The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is working to bridge the gap between Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and established contractors. 

A DBE is a for-profit small business with at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more US citizens or permanent residents who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

The DBE program is designed to correct ongoing prejudice and the continuing impacts of prior discrimination in federally-assisted roadway, transit, airport, and highway safety contracting markets nationwide.  A goal then has been for disadvantaged small businesses to get a fair chance at competing for federally supported transportation contracts.

HDOT recommends a DBE goal of 17.26 percent for contracts financed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2023 through 2025 based on its revised methodology. The suggested target is the percentage of all FHWA-funded contracts awarded to DBEs.

Two components make up the 17.26 percent overall objective for FHWA-funded contracts: 6.04 percent is anticipated to come from race-neutral efforts, such as HDOT technical assistance, and 11.22 percent is anticipated to come from using DBE contract goals (i.e., race-conscious measures).

On August 1, 2022, HDOT will submit this updated three-year objective for evaluation and approval to the USDOT. The revised objective will take effect on October 1, 2022, and HDOT asks that all feedback be sent before July 29, 2022.

If necessary, HDOT may make adjustments to both the race-conscious and race-neutral estimates.

Citizens can leave comments: 

• Online at: https://forms.office.com/g/u62M6qg3S6
• Email at HDOT-DBE@hawaii.gov
• Through regular mail to HDOT Office of Civil Rights, 200 Rodgers Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96819

The HDOT's current targets are for DBE-certified enterprises to receive 29.05 percent of Federal Highway Agency contracts, 24.40 percent of FAA-funded contracts at Honolulu International Airport, and 21.70 percent of FAA-funded contracts at Kahului Airport.

The DBE Certification program was established when the HDOT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with partner DBE certification organizations throughout the state. The UCP does away with the requirement that DBE candidates seek certification from several bodies. 

To receive DBE certification, applicants must:

1. Complete the certification application online and electronically upload supporting documents at: https://hdot.dbesystem.com
2. Allow the conduction of an on?site visit at the applicant firm's place of business.

 The following advantages of DBE certification:

• Access to the DBE internet directory, a promotional resource.
• Eligibility to take part in DBE projects supported by USDOT.
• Eligibility to apply for DBE certification in other states.
• Take part in free or inexpensive training, such as seminars on marketing, financing, and public procurement.
• Involvement in the DBE Supportive Services Program, which provides individualized advice to aid DBE businesses in expanding, becoming self-sufficient, and competing in the highway transportation sector.

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