Federal Regulation, 49 CFR, Part 26, Subpart E, Section 26.81 states that each state must implement a "one stop" certification process for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Each entity receiving Department of Transportation (DOT) funds is required to enter into and sign an agreement establishing and supporting a Unified Certification Program (UCP) within the state.
In response to this mandate, six agencies have agreed to perform the certification of DBEs within the state of Texas under the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). The six agencies are:
- Texas Department of Transportation
- City of Houston
- North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- City of Austin
- Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
Once a firm has been certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, it will remain certified for at least three years, unless its certification has been removed for reasons outlined in 49 CFR Sec. 26.87.
Businesses interested in becoming certified as a DBE must first determine their professional activity by NAICS code and then complete and submit an application through the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) to the appropriate certifying agency in Texas. Please contact the DBE Liaison Officer to assist with your application or answer any questions regarding the application process.