Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Program Overview

King County has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). The program purpose is to ensure that DBEs have an equal opportunity to participate in USDOT assisted contracts.

DBEs are small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. King County encourages its contractors to maximize the amount of work opportunities available to DBE firms. The County establishes a triennial (three-year) goal for DBE participation levels on its federally funded contracts, and monitors the performance of contractors across all eligible construction, design, and service contracts.

Business owners interested in obtaining DBE certification should contact the State of Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE).

King County DBE Liaison Officer: Sandy Hanks, Sandy.Hanks@kingcounty.gov