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:
The Enterprise Center
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.
Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council
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: [email protected]
Phone: (215) 569-1005
Accepted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services, among others.
Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC)
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: [email protected]
Phone: (877) 790-9232
Accepted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Pennsylvania’s Department of General Services, among others.
New Jersey Department of Treasury
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.