The DBE program was implemented to remedy past and current discrimination in contracting and procurement opportunities for disadvantaged businesses. It serves to create equal opportunity for those DBE firms doing business with the City of Tucson on projects receiving federal financial assistance.

NEW CERTIFICATION FOR DBES: ARIZONA UNIFIED CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (UCP) The Arizona Unified Certification Program (UCP) has been established to allow multiple agencies to utilize the same certification process statewide for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The UCP simplifies the DBE application process between multiple agencies, and provides reciprocity for DBEs between the City of Tucson, City of Phoenix, and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These three entities are members of the Arizona Unified Certification Program. A DBE database has been developed that encompasses all DBE firms that have been certified by these entities. Click here to find the UCP DBE database. Bidders who are meeting goals on FAA and FTA contracts being let by other in-state entities can only use the DBEs certified by the Arizona Unified Certification Program.

ABOUT THE DBE PROGRAM

The City of Tucson receives federal financial assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Certified DBE firms are eligible to participate in these City of Tucson administered contracts.

Program Advantages

• Certified businesses/firms will qualify to meet subcontracting goals for U.S. Department of Transportation-assisted construction projects.
• Certified businesses/firms will be listed in the UCP Directory, which is used by governmental, public, and private procurement entities soliciting bids on projects.

• To participate in the Arizona Unified Certification Program, a business must be certified or must obtain certification as a disadvantaged business through the City of Tucson, City of Phoenix, or ADOT.

• A firm must be a minority or woman-owned business; or owned by a majority owner who can demonstrate social and economic disadvantage.
• The disadvantaged owner must own at least 51% of the business enterprise.
• The disadvantaged owner must manage, operate, and control the managerial and daily operational functions of the firm.

• Complete the UCP certification application and provide the required documents.
• An audit of the documentation will be conducted to determine preliminary eligibility.
• An on-site visit/review by a UCP Specialist will be performed to determine program compliance and eligibility.
• Once eligibility is determined and all program requirements are met a certificate of participation will be issued.