Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about using DBE Source.
About Our Data
Where does DBE Source get its certification data?
Our certification data is verified from publicly available government databases, including state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and other certifying agencies across all 50 US states.
How often is the data updated?
We update our certification database approximately every 3 months. Each update cycle involves re-importing data from all of our source agencies to ensure company information, certification statuses, and NAICS codes are current.
How many companies are in the directory?
DBE Source currently includes over 130,000 certified companies with nearly 280,000 certifications across DBE, SBA, WBE, and other certification types.
What types of certifications are included?
We include DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise), SBA (Small Business Administration 8(a), HUBZone, etc.), WBE (Women's Business Enterprise), MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), ACDBE, and other state and federal certification programs.
Searching for Companies
How do I search for certified companies?
Use the Search page to find companies by keyword, state, city, certification type, NAICS code, or certifying agency. You can combine multiple filters to narrow your results. Filters can be used in AND or OR mode depending on your needs.
What are NAICS codes and how do I use them?
NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes categorize businesses by industry. If you know the NAICS code required for your project, you can filter companies directly by code. You can also search by description — for example, typing "concrete" will show relevant NAICS codes to select from.
Can I save my search results?
Yes. You can save individual companies to your Favorites and organize them into custom lists. Every search you run is also automatically logged so you can reference your outreach history.
How do I find companies for a specific project?
Use the Projects feature to create a project with your bid details and required NAICS codes. You can then add companies from your Favorites or saved lists directly into the project, track solicitation efforts, and calculate DBE participation percentages.
Using Website Features
What are Projects used for?
Projects let you organize companies for a specific bid or contract. You can set the project bid amount, required NAICS codes, and bid date. As you add companies and assign their certification types and proposed contract amounts, DBE Source automatically calculates your DBE participation percentage.
How do Favorites and Lists work?
When you find a company you're interested in, click the heart icon to add it to your Favorites. You can then organize favorites into custom lists — for example, by trade, region, or project. Lists help you quickly pull companies into projects later.
Can I message companies directly?
Yes. If a company owner has claimed their listing on DBE Source, you can send them a direct message through the platform. This is a great way to initiate contact for solicitation purposes.
What is the Forum for?
The Community Forum is a place to discuss DBE certification, contracting opportunities, and industry topics. There are boards for general discussion, national topics, and every US state so you can connect with others in your region.
How do I claim my company listing?
If your company is in our directory, navigate to your company's profile page and click "Claim This Company." If your email domain matches the company's listed email, the claim is approved automatically. Otherwise, it goes through a manual review process.
Verification & Due Diligence
Should I rely solely on DBE Source to verify a company's certification?
No. While we strive to keep our data accurate and up-to-date, certifications can expire, be revoked, or change between our update cycles. You should always perform your own due diligence before entering into a contract. Ask the company to provide a current copy of their certification letter or certificate, and verify it with the issuing agency if needed.
Can a company's certification expire between updates?
Yes. Since we update approximately every 3 months, a company's certification status may change between updates. Always confirm that a company holds a valid, current certification before relying on it for contract compliance.
How do I verify a certification with the issuing agency?
Each certification is listed with its certifying agency and state. You can visit the certifying agency's website directly to look up the company's current status. Our Resources page has links to all 50 state DOT websites for your convenience.
Are company reviews on DBE Source verified?
Reviews are submitted by registered users of the platform. While we require users to be logged in to leave a review, we do not independently verify the content of reviews. Use reviews as one data point among many when evaluating a potential subcontractor.
Account & Billing
What subscription plans are available?
We offer monthly, annual, and lifetime subscription plans. All plans include full access to search, favorites, projects, messaging, and the community forum. Visit our Pricing page for current plan details.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. New accounts receive a free trial period so you can explore the platform and its features before committing to a subscription.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can manage your subscription from the Dashboard under Settings. Click "Manage Billing" to access the billing portal where you can update your payment method, change plans, or cancel.