Do Business With CDOT

The Colorado Unified Certification Program provides "one-stop shopping" for firms seeking Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification that is recognized statewide by more than 50 state and local government agencies. DBE certification is honored by all USDOT recipients and subrecipients (i.e., CDOT, City and County of Denver, transit systems, municipalities) in Colorado. 

DBEs are for-profit small business concerns:

• That are at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and 

• Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it. 

Certification is offered for firms that are actively engaged, or plan to become actively engaged, in infrastructure work. Firms not actively seeking work in those field are recommended not to apply, as the program's objective is to level the playing field by providing disadvantaged small businesses a fair opportunity to compete for transportation infrastructure work (e.g., projects that are in whole or partially funded by FHWA, FTA, FAA, or FRA).

• DBE Goals: Federal-aid transportation projects (design and construction) have DBE participation goals. This means Prime Contractors must meet the DBE goal or show a good faith effort that they attempted to meet the goal. If they do not, they can be sanctioned dollar for dollar for amount they do not meet their commitment. Note: DBE contract goals are currently not being set on any USDOT-funded projects per the USDOT IFR. 

• Visibility and Marketing: DBE firms get exposure for work opportunities through a  business listing in DBE certification directory.
  Note: DBE firms on the directory are still ready and willing to work on projects even though there are currently no contract goals. 

• Statewide Certification: Your DBE certification is recognized by 50+ members of the Colorado UCP including CDOT, City and County of Denver, RTD, and various cities and counties across Colorado.

• Prompt Payment: Prime contractors to pay their subcontractors, including DBEs, for satisfactory work no later than 30 days after the prime contractor receives payment for that work. For CDOT contracts, this is reduced to 7 days. 

• Networking and Business Development: The program facilitates valuable networking opportunities, procurement fairs, and events where DBEs can connect and build relationships with government agencies and larger prime contractors.

The short answer is No. However, you must first be DBE certified by the state where your principal place of business is located. Then, you can use the Interstate Application to apply for reciprocal certification in Colorado (see steps below). You also need to register as a "foreign entity" doing business in Colorado with the Colorado Secretary of State. 

Below are 10 simple steps to complete your application (note that most of them are just "click.).

1. Create an account in CDOT's Business Management System 

2. Login with the User ID and Password you set up

3. Click Renew/Apply for Certification

4. Click Your firm is NOT currently certified with CDOT.

5. Click Your firm is seeking DBE certification.

6. Click Your firm is located in Colorado. (For out-of-state applicants, click Your firm is not located in Colorado and follow prompts)

7. Click Submit a New DBE application.

8. Select This Application is for [Your Business Name] and answer the questions below and click Continue.

9. Check the box and click Continue.

10. Complete the required Sections and upload required Documents on the Document List.

After you Sign and Submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email and another email with a letter within 90 days letting you know if you have been certified. At that point, you can take full advantage of the benefits listed above.

You can find more information on CDOT's website or you can watch a previously recorded DBE informational session.

If you have questions or need more assistance, please request a free consulting appointment with a Connect2DOT consultant. You can also email info@connect2dot.org or call (720) 624-6728.