Industry Guide

Construction & Trades Supplier Diversity Guide

The construction industry offers massive opportunities for certified diverse contractors. From federal infrastructure projects to Fortune 500 corporate construction programs, certification opens doors to contracts you cannot access otherwise.

$45B+ in federal construction contracts to diverse firms annually
Find Your Certifications

Why Certification Matters for Construction & Trades Businesses

Construction is one of the most certification-driven industries. Here's why it matters:

Federal Requirements: The Department of Transportation requires state DOTs to award a percentage of federally-funded contracts to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). This creates billions in set-aside opportunities annually.

Tier 1 Subcontracting: Major general contractors like Turner, Skanska, and Gilbane have aggressive diversity goals. They actively seek certified diverse subcontractors to meet their contractual obligations on large projects.

Bonding Advantages: Many certification programs offer bonding assistance and surety support, helping smaller contractors qualify for larger projects.

State and Local Set-Asides: Most states have MBE/WBE goals for public construction projects, creating additional opportunities beyond federal contracts.

The construction industry awarded over $45 billion to diverse contractors in the last fiscal year, making it one of the largest opportunity areas for certified diverse businesses.

Best Certifications for Construction & Trades

8(a) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

8(a) Business Development

Business development program for small disadvantaged businesses.

Cost: Free Timeline: 90-180 days
Learn more →
DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

For small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Cost: Free Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →
HUBZone SBE

HUBZone Business

For small businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones.

Cost: Free Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →
MBE Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)

Minority Business Enterprise

For businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by one or more minority group members.

Cost: $350 - $1,500 Timeline: 60-90 days
Learn more →

Where to Find Opportunities

Government Path

Federal Opportunities

The federal government is the largest buyer of construction services. Key agencies include:

  • Department of Transportation (DOT): Manages the DBE program for highway, transit, and airport construction
  • Army Corps of Engineers: Billions in civil works, military construction
  • General Services Administration (GSA): Federal building construction and renovation
  • Department of Defense: Military base construction worldwide

How to Access: Register in SAM.gov, get your NAICS codes certified, and monitor opportunities on SAM.gov and agency-specific portals.

State and Local

Every state has a transportation department with DBE requirements. Many also have state-funded MBE/WBE programs for building construction and public works.

Top Federal Agencies

  • Department of Transportation $15B+
  • Army Corps of Engineers $8B+
  • General Services Administration $5B+
  • Department of Defense $12B+

Corporate Path

Tier 1 General Contractors

Large GCs have supplier diversity programs and subcontracting goals:

  • Turner Construction: Industry-leading diversity program
  • Skanska USA: Strong DBE/MBE utilization goals
  • Gilbane Building Company: Active diverse subcontractor outreach
  • Hensel Phelps: Established diversity partnerships

Corporate Real Estate

Major corporations building facilities need diverse contractors:

  • Tech companies (data centers, campuses)
  • Healthcare systems (hospital construction)
  • Retail chains (store buildouts)

How to Connect: Register in their supplier portals, attend industry matchmaking events, and respond to RFIs for upcoming projects.

Top Corporate Buyers

Construction & Trades Companies with Supplier Diversity Programs

Jacobs Substantial investment in diverse firms Fluor Corporation Significant annual diverse spend AECOM Over $1 billion with diverse suppliers U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Manages $150B+ in small business contracts Parsons Corporation Growing diverse supplier investment KBR Active diverse supplier engagement U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) $80+ billion to small businesses U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) $5+ billion to veteran-owned businesses
View all 23 programs →

What Construction & Trades Buyers Look For

What Construction Buyers Look For

Beyond certification, buyers evaluate:

Bonding Capacity: Can you bond the project size? Many programs offer bonding assistance, but you need a track record.

Insurance: General liability, workers comp, auto, umbrella - minimums vary by project size.

Safety Record: EMR (Experience Modification Rate) below 1.0 is typically required. OSHA compliance is mandatory.

Equipment: Do you own or have access to necessary equipment?

Workforce: Licensed tradespeople, union status (for some projects), local hire compliance.

Past Performance: Similar project experience, references from previous clients.

Financial Capacity: Working capital to cover payroll and materials before payment.

Getting Started: Your 90-Day Plan

Your 90-Day Plan

Days 1-30: Foundation

  • Register your business in SAM.gov
  • Identify your primary NAICS codes (23xxxx for construction)
  • Gather ownership and financial documentation
  • Research which certifications match your ownership

Days 31-60: Apply

  • Apply for DBE certification through your state DOT (if eligible)
  • Apply for 8(a) if you're socially and economically disadvantaged
  • Apply for NMSDC/WBENC for corporate opportunities
  • Get your capability statement ready

Days 61-90: Position

  • Register in Tier 1 GC supplier portals
  • Set up saved searches on SAM.gov
  • Attend a PTAC counseling session
  • Join your local construction trade association

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't wait for certification to start building relationships
  • Don't bid on projects too large for your capacity
  • Don't neglect bonding relationships
  • Don't ignore safety program development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DBE certification and who qualifies?

DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification is for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, own at least 51% of the business, have a personal net worth under $1.32 million (excluding your home and business), and your business must meet SBA size standards. DBE is administered by state DOTs and is required for federally-funded transportation projects.

How long does it take to get certified as a diverse contractor?

Timeline varies by certification: DBE typically takes 60-90 days through your state DOT. 8(a) certification takes 90-180 days through the SBA. NMSDC (MBE) certification takes 45-90 days. State MBE/WBE programs vary from 30-90 days. Start early and have all documentation ready to speed the process.

Do I need bonding to get construction contracts?

Most government construction contracts require bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds. Bond amounts depend on project size. If you cannot get traditional bonding, look into SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee Program or state bonding assistance programs often available to certified DBE/MBE firms.

Can I get certified if I'm a subcontractor, not a general contractor?

Yes, most diverse subcontractors are specialty trade contractors (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, etc.). Certification opens doors to subcontracting opportunities with Tier 1 GCs who have diversity goals, and some direct contract opportunities for your specialty.

What's the difference between federal and corporate construction opportunities?

Federal opportunities require SAM.gov registration and specific certifications (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB). Corporate opportunities through Tier 1 GCs typically require NMSDC (MBE) or WBENC (WBE) certification. Many contractors pursue both paths to maximize opportunities.

Ready to Get Started?

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