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ESB Certification
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Connect2DOT provides free consulting and training for small businesses in transportation. Contact us to learn more.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is actively recruiting small businesses to work as sub and prime contractors on CDOT highway design and construction projects. The first step in gaining access to these contracts is to get certified as an Emerging Small Business.
To learn more, register today for a free ESB Orientation webinar on December 10, 11am - 12pm MST.
Why Should You Get Certified?
Emerging Small Business (ESB) certification opens several doors at CDOT.
ESB Contract Goals: CDOT highway design and construction projects may have mandatory contract goals of up to 20%. This means the Prime Contractor must subcontract at least that percentage of the work to ESB-certified firms.
US 160 Elmore's East Project: This $100 million design-build project near Durango is slated to start in 2026 and will have a mandatory ESB goal. This means a portion of the work will be allocated to ESB firms and Prime Developers Teams will be looking for you!
ESB Restricted Contracts: CDOT may set-aside certain design or construction projects for bidding by ESB firms only. This means you are only competing against other ESB certified small businesses.
Professional Services Proposal Scoring: CDOT allocates a certain number of points to ESB certified firms and Prime Consultants that include ESB firms on their team in a proposal for a highway design/engineering project.
ESB Mentor-Protégé Program: Certified firms are eligible to participate in CDOT's mentoring program where Prime Contractors and CDOT Ambassadors help ESB firms learn, grow, and potentially land new CDOT contracts.
Is it Only for Emerging Businesses?
While "Emerging" is in the name, this certification is for any small business, regardless of the time in business, that provides services for highway design or construction and is considered "small" by the U.S. Small Business Administration. You can use the SBA size standards tool to check if you qualify. Your 3-year annual averaged revenues need to be less than the size standard for your primary NAICS and less than $31.48 million overall.
Does My Business Have to Be Located in Colorado?
The short answer is No. You can be located in any state as long as you are interested in working in Colorado on CDOT projects. If you are located outside of Colorado, you need to register as a "foreign entity" doing business in Colorado with the Colorado Secretary of State.
How Do I Apply?
Below are 10 simple steps to complete your application (note that most of them are just "click.).
Create an account in CDOT's Business Management System
Login with the User ID and Password you set up
Click Renew/Apply for Certification
Click Your firm is NOT currently certified with CDOT.
Click Your firm is seeking ESB certification.
Click Submit a New ESB application.
Select This Application is for [Your Business Name] and answer the questions below and click Continue.
Check the box and click Continue.
Complete the two required Sections and upload required documents on the Document List.
Click Sign and Submit.
After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email and shortly after an email letting you know if you have been certified. At that point, you can take full advantage of the benefits listed above.
NOTE: If you were DBE certified by CDOT, there is a streamlined process to apply. Please contact dot_certifications@state.co.us for more information.
How Long Will it Take?
The ESB application is very short. Just two sections about your business and a few required documents, such as your business tax returns to determine if you meet the small business size standard.
After your application is received:
CDOT will assign a certification specialist who will review to make sure your application packet is complete.
If you are missing any information, they will contact you via email.
After the review, CDOT will email a decision letter to you letting you know if you have been certified or denied, and why.
Typically the certification process takes between 30 - 90 days.
Where Can I Learn More?
You can find more information on CDOT's website or you can attend a FREE live webinar or watch a previously recorded session.
ESB Orientation Webinar
December 10, 11am - 12pm
GoToWebinar
Click here to register
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.
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