Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
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.
DBE Plan
The City of Tucson is required to review and establish a new Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Plan and Goal on a triennial basis. The City of Tucson, Business Services Department, Business Enterprise and Compliance Program has completed the draft FTA DBE Program Plan and Goal Proposal for 2024-2026.
To download the following documents, scroll to the Related Information section at the bottom of this webpage.
1. FTA DBE Triennial Goal FY24 – FY26 (PDF)
- (15) Fifteen projects valued at $43M. Projects listed in the goal document.
- Triennial goal is 5.00%
- Effective for new bids/solicitations issued on or after October 1, 2023
2.FTA DBE Program Plan FY24 - FY26 (PDF)
To view the plan, scroll to the Related Information section of this webpage and select the plan document.
Questions about the plan are to be directed to Lloyd B. Windle II via email at Lloyd.Windle@tucsonaz.gov. Ensure the subject line of the email reads as follows. City of Tucson Proposed FTA DBE Goal & Plan 2024-2026.
DBE CERTIFICATION: ARIZONA UNIFIED CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (AZUCP)
The Arizona Unified Certification Program (AZUCP) has been established to allow multiple agencies to utilize the same certification process statewide for DBEs. The AZUCP 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).
Visit https://utracs.azdot.gov/search to search the AZUCP DBE and ACDBE database for firms certified in Arizona.
To participate in the AZUCP, a business must be certified or must obtain certification as a disadvantaged business through the City of Tucson, City of Phoenix, or ADOT.
- City of Tucson is responsible for certifying businesses whose main office is located within Pima County. See the ‘How to Apply for Certification’ section for instructions.
- City of Phoenix is responsible for certifying businesses whose main office is located within Maricopa County. https://phoenix.diversitycompliance.com
- ADOT is responsible for certifying businesses in all other counties. https://adotdoors.dbesystem.com
Program Advantages
Certified businesses will qualify to meet subcontracting goals for U.S. Department of Transportation-assisted construction, construction services and professional design projects. They will be listed in the AZUCP Directory, which is used by governmental, public, and private procurement entities soliciting bids on projects.
Application Requirements
- 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.
How to Apply for Certification
- Visit https://tucsonaz.diversitycompliance.com to complete the AZUCP certification application and provide the required documents.
- To begin application process, click on "Apply for/ Renew Certification".
- An audit of the documentation will be conducted to determine preliminary eligibility.
- An on-site visit/review by a Business Enterprise Compliance 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.
- For more information on the DBE Program, please contact the Business Enterprise & Compliance Program at ContractorCompliance@tucsonaz.gov or (520) 837-4000 during regular business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time).
How to find Certified DBE Firms
Visit https://utracs.azdot.gov/Search to search for certified DBE firms. Click on the following link for instructions on How to Search for Certified DBE Firms(PDF, 723KB)
Related Documents and Forms