Overview
A Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) is typically a small and/or local business, or a historically underrepresented business, headquartered in the District that has been certified by the Department of Small and Local Business Development. There are a number of factors that contribute to whether a company can become a CBE, but CBEs receive preference in procurement opportunities and, in general, the program helps position businesses to better compete in District Government contracting opportunities.

Supporting the development of CBEs in the District is a top strategic priority for the DCPSC. The Commission is taking deliberate steps to engage stakeholders to become a CBE and participate in bidding for professional services, especially in the areas of professional engineering, accounting, economics, law, and marketing/communications. Our goal is to achieve or exceed providing 35% of the Commission’s total procurement contract dollars to CBEs.

The DCPSC has also set a requirement for CBE participation in any procurement of $100,000 or more for professional services. Staff work to coordinate and participate in outreach efforts that publicize the DCPSC’s procurement opportunities as well as establish strategic partnerships to help advance CBE participation in procurement.

Become a CBE
Is your company or organization looking to make #BossMoves? At the DCPSC, that would be “Business Opportunities for Suppliers and Services.” Use the links below to register to attend the upcoming Certified Business Enterprise Webinar Series to learn how to become a CBE, to better understand the bidding process and available procurements, and to network with other vendors and Commission staff.

These livestreamed webinars are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Interested individuals can register for any or all of the individual webinars. Current CBEs and other businesses are encouraged to attend.

Join this session to learn about innovative projects and future procurement opportunities at the DCPSC. The webinar will detail the Commission’s mission, upcoming projects, potential procurement opportunities as well as explain the Commission’s procurement process.

Join this session to learn how to become a CBE in the District. Representatives from the DCPSC, the Department of Small and Local Business Development and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Business Resource Center will highlight the District’s CBE program and certification process as well as explain how to find business opportunities. The webinar will detail the process of business registration and professional licensing in addition to linking small businesses with technical assistance and other resources.

Virtual networking event:
Expanding your business

Wednesday, June 2, 2021
10-11 a.m. EDT
Join this session to expand your network by introducing your business to other industry professionals. This unique networking event is designed to expand the benefit of the District’s CBE program by connecting CBEs and non-CBEs to potentially partner on future procurements. Learn more about how the DCPSC manages the agency/vendor relationship and hear testimonials from businesses that have worked or are currently working with the Commission.

Questions or concerns regarding webinar registration? Please email cbeinquiries@psc.dc.gov.