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:

  • Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
  • 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 MBE/DBE/ACDBE/SBE program requirements. The MBE Advisory Committee (MBEAC) evaluates whether the applicant firm meets Maryland's MBE program requirements.
  4. Determination – A written determination is issued from OMBE.
    MBE_DBE_ACDBE_Certification Overview.pdf (maryland.gov)

Types of Certification

MBE/DBE/ACDBE/SBE Certification

OMBE highly recommends applicants complete the Uniform Certification Application for firms seeking both MBE and 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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MBE Only Certification

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

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DBE Only Certification

DBE-certified firms can fulfill the disadvantaged business participation goals on contracts issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

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ACDBE Only Certification

ACDBE-certified firms can fulfill the disadvantaged business participation goals on concessionaire contracts administered through the MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration (MDOT MAA).

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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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SBE Only Certification

The Small Business Enterprise Certification is a race and gender neutral program. Certified DBEs will automatically be certified as SBEs, but all other firms must apply for SBE certification.

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Annual Review

MDOT certified firms must provide, every year on the anniversary of the date of your firm's certification, the MDOT no change affidavit 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

Firms headquartered outside of Maryland must be certified by a governmental agency in your home state before applying for certification 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.