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 seeking to participate on federally-funded, transit-related projects as a DBE. SEPTA’s DBE Program Office processes DBE certifications in accordance with 49 CFR, Part 26.
Apply for DBE Certification
Small, minority and woman-owned businesses 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 detailed instructions (PDF) for applying online.
The Paper Process
Businesses wishing to apply for DBE certification via the paper process, must submit the following two documents together, fully completed and notarized, along with all required supporting documentation identified on page 14 of the DBE application.
Interstate Certification
Businesses located outside of Pennsylvania must first obtain DBE certification in their home state before applying for DBE certification in the PA UCP.
Once home-state DBE certified, submit the following document, fully completed and notarized, along with all required documentation identified in items 1 through 4 on the first page.
Additional documents for currently certified DBE firms:
Certification Agencies
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: