DBE Supportive Services Program (DBESS)
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services (DBESS) Program is a valuable and necessary tool to ensure the improved growth of firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the State of Washington. Firms engaged in or interested in performing highway-related work that are certified as DBEs are eligible to receive business development training, financing, and bonding assistance through the DBESS Program.
OMWBE administers this program for the Washington State Department of Transportation. OMWBE staff or private consultants provide program services to firms on an individual counseling basis as well as workshops. Two construction plan centers and electronic access to the Daily Journal of Commerce are also available to DBEs. Funding for the program is provided by the Federal Highway Administration, enabling all services to be provided at NO COST to qualifying DBE firms.
Prior to receipt of any service, the firm must first complete a short intake form. The intake form can be completed by telephoning OMWBE Staff. OMWBE will then determine the firm’s eligibility and identify the specific area of assistance that will best meet the firm’s needs.
DBE Supportive Services*
- Pre-Certification
- Discussion of Federal (USDOT DBE) Eligibility Criteria
- Certification Application Preparation
- General Office Management
- Record-Keeping/Employee Reporting
- Budgeting
- Accounting
- Human Resources/Staffing
- Construction Bid Preparation
- Blueprint Reading/Take-Offs
- Estimating and Bidding
- Assembly of Bid Documents
- Full Service Construction Plan Center
- Contract Administration/Construction Management
- Cost Management
- Project Control
- Long Term Development
- Business Plan Preparation/Review
- Feasibility Analyses
- Marketing
- Financial Planning
- Loan/Bonding/Insurance Application Preparation/Review
* Firm must be engaged in highway-related activities and certified as a DBE. Services are provided in one-on-one counseling sessions and/or group workshops, and “assist” the firm to perform in these areas. Translation services in over 50 major languages and dialects are also available upon request.
Construction Plan Center
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle's Contract Development and Competitiveness Center
Tony Benjamin, CDCC Director
105 14th Avenue, 1st Floor
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-0721