Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Department of Transportation

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Overview

NJUCP Partners for DBE Certification in New Jersey | Applying for DBE Certification | Interstate DBE Certification | How to Manage Your Firm’s NJUCP Certification | How To Do Business with NJDOT | Supportive Services Program | Business Development Program (BDP) | Reporting Allegations of Ineligibility or Fraud, Waste, and Abuse | Other Useful Links


Public Notice: NJDOT Proposed 3 Year DBE Goal and Methodology for 2026 through 2028

A DBE, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, is a for-profit small business where a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) owns at least a 51% interest and also controls and manages the daily operations of the company. DBE is a company-level certification used by businesses who wish to bid for federal highway project work.

Eligibility for DBE Certification

To be eligible for DBE certification, the firm must:

  • Be a small business, according to Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards.
  • Be 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals whose personal net worth does not exceed $2.047 million.

Women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged. To determine if your business qualifies as a DBE, refer to the US Department of Transportation’s Eligibility website.

Types of Firms Sought by NJDOT

DBE Certification is usually intended for companies to work on US Department of Transportation (federally assisted) contracts. NJDOT specifically looks for the following types of firms:

  • Heavy Highway Construction
  • Concrete Paving
  • Asphalt Paving
  • Milling
  • Beam Guide Rail
  • Rumble Strip
  • Deck Joints
  • Traffic Stripes
  • Concrete Curb and Sidewalk
  • Pile Driving
  • Electrical Contractors (Highway Construction)
  • Underground Utility Contractors
  • Haulers – Truckers
  • Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors
  • Portable Toilet Providers
  • Highway Sweeping Contractors
  • Landscaping Contractors
  • Bridge Painters

See the attached Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Opportunities in Construction Services Brochure for additional information regarding the program.

NJUCP Partners for DBE Certification in New Jersey

DBE and Interstate DBE firms have the option of applying with only one of the NJUCP agency partners – NJDOT, New Jersey Transit, and the Port Authority of NY/NJ. If you have already started or submitted a DBE application in the NJDOT system, DO NOT begin a new application with any of the other NJUCP partners.

NJUCP Partner Contact Information


Applying for DBE Certification

Applying for DBE certification with NJDOT can only be done via the online certification management system for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification Management System in the B2Gnow System – a secure electronic platform. Paper applications will not be accepted. All company information is securely stored, and confidential information is encrypted at all times.

NOTE: All participating firms must be for-profit enterprises with current business operations. If your firm is not for profit, or is not currently conducting business, then you do not qualify for the DBE/ACDBE Program and should not complete this application.

All eligible firms can apply at https://njdot.dbesystem.com and click on Apply for / Renew Certification. Carefully review the introductory page and make note of the “Tips” below before beginning the application process. Refer to the Supporting Documents Checklist when completing the application.


Before applying, look at these "TIPS":
  • Preview and Print out the required forms which can be found at: https://www.nj.gov/transportation/business/civilrights/forms.shtm under the DBE section;
  • Gather all required documents before beginning the application process;
  • Review the list of NAICS Codes to determine which correspond to the work your firm currently and specifically performs. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes are used by Federal and State agencies in classifying businesses. The NAICS codes a business selects must fully describe and correspond to the work that the firm specifically self performs according to the NAICS Code(s) description.

See https://siccode.com for a listing of NAICS codes.

See https://www.census.gov/naics for additional information regarding NAICS.


What happens next?

According to eCFR: 49 Part 26.83 (What procedures do certifiers follow in making certification decisions?), “a certifier must visit the firm's principal place of business, virtually or in person, and interview the SEDO (socially and economically disadvantaged owner), officers, and key personnel. The certifier must review those persons' résumés and/or work histories. The certifier must maintain a complete audio recording of the interview. The certifier must also visit one or more active job sites (if there is one). These activities comprise the “on-site review” (OSR), a written report of which the certifier must keep in its files”. Business owners and key personnel should take the time to fully prepare for the site visit by NJDOT personnel and be able to fully explain the technical and operational side of their business and how things work.

Businesses become certified based on the information provided at the time of certification. Once a firm becomes DBE certified, it can look up and review its published information in the New Jersey Unified Certification Program Directory.

SEARCH for your firm in NJUCP Directory at https://njucp.dbesystem.com.

Click here for a helpful flowchart showing the Application-Review-Determination Process. NJDOT DBE Flowchart - Certification



Interstate DBE Certification

Effective May 9, 2024, the federal regulations have significantly reduced the number of documents required for INTERSTATE certification. Firms now only need to submit the following documents to the New Jersey Department of Transportation to receive interstate certification:

  • A cover letter to NJDOT requesting certification in New Jersey, which also notes all of the other states in which the firm is DBE certified, including the Jurisdiction of Original Certification (JOC) and the anniversary date in the JOC;
  • An electronic image of the UCP directory of your firm’s original UCP that shows its DBE certification (screenshot or snip); and
  • A Declaration of Eligibility (DOE);


How to Manage Your Firm’s NJUCP Certification

When a business is DBE certified by NJDOT, it automatically becomes DBE certified with all three partners of the New Jersey UCP partnership that includes the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), New Jersey Transit, and the NYNJ Port Authority.

It is important for DBE certified firms to understand the requirements of managing their DBE certification.

  • Familiarize yourself with 49 CFR 26.83 and the reporting requirements;
  • Keep up to date with the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation’s policies;
  • Monitor Business Changes – track any significant changes in your business, such as ownership, structure or location, and report any of these within 30 days of any change that can impact your firm’s certification. DBEs must also annually affirm in their Declaration of Eligibility that there have been no changes other than any previously reported. If there are changes, document them thoroughly and include relevant documents and submit a Declaration of Eligibility;
  • Maintain Compliance – Ensure that all documentation submitted is accurate and up to date. Regularly review compliance guidelines to avoid issues. Failure to notify your certifying agency of changes or submit a Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) within the required time frames is deemed a failure to cooperate and is grounds for removal of a firm’s certification;
  • Keep copies of all notifications and submissions;
  • Stay in touch with NJDOT for any updates or clarifications;
  • Attend relevant workshops or training sessions;
  • Seek assistance if needed – consult with professionals or legal advisors for complex changes;
  • DBEs certified by NJDOT should process the following certification management actions through NJDOT’s B2Gnow online system.
    • Work code (NAICS) change/expansion requests. Expansion requests include ownership changes, which require different types of documentation depending on your firm’s structure. For example, proof that ownership documents have been filed with your state, meeting minutes, stock transfer ledgers, letters of explanation, etc.
    • Notification of address, phone, or other contact information changes (Change Request); and
    • Withdrawal of certification/ Requests to be removed from DBE Certification (letter or email notification).


How To Do Business with NJDOT

If you are planning to do business in the State of New Jersey, you should register your company with the NJ Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue, before applying for DBE certification. See doingbusinessinnj.pdf for more information.

Bidding on NJDOT Contracts

Bidx: Contractors/Construction Projects

BID DAYS: Tuesday and Thursday

Bidexpress: Professional Services (Design, Planning, Environmental, Construction Inspection, Bridge Inspection, etc.)

What is Bidx – Construction?

Bidx is a platform for viewing and bidding on NJDOT road, highway, bridge, and construction projects. The NJDOT uses the Bidx platform to advertise and accept bids for construction projects. To view Bidx, visit www.bidx.com. There is a bidx.com fee schedule, payable to Infotech to use this service.

On Bidx, select US Agency (drop-down box) and then select NJDOT. When you log in, you can view bids and gather information about each letting/advertised project!

A list of upcoming lettings is also available for view on NJDOT’s website. To find planned advertisements for NJDOT construction contracts, on NJDOT’s website select “Doing Business/Procurement/Bureau of Construction Services/Planned Advertisements” or visit Planned Advertisements, Construction Services, Procurement, Doing Business. Here you will find a list of upcoming Project Advertisements.

What is Bidexpress – Professional Services?

Bidexpress is a web-based proposal service where firms can log in and view postings for professional service contracts such as RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, procurement, non-state road, highway, and construction projects. Submission is done with a digital ID, obtained through Bidexpress.

New solicitations for Technical Proposals (TP) Proposals, Professional Services, Procurement, Doing Business are posted on NJDOT’s Professional Services website. By clicking on the TP, consultants will be connected to the Bidexpress website where they can download the related NJDOT TP files.

Technical Proposals for solicitations must be uploaded to NJDOT through Bidexpress. The automatic deadline for TP submissions is 3:00 PM on the closing date of the solicitation.

CLICK HERE to register and create an account with Info Tech for Bid Express.

A list of upcoming solicitations for technical proposals is also available for view on NJDOT’s Professional Services website. To find a list of upcoming solicitations, on NJDOT’s website select “Doing Business/Procurement/Bureau of Professional Services/Anticipated Solicitations” or visit Procurement Overview - Doing Business. Here you will find links for the areas of the Department which anticipate posting solicitations.



Supportive Services Program

For more information and to apply for the program, visit https://www.bridgetosuccess.com/njdotssp

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is committed to increasing diversity and participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) contractors on NJDOT projects. In order to both expand the number of DBE firms active on NJDOT projects, and provide support to current and future DBE firms, NJDOT offers the Bridge to Success Supportive Services Program (SSP). This program assists certified New Jersey based DBE contractors by providing free, in-depth technical assistance, training, and resources to help them navigate procurement and improve operations.

Funded by 23 USC 104(a), 140(c) and administered by NJDOT, with assistance from experts at r6catalyst, the ultimate goal of this program is for DBE firms to improve their capabilities, understand procurement procedures, and access valuable resources. View the 2025 NJDOT Supportive Services Program (SSP) flyer for additional information on services and programs, and to read testimonials from former SSP participants.

Seminars and Workshops

The following Seminars and Workshops are scheduled and available for participation by all certified New Jersey based DBE contractors who are seeking to bid and work on NJDOT projects. Space may be limited so register today:

All Workshops will be on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

  • March 26 - virtual (Zoom) - Capabilities Statements and NAICS Codes
  • April 9 - virtual (Zoom) - DBE Final Rule
  • April 23 - virtual (Zoom) - Financial Management and Accounting
  • May 7 - virtual (Zoom) - NJDOT Procurement and Bidx
  • May 14 - in person (Trenton) - Upcoming NJDOT Projects

Click here to register: Seminars Registration | Request for Technical Assistance


Contact Us for One-on-One Assistance
bridge to success graphic

NJDOT R6Catalyst
Email - DOT.DBE_ESBEPrograms@dot.nj.gov Email - njdotssp@r6catalyst.com
Phone - 609 963-2051 Website - www.bridgetosuccess.com/njdotssp


Business Development Program (BDP)

The NJDOT SSP Business Development Program (BDP) is designed to foster long-term growth by guiding DBEs through a structured development process. Like the SSP, it is entirely free.

This comprehensive program offers advanced technical assistance, in-depth strategic planning, business assessments, and customized growth plans. With its hands-on, supportive approach, the BDP requires long-term commitment from the participants to maximize its impact.

Interested firms must complete the application found at NJDOT SSP | r6catalyst | BDP Apply.



Reporting Allegations of Ineligibility or Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Any person may file a complaint alleging that a currently certified firm is ineligible and specify the alleged reasons. Allegations may be sent to the NJDOT’S DBE Certification Unit verbally by phone at (609) 963-2051 or in writing at DOT-CRAA.DBE@dot.nj.gov. Clearly define the nature of ineligibility or fraud, waste, or abuse. Collect all relevant documentation, records, or other evidence that supports the allegation. The NJDOT Certification Unit will review its records, any information provided, and conduct other procedures as deemed necessary. The confidentiality of complainants’ identities will be protected.

If adequate evidence indicates that a firm is not eligible, NJDOT will pursue removal proceedings as outlined in 49 CFR 26.87.

Allegations of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in the DBE Program can also be sent to any and/or all of the entities below. Follow the agency’s submission process, which might include an online form, mail, or a hotline. Keep track of your submission and any follow-up actions or responses from the agency.

  • USDOT Inspector General – For information visit Report Fraud Hotline | DOT OIG
    • USDOT OIG Hotline email address – hotline@oig.dot.gov
    • USDOT OIG Hotline phone number - 1 (800) 424-9071
    • USDOT OIG Mailing address – USDOT Inspector General
      1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
      West Building – 7th Floor
      Washington DC, 20590
  • NJDOT – Office of Inspector General - Overview, Inspector General, About NJDOT


Last updated date: October 25, 2019 11:00 AM