Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Resources

Walsh Kokosing Joint Venture and our team member firms pursue diversity in our workforce composition, the markets we serve, and the services we provide. We recognize that the technical challenges we solve require new perspectives and open minds. With a long history of viable and enduring utilization of disadvantaged businesses, we understand the challenges faced as a DBE firm and will work with you to overcome obstacles and enable active participation on the project.

The DBE program is intended to promote a level playing field for small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minorities and women. The Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will have defined goals for participation by DBE firms.

Efforts to achieve our DBE goals include:

Outreach: We identify and build relationships with both existing, certified subcontractors, and those who are not yet certified but have the capability and interest in working with our team. We work with DBE firms to make sure they are aware of their opportunities and how to successfully pursue them. We will keep you well-informed of specific opportunities as the pursuit of this project continues. More information about outreach efforts is available here: [Link to Outreach page].

Assistance: Small and disadvantaged businesses can face unique technical and financial challenges that affect their ability to successfully respond to procurements of this size and complexity. Our staff is trained to meet the differing needs of each business with a true sense of partnering and cooperation. We will look for opportunities to develop DBE firm’s prime contracting skills.

Mentoring: Our management team will provide feedback to DBE firms with the goal of reducing the perceived barrier to entry that many firms face when attempting to get involved in a large Project. The 3-Phase approach includes:

  • Bidding: This phase outlines how to competitively bid on the BSB project.

  • Post-award: This phase helps subcontractors with executed contracts stay compliant with 49 CFR Part 26.

  • Growth: This phase is for subcontractors that perform at a high level. Our staff will work with firms to adjust larger Work Packages as appropriate to meet that specific firm's capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can my firm get certified?

Each state administers a DBE certification program. Resources for Ohio and Kentucky firms can be found at the following links:

RESOURCES FOR OHIO DBE COMPANIES

RESOURCES FOR KENTUCKY DBE COMPANIES

How does being a DBE help my firm win work on the BSBC Project?

Ohio and Kentucky will establish a goal for the percentage of work on the project that is completed by DBE-certified firms. Each bid will be evaluated for overall value to the project, including the extent to which it contributes to attainment of the overall DBE goal.

To qualify as a DBE for this project, does my company need to be certified in Ohio, Kentucky, or both?

Firms can be certified in either Ohio or Kentucky, or both. Additionally, through an agreement specific to this project, firms certified as DBE in Indiana also qualify.

What is the DBE goal on this project?

The DBE Goal for Phase 1 (current phase) of the project is 9%. The DBE Goal for Phase 2 has yet to be determined by ODOT and KYTC.

What are NAICS codes and why do they matter?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal agencies in classifying businesses. Every scope of work contracted on this project will be assigned one or more NAICS codes based on the work included. For work completed by DBE firms to count towards the overall goal, the firm doing the work must be approved for work under the applicable NAICS code.

Are there preferences for local firms?

No. Under federal contracting law, projects receiving federal funds, such as this one, may not use geographic preference in the selection of contractors. However, WKJV is taking steps to ensure that local firms are aware of the opportunities and prepared to compete for work on the project.

Does an MBE or WBE certification qualify my firm as a DBE for the purposes of this project?

No. Only firms qualified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana will qualify as DBE firms for this project. All firms are encouraged to submit bids on project scopes, but only those certified as DBE at the time of contract execution will count toward the project DBE goal.

I still have questions. Where can I get help?

Additional resources include: