Small Business Element

The Small Business Element Program was created to remedy past and current discrimination against SBE firms. The intention is to level the playing field for economically disadvantaged individuals wanting to do business with DOTD on U.S. Department of Transportation federally assisted projects.

The Compliance Programs Section, SBE Certification Unit, certifies businesses capable of performing services and/or products which can be credited toward SBE goals. The certification process ensures that only qualified small business firms that are controlled by one or more economically disadvantaged individuals are certified for this program. The first step in the certification process is to complete and submit a SBE application.

In order to comply with regulatory mandates, our department will accept SBE certifications from the City of Baton Rouge and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. In order for SBE certified firms to be included on the DOTD SBE directory, the firm must request in writing and provide documentation to the DOTD SBE Certification Unit verifying their SBE Certification and the items of work the firm is certified in.

Accepting the certification from the City of Baton Rouge and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will eliminate the necessity for SBE firms to complete multiple applications as certification decisions are reciprocally accepted with these agencies.