Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

Funding & Contracting Opportunities


Pierce County shares the responsibility of administration of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). As a recipient of federal aid from FHWA, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Pierce County must take steps to ensure that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) have full access to contracting opportunities. In addition, this funding is provided on the basis of maximum opportunity for DBEs and the nondiscrimination policy set forth below:
"It is the policy of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that Disadvantaged Business Enterprises as defined in 49 CFR 26 and parts of 49 CFR 23 have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of federal-aid contracts. In support of that policy, Pierce County assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Civil Rights Restoration Act 1987 (P.L. 100.259) be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of county programs and activities."

Qualified DBE Firms


The Washington State Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies small business firms independently owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons.  Only DBE firms that are currently certified through OMWBE may be used by prospective bidders to meet DBE goals on federally funded projects.
  • The current listing of Certified DBE is available at:

The Contract Compliance Office is available to help contractors find qualified DBE firms that may be used on federal aid contracts.