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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

  1. DBE Program Overview
  2. Forms and Guidance Documents
  3. Updated List of Certified DBEs
  4. Becoming Certified as a DBE in Vermont
  5. EPA DBE History
  6. Helpful Links

DBE Program Overview

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program assists minority owned and women owned businesses to become involved in the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation competitive bid process funded through programs administered by the Department. DBE firm services include but are not limited to the following:

  • Construction of Agency Owned Facilities
  • Municipal Water and Wastewater Projects
  • General Contracting
  • Civil and/or Environmental Engineering
  • Pipeline
  • Paving
  • Plumbing, Mechanical and HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Asbestos Removal
  • Hazardous Material Removal
  • Landscaping
  • Directional Drilling
  • Traffic Control
  • Project Sign Construction

Forms and Guidance Documents

Required Forms

Contract Documents and DBE Guidance

  • DBE Procurement Procedure Guidance - Procedure Currently Suspended and Under Review as of 5/6/21 12pm.
  • DBE Package Concurrence Checklist - Currently Suspended and Under Review as of 5/6/21 12pm.
  • DBE Six Good Faith Effort Guidance Currently Suspended and Under Review as of 5/6/21 12pm.
  • Call Roger Bergeron, Cheif Construction Engineer for assistance

Current DBE Listing

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) updates and maintains a current business directory of DBEs that are certified to work on VTrans and EPA funded projects.

Getting Certified as a DBE in Vermont

The Vermont Agency of Transportation reviews and approves the DBE applications to become certified as a DBE firm in the State of Vermont.

EPA DBE History

Projects that have federal money, such as water or wastewater treatment facilities and pipelines, must have a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (minority or women-owned businesses) goal. The overall U.S. EPA goal is set by federal legislation at 8%. This goal is the national average goal, with individual states having to survey their labor areas for the actual goals. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has done a survey of available contractors and sub-contractors in the geographic region that typically supports bids in Vermont. When the data was analyzed and presented to U.S. EPA Region 1, it was determined that the Agency of Natural Resources overall goal for DBE participation would be 5.35%, with between minority (1.85%) and women-owned businesses (3.5% each). The 5.35% goal is to be reviewed annually by both US EPA and Agency of Natural Resources. If there are increases or decreases of available contractors or sub-contractors, the DBE goal (and sub-contracting goal) would be renegotiated.

Helpful Links

DCA Bid Board Opportunities
Vermont Dept. of Buildings & General Services
Small Business Administration
Vermont Agency of Transportation DBE Program
Vermont Business Assistance Network