Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Information for Minority-Owned Businesses (MBEs), Women-Owned Businesses (WBEs) and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Businesses Owned by Persons with Disabilities

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) seeks to ensure that Small, Minority and Disadvantaged Businesses have equal opportunities to participate as direct suppliers, contractors and subcontractors on all state and federally funded projects.  

The Department adheres to guidelines and regulations of the State of Connecticut Minority and Small Contractor's Set Aside Program for state funded programs which requires state agencies to set aside a portion of their annual budget for procurements to small and minority businesses that are registered with the Set-Aside Program.  Contractors participating in federally-funded programs must comply with the requirements for disadvantaged businesses stipulated in the contract.  The contractor may contact his/her contract administrator for additional guidance, prior to procuring the services of MBEs and WBEs.

Small, Minority/Women-Owned and Disadvantaged Businesses must be certified through the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in order to participate in the State of Connecticut Minority & Small Contractors’ Set-Aside Program.  Once certified, a business can bid on contracts covered by the program. However, this certification does not exclude companies from bidding on other statewide contracts.

Additional resources:

Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) - Contract Compliance

Department of Administration Services (DAS) Procurement - An Overview (BizNet) Notices

EPA - Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Small Business Administration

Bidding and other related information, which may be available through this web site is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. The availability of on-line information does not relieve prospective bidders of their obligation to review and become familiar with the plans, specifications, addenda, bidding requirements, site conditions, and all other relevant project and bidding requirements.

Business Opportunities, Grants and Financial Assistance