A disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) means a for-profit small business concern —

1. That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and
2. Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

The primary remedial goal and objective of the DBE program is to level the playing field by providing DBEs a fair opportunity to compete for federally-funded transportation contracts.

ODOT's DBE Goals

• 15.7% of federally-funded highway construction and design contracts (e.g. major highway reconstruction, geotechnical design, environmental consulting) in Federal Fiscal Years 23, 24 and 25.
• 7.87% of federally-funded transit contracts in Federal Fiscal Years 20, 21 and 22.