DBE Application Process

Process Overview

Prior to applying for DBE certification, firms must review the eligibility requirements. Once you are confident you meet the criteria, please visit CDOT's Business Management System to apply.

There are two certifying agencies for the DBE Program in Colorado: CDOT and the City and County of Denver. CDOT certifies only for DBE, while City and County of Denver also certifies Airport Concessions DBEs. The Colorado Unified Certification Program is a group of partners who oversee the certification efforts of both CDOT and the City and County of Denver, and is composed of local agencies who receive USDOT financial assistance. 

Application Review Process

CDOT processes DBE applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Applications are assigned to an analyst for review on a first-in, first-assigned basis. Our goal is to make an eligibility determination within 90 days from the date the application is complete. The are the steps of the review process: 

  1. Submission: Once your application has been submitted through the online system, you will receive an instant notification confirming submission. Applications that are incomplete or that include insufficient supporting documentation will not be processed until all necessary documents are received by CDOT.
  2. Application Verification: The application will be assigned to an analyst. The analyst will conduct a preliminary review to determine if the application is complete or if additional information is required. If the application is incomplete, the applicant will be sent an email requesting the missing information. Please respond to all requests for information within 15 business days. If you do not respond, CDOT may make an eligibility determination based upon the information provided. If your application is not completed within 90 days, it will be automatically deleted from the system.
  3. On-site Review for Colorado-based firms: Once the application has been deemed complete, the analyst will schedule and conduct an interview with the disadvantaged owners of the firm (and potentially other key personnel) at the firm's principal office or virtually.
  4. File Review: The analyst will review all documents submitted by the applicant, including information from the interview, and will make an eligibility recommendation. The recommendation will include work types the firm is eligible for as a DBE.
  5. Approval: If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified via email that it has been certified and placed on the Colorado UCP DBE Directory. The certification notice will identify the specific types of work (work codes) the firm is eligible to be counted for as a DBE and the renewal date of the certification. Certified DBEs should review the assigned work codes for accuracy. Work code changes or additions can be requested electronically via B2GNow by submitting and Expansion application. 
  6. Denial: If a Colorado DBE application is denied, CDOT will issue a letter listing the specific reasons for denial and the appeal process. Denials must be appealed to U.S. DOT within 90 days. Learn more about filing an appeal with U.S. DOT.

Annual Update

DBE firms are required to update their certification each year. An update must be completed in CDOT’s Business Management System by the anniversary date of the firm’s certification. Firms that do not complete an annual update application by their anniversary date will receive a proposed revocation notice and will be given 15 calendar days to respond. If no response is submitted, the firm will be removed from the Colorado UCP DBE Directory and must wait 12 months before reapplying for certification with CDOT. Any reapplications within three years form the date of revocation must be submitted with CDOT.

Important: be sure to click the Log In button in the center of the screen. DO NOT create a new account, as your firm is already in the system. 

Changes in Ownership or Management

DBE firms must notify CDOT in writing within 30 days of any change in the firm’s legal structure, ownership, or management. CDOT will review the notification and inform the firm of documentation that it will need to submit. In some instances, a new DBE application may be required. Please submit documentation of any changes to [email protected] or mail to the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity.