certification process is being completed. Firms should work on both requirements simultaneously to provide for the most efficient use of time during this process. 

The Division of Construction Procurement: http://transportation.ky.gov/construction/

Brent Knopf: email: Brent.Kropf@ky.gov Telephone: 502-564-3500

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