Want to Do Business With DC Government? CBE Certification Could Open the Door
For DC-based small and local businesses interested in doing business with the District government, becoming a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) could open the door to new contracting opportunities.
The District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) administers the CBE program, which provides certified businesses with preference in eligible DC government procurement opportunities. The goal is to help local businesses compete for more of the goods and services purchased by District agencies.
Who Can Become a CBE?
Businesses must meet a number of requirements to qualify for CBE certification, including maintaining their principal office physically within the District.
Businesses must also meet certain ownership and operational requirements. Generally, a qualifying business must be independently owned and operated; majority owned, operated and controlled by a District-based enterprise or nonprofit; or meet specified District-resident ownership requirements.
The company's CEO and highest-level managers must perform their managerial duties from the DC principal office.
Businesses must also satisfy at least one of several local economic criteria, including having more than 50% of employees residing in DC, more than 50% ownership by DC residents, more than 50% of business assets located in the District, excluding bank accounts, or more than 50% of gross receipts coming from the District.
For businesses qualifying based on gross receipts, current-year business taxes filed with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue are used to determine eligibility.
Not Sure If Your Business Qualifies?
DSLBD offers a CBE Wizard that can help business owners determine whether they appear to meet the program's local requirements. The tool also generates a list of documents that may be needed as part of the application.
Business owners who want a little more hands-on help can also take advantage of DSLBD's CBE one-on-one counseling sessions. Sessions are offered on the second and fourth Thursday of each month and can help prospective applicants better understand the certification and application process.