Maryland Department of Transportation

Certifications and Required Forms 

The Maryland Department of Transportation is the State's official certification agency for firms seeking status as a:

  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
  • Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

Steps to Certification

  1. Application – Applicant submits a complete application and supporting documentation to Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE) . All applications can be submitted online.
    Please Note: The Federal DBE/ACDBE program requirements are separate from Maryland’s MBE Program. Applicants are not required to seek both DBE/ACDBE and MBE certifications.
  2. Investigation – An investigator reviews documentation submitted by applicant, conducts an on-site/job-site visit and prepares an investigative report.
  3. Evaluation – The application and supporting documentation is evaluated to determine whether the firm meets the DBE/ACDBE/SBE program requirements. The Certification Review Committee evaluates whether the applicant firm meets Federal Certification program requirements.
  4. Determination – A written determination is issued from OMBE.
    DBE_ACDBE_SBE_Certification Overview.pdf (maryland.gov)

Types of Certification

Federal (Only)
DBE/ACDBE/SBE Certification

OMBE highly recommends applicants complete the Uniform Certification Application for firms seeking DBE certification. OMBE will use this single application to evaluate candidates for eligibility in both programs simultaneously. Applicants can also elect to be evaluated for ACDBE certification in addition to the MBE and DBE Certifications.

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State (Only)
MBE Certification

MBE-certified firms can fulfill the minority participation goals established on State-funded contracts.

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DBE Interstate Certification

Interstate Certification is available to DBE firms that are already certified by their home state.

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Document Checklist

Document Checklist.

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Certification Management

MDOT certified firms must provide, every year on the anniversary of the date of your firm's certification, the MDOT Declaration of Eligibility and supporting documents.

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Expansion of Services Request

MDOT certified firms that add new products or services may expand existing NAICS codes by requesting an Expansion of Services with the Office of Minority Business Enterprise (OMBE). An OMBE Officer will be assigned to investigate the request and perform an on-site visit.

Expansion of Service Request

Important Notice to Out-of-State Firms

Out of state firms must be certified in their State of Original Jurisdiction before applying in Maryland. Out-of-State firms may also need to meet other requirements in order to do business in Maryland, such as being registered and in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.