Do Business With CDOT

• Increases access to government contracting opportunities; agencies are mandated to award a substantial number of contracts to certified businesses or allocate a certain percentage of work on projects

• Provides visibility through a listing in the Unified Certification Program (UCP) directory and other agency-specific directories

• Gives a competitive advantage in the marketplace and adds established credibility for the company

• Offers support through additional government programs such as the CDOT Mentor-Protégé program

• Facilitates subcontracting on large projects by general contractors that are required to source a percentage of work from certified small businesses

• Opens eligibility for financial assistance in the form of low interest loans, grants, and other fiduciary benefits

• Grants access to Connect2DOT resources including business training, one-on-one counseling, and connections

• Authorizes use of specific certification logos on all business correspondences, emails, letterhead, and websites

Once certified, DBE firms are listed on the statewide DBE Directory. This provides exposure for DBE's because agencies and prime contractors use this database to search for firms by name or NAICS code (referred to as "Work Code" on the Directory). NAICS is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. You can use the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search page to look up NAICS Code definitions.

CDOT manages a directory of certified Emerging Small Businesses (ESB) that can be used to locate subcontractors to work on CDOT projects. ESB firms have access to a variety of program benefits including ESB Restricted Projects, free Bid Express accounts, and support services. Prime contractors receive incentives such as financial reimbursements and scoring points on proposals by committing to use ESB subcontractors.

The ESB Directory is a great marketing tool for small businesses looking for more exposure with prime contractors. Prime contractors use this database to search for firms by name or business description keywords.

Many small business owners have a good handle on how to manage and operate their business but they need help finding project opportunities. It is important to get your name known with key players in the transportation industry. Put together a brief capabilities statement about your company and then get out and attend events, make personal phone calls, schedule one-on-one meetings with primes, send an introduction via email, visit a project site, and make yourself known!

• Find CDOT prime contractors and prime consultants

• Connect with industry associations

• Attend networking events

• Sign up for email notifications at the bottom of this website

• Federal: $0 to apply and renew

• CDOT: $0 to apply and renew

• City and County of Denver: $0 to apply and renew ACDBE/DBE. $200 to apply for SBEC/SBE/MWBE/EBE and $50 to renew

• RTD: $0 to apply and renew

• RMMPSDC: Sliding scale fee from $525 - $1,150 for MBE

• WBENC: $0 to apply and renew WOSB. Sliding scale fee from $350 - $1,250 for WBE 

• NGLCC: $400 to apply and $200 to renew LGBT (waived with proof of membership in local affiliated chamber of commerce)

Yes. The state of Colorado has a Unified Certification Program. You can apply through either CDOT or the City and County of Denver and your DBE certification. The DBE certification is then recognized by over 50 government agencies across the state.