Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Connecticut Unified Certification Program (CTUCP)

The CTUCP is responsible for certifying firms in Connecticut as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). If a firm is certified in its home state, it is also eligible for interstate certification in Connecticut by submitting a request for interstate certification.

The CTUCP is in receipt of a newly articulated instruction from U.S. DOT in the form of an Interim Final Rule (IFR) published on October 3, 2025 regarding the DBE Program. The IFR removes the presumption of race and gender-based disadvantage and requires a reevaluation of all existing DBE firms based on their ability to demonstrate individual disadvantage.

The IFR requires each Unified Certification Program (UCP) to reevaluate any previously certified DBE or ACDBE certified by CTDOT, to recertify any DBE or ACDBE that meets the new certification standards, and to decertify any DBE or ACDBE that does not meet the new certification standards. Firms that have Connecticut as their home-state must apply for recertification in Connecticut, firms having a home-state outside of  Connecticut must apply under Interstate Certification and must be certified by their home-state under the new IFR prior to applying for recertification in Connecticut.

Firms that were decertified as a result of the IFR will receive an email with pertinent information about the recertification process and the submittal requirements. Please do not submit any recertification documents until you receive notification from CTDOT. We will also post information on our website when DBE certification is reopened for new applications.

Federal Register :: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions Program Implementation Modifications

Interim Final Rule FAQ

COMING SOON! OUR NEW DBE CERTIFICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM!
Our new secure electronic portal will allow you to submit DBE applications and annual updates online! We expect to rollout this new system by late summer/early fall 2025. Be on the look out for informational emails in the coming weeks or check back here for updates! 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is committed to the effective implementation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program as defined in Title 49, Code of Federal (CFR) Part 26 and Part 23 for Airport Concessions. This program will be executed in accordance with the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) as a condition of receiving DOT funding.

CTDOT will not exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract or concession opportunity. CTDOT shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the award and performance of any DOT-assisted contract or in the administration of its DBE and ACDBE Programs or the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26 and 23. CTDOT shall take all necessary and reasonable steps under 49 CFR Part 26 and 23 to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts and concession opportunities.

 

DBE Program Information

For more information about the DBE Program, please contact Ms. Debra Goss at (860) 594-2169 or by e-mail at Debra.Goss@ct.gov

Directory icon

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directory (DBE)
Search the State of Connecticut Directory for DBE’s.

The information within this directory is not a guarantee of the DBE's capacity and/or their ability to perform work. We do not warrant the accuracy of information provided by firms, and users' reliance upon it is at their own risk. Prime contractors always need to fact-check the claims made by firms they are considering doing business with.

 

How do I become DBE Certified?

In State – Connecticut Based Firms

Please mail the completed DBE application, along with all supporting documentation to:

Connecticut Department of Transportation
Office of Opportunity and Business Development 
Attn: Shari Pratt
2800 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06111

For questions, please contact shari.pratt@ct.gov or 860-594-2171

 

Interstate – Jurisdiction of Original Certification (JOC) located outside of Connecticut (do not fill out for annual updates)

For more information about Insterstate Certification, please contact:
DOT.DBECertification@ct.gov

 

Annual Updates

All certified firms (in state and interstate) must update on an annual basis

 

For more information about Annual Updates, please contact:
DOT.DBECertification@ct.gov

 

DBE Information

 

Supportive Services

The CTDOT Office of Opportunity and Business Development has contracted The Minority Construction Council (MCC) to provide Business Development Services to CTDOT certified DBE firms. MCC works to advocate, support, and create development opportunities for underrepresented contractors throughout the State of Connecticut. MCC will be providing a multitude of services to assist firms by providing growth strategies, increased market visibility and strategies for industry sustainability.   CTDOT hopes to better support DBEs through the challenges they face in growing their businesses. It is important to understand the needs of DBE firms, work to address them, and to be flexible to those needs as they evolve.

MCC will be hosting matchmakers, workshops, and one-to-one business development services to assist DBE firms.  The services provided by MCC will be available to DBE firms certified by CTDOT.  Firms can expect networking events, opportunity matchmakers, and workshops to learn new skills which may include:

  • Project scheduling
  • Researching contracting opportunities
  • Bidding work
  • Project financing/bonding
  • Advocacy
  • Executive coaching
  • Financial management
  • Procurement assistance
  • Marketing material support
  • Lead generation and presentation preparation
  • Construction management

The Office of Opportunity and Business Development webpage will be updated regularly to reflect upcoming events and opportunities. If you have questions about the CTDOT DBE Supportive Services program, please contact Allison Mulrooney at allison.mulrooney@ct.gov.  For information specific to services available, please contact Jennifer Little-Greer jlittle-greer@mccforct.org.

 

Upcoming Events

CTDOT and the Minority Construction Council DBE Update

external link

Join CTDOT and the Minority Construction Council on November 4 to learn more new updates to the DBE program.

Register Here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dbe-taskforce-meeting-tickets-1834123646199?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

For any questions regarding upcoming events please contact allison.mulrooney@ct.gov

 

 

DBE Training Modules

 

DBE Meetings and Training Opportunities