![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
MBE/WBE Certification
Under EPA's DBE Program it is required that MBEs and WBEs be certified in order for their utilization to count toward an EPA financial assistance recipient's accomplishments under the program.
Who is responsible for certifying MBE and WBE firms?
EPA OSBP Headquarters is responsible for implementing and processing the certification of MBE/WBE firms. Regional DBE coordinators will assist by providing forms to interested firms and fielding general questions.
Does EPA accept other certifications?
Yes. Under the new DBE Program entities can no longer self-certify. EPA will accept certifications from:
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) (both SBA 8(a) program certifications and SBA Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Program self-certifications);
- The Department of Transportation's state implemented DBE Certification Program (with U.S. citizenship);
- Tribal, State and local governments, as long as their standards for certification meet or exceed our own; and
- Independent private organization certifications as long as their standards for certification meet or exceed our own.
If an entity holds one of these certifications, it is considered acceptable for establishing MBE or WBE status under EPA's DBE Program, and application for EPA certification is not needed.
What are the EPA MBE/WBE certification requirements?
- In order to be certified by EPA, an entity must first attempt to be certified by SBA or DOT, or a Tribal, State, or local government, or by an independent private organization, and be unsuccessful in that attempt.
- To qualify as a MBE or WBE under EPA's programs an entity must establish that it is at least 51% owned and/or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and are citizens of the United States.
- An individual claiming economic disadvantaged status must have an initial and continued personal net worth of less than $750,000.
Please click the DBE Rule, Forms & Fact Sheets tab above for all certification forms and a fact sheet with more information.