Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the requirements for certification?

To be eligible for certification the firm must be a small, independent business, which is legitimately owned (minimum of 51%) and controlled by eligible person(s).

• Who is an "eligible person"? Persons who are either a woman or minority (i.e., African/Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, and Asian-Pacific American) and are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident are eligible for the state program, as well as firms already certified by Office of DBE Program Development under the state program. Persons who are socially and economically disadvantaged (i.e., socially and economically disadvantaged individual as may be determined on a case-by-case basis or presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged; e.g., African/Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, and women) or tribally-owned concerns and are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are eligible for the federal program.
• What are the ownership requirements? To be eligible the firm must demonstrate that at least 51% of the firm is legitimately owned by eligible persons. The owner(s) must provide documentary proof of the contributions and/or expenditures made to gain that ownership. The eligible owner(s) must make a "real, substantial, and continuing" contribution to the business and proportionally share in the risks and profits of the business. Ownership must not be merely "in name only". Married women are not excluded from the state or federal programs.
• What are the control requirements? The eligible owner(s) must actually control the day-to-day operations of the business and have the legal authority and the technical ability to manage the firm's critical operations. The eligible owner(s) must actually participate in the business. Accounting, personnel, office management, or legal experience is not considered "technical expertise" unless this is the field of the firm's operations.
• What is a "small business concern"? The firm must not exceed the applicable size limits established by the firm primary business activities (refer to assigned S.C. and N.A.I.C.S. codes) and/or the state and federal programs' maximum size limit for all affiliate businesses and/or subsidiaries.
• Is the firm independent? The firm must be organized as a for-profit entity and be legally licensed to do business in the state of South Carolina. The firm cannot be intertwined with or unduly reliant on non-certified businesses. The firm must also demonstrate it has adequate resources and/or equipment to perform its stated activities.
• Does the firm provide a "Commercially Useful Function"? For the state program, the firm must demonstrate that it provides some real, actual service that is integral and necessary to accomplish the intended activity. For the federal program, whether the firm performs a "Commercially Useful Function" is only relevant for purposes of determining whether the expenditures made to it will be counted toward the goals. Performance of a "Commercially Useful Function" is not a certification requirement for the federal program.

• How does a firm become certified?

To become certified, firms must submit a written application, documentary proof of eligibility, and a processing fee. The application and supporting documents are reviewed and analyzed by an DBE Program Specialist who determines the firm is eligible according to all applicable regulations. DBE Development Office staff independently verifies the firm is properly licensed to do business in South Carolina State, including professional licenses, registrations, and certifications (such as contractor's registration or Professional Engineering license). DBE Development Office staff may also conduct on-site inspections of the firm.

• How do I know if I can count a firm towards participation goals?

Only firms certified by DBE Development Office are eligible to be counted towards the participation goals of state agencies and those local jurisdiction programs in South Carolina that recognize South Carolina State's DBE program or administer a contract funded with dollars from a federal agency that recognizes the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Just because a firm calls itself "woman-owned" or "minority-owned" does not mean it is certified. Firms that are certified by another state must apply for certification in South Carolina. There is no reciprocity between South Carolina and another state or entity performing certification in another state.
Other certifications exist; e.g., U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a), SDB and Hubzone. However, these are not administered by DBE Development Office. Certifications are not interchangeable. RFPs and RFQs will specify which certification is applicable to the contract. If you have questions, check with the contracting authority's purchasing office.

• How do I contact DBE Development Office if I have questions?

You can check DBE Development Office website at http://www.dot.state.sc.us/doing/dbe.html for more information. You can also reach DBE Development Office staff by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail at the following location:

South Carolina Department of Transportation
Office of DBE Program Development
955 Park Street, Room 403
Columbia, SC 29202-0191
Tel: 803-737-1372
Fax: 803-737-2021
E-mail: NelsonRD@dot.state.sc.us

BizNet FAQ

• How often is the BizNet database updated?

The BizNet database is updated once a month.

• There are no buttons to click on the Business Profile screen. How do I return to the previous screen from an individual business profile?

The Business Profile screen is designed as a printable report. This is why you do not see the normal BizNet navigation buttons. You may return to the previous screen to select another firm to view from your search results by clicking your browser's "Back" button at the top of the screen. You may also return to the BizNet Main Menu by clicking on the word BizNet at the top of the Profile screen.

• Can I print out the list of businesses displayed on the Search Result screen?

Yes, follow these steps to print any screen in BizNet

• Have the screen you want to print displayed on your browser in front of you.
• Click "File" on the menu at the top of your browser.
• Click "Print" and follow your printer's instructions.