A. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through each State’s Unified Certification Program.  The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is one of four certifying members in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP).  The NYSUCP members are responsible for determining if firms meet the DBE certification or Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) eligibility requirements, as detailed in Title 49 Part 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations or Title 49 Part 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations  respectively. Only small businesses that are independently owned and controlled in both substance and form by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons are eligible for certification.  In addition, each owner must have a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.

A. No. Any business may compete for any County contract, either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, whether or not they are certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. However, if a firm is seeking to perform work on a contract as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise it must first obtain Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from a Certifying Partner in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP).

A. The County reviews certain contracts to determine whether they present opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Based upon the funding source of contracts and the applicable federal regulation, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals may be established on certain contracts. Once Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contract goals have been established, only certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms may be used to meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals unless there are no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms willing or able to perform the required type of work.

A. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification provides businesses with the opportunity to be listed in an electronic directory of certified firms, which is used by agencies and contractors to identify Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms for participation on contracts. Being a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise may also open the door to opportunities for growing your business by making it easier for you to market your firm to government entities. If your firm is certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by a Certifying Partner in the NYSUCP your Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification will be recognized and accepted by all agencies in New York State that require Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification. Additionally, your firm will be listed in the NYSUCP electronic directory.

A. The eligibility criteria for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification are specifically outlined in the governing Federal regulation at 49 CFR Part 26, Subpart D. In summary, a firm must be a small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent residents and who are also socially and economically disadvantaged. The firm must be an independent business and can only receive certification in the areas in which the socially and economically disadvantaged owners exercise control. Firms located outside of New York State must first receive Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from their home state.

1. Businesses interested in becoming certified should apply via the NYSUCP’s online system athttps://nysucp.newnycontracts.com The NYSUCP online system specifies the required documentation you must submit to apply and directs you through the process appropriate for your firm, e.g. in-state vs. interstate.  For businesses located in New York State, the system will also guide you to the appropriate NYSUCP certifying  member, who will be responsible for reviewing your application, based primarily on the location of your principal place of business.  To apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification you may contact any one of the four NYSUCP Certifying Partners listed below.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Department of Diversity and Civil Rights
2 Broadway – 16th Fl.
New York, NY 10004
Tel.: (646) 252-1378
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New York State Department of Transportation
Contract Audit Bureau – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
50 Wolf Rd. – 1st Fl.
Albany, NY 12232
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Small Business Programs
233 Park Ave. South – 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10003
Tel.: (212) 435-7828
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
EEO/Diversity Development Department
181 Ellicott St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information on Putnam County’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program or potential county Disadvantaged Business Enterprise projects, contact:

Putnam County Planning, Development

and Public Transportation Department

841 Fair Street

Carmel, New York 10512

(845) 878-3480

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