Everyone deserves safe, secure public transit. Take this survey to help SEPTA understand riders' needs and experiences 👉

Home > Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Office > DBE Certification

DBE Certification

When Is DBE Certification Required?

Certification is not required to do business with SEPTA. Interested vendors must register in our electronic Procurement System (ePS) to receive notification of opportunities in their respective areas of expertise.

However, DBE certification is required for small, minority and woman-owned businesses to participate in federally-funded, transit-related projects as a DBE. SEPTA’s DBE Program Office processes DBE certifications in accordance with 49 CFR, Part 26.

Online DBE Application Process

Small, minority and woman-owned businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual(s) can apply online for DBE certification by visiting the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program’s (PA UCP) website. The website provides information about the Federal DBE Program as well as instructions for applying online.

SEPTA is a certifying member of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PAUCP).

Paper DBE Application Process

Businesses wishing to apply for DBE certification using the paper process must submit both the DBE/ACDBE Uniform Certification Application (PDF) and DBE/ACDBE Personal Net Worth Statement (PDF) together. The documents must be fully completed and notarized and include all required supporting documentation identified on page 14 of the DBE application.

Businesses Outside of Pennsylvania

Businesses located outside of Pennsylvania must first obtain DBE certification in their home state before applying for DBE certification in the PA UCP.

Once a business is DBE certified in their state, they must submit an Interstate Application and PA UCP DBE/ACDBE Interstate Certification Affidavit (PDF) document fully completed and notarized. The document must include all required documentation identified in items 1 through 4 on the first page. Submit applications at www.paucp.com.

Additional Certification Resources

Small businesses seeking Minority, Woman or Disabled-owned Business Enterprise (MBE, WBE, DSBE) certification to participate on state, city, county or privately-funded projects, can obtain such certifications through the following agencies:

The Enterprise Center certifies minority and disabled-owned business enterprises, regardless of business location.

Phone: 215-895-4000

Accepted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) PA-DE-Southern NJ certifies woman-owned businesses located in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. For businesses located outside of this tri-state area, visit the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s website.

Email: info@wbecouncil.org
Phone: 877-790-9232

Accepted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services, among others.

Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) certifies minority-owned business enterprises located in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. For businesses located outside of this tri-state area, visit the National Minority Supplier Development Council website.

Email: info@emsdc.org
Phone: 215-569-1005

Accepted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services, among others.

The New Jersey Department of Treasury certifies both minority and woman-owned business enterprises, regardless of business location.

Phone: 866-534-7789 or 609-292-2146

Accepted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity.