LGBTBE Certification for Construction & Trades Companies

For businesses that are at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals.

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.

Must be at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

LGBTBE eligibility requires LGBT-identifying ownership plus genuine operational control. NGLCC's review process is modeled on the NMSDC and WBENC frameworks; ownership on paper without real management authority will not pass.

LGBT ownership

• At least 51% owned by one or more individuals who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
• Ownership must be unconditional and not subject to override provisions that effectively give control to a non-LGBT owner
• Ownership interest must be real and continuous, not a nominal or temporary transfer created to qualify
• Owners must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents

Control: management and operations

• LGBT owner(s) must hold the highest officer position (President, CEO, or Managing Member)
• LGBT owner(s) must control day-to-day business operations
• LGBT owner(s) must make long-term strategic decisions including hiring, major expenditures, and client contracts
• Management authority cannot be effectively delegated to non-LGBT individuals through employment agreements or informal arrangements

Business requirements

• For-profit enterprise operating in the U.S.
• Independently operated, not a subsidiary or affiliate where a non-LGBT parent entity exercises control
• Demonstrated business activity: real clients, contracts, or revenue
• No specific years-in-business minimum, though very new businesses may be asked for additional evidence of operations

Step 1: Check the chamber-membership waiver before you start NGLCC's certification fee is $899, with a $499 recertification fee. Both are waived if you hold current membership in your local affiliate chamber of commerce, so confirm that status first. Verify the current fee schedule at nglcc.org before applying.

Step 2: Gather documents before opening the application Collect everything before you start: articles of incorporation or organization, operating agreement or bylaws showing the LGBT owner's percentage and management authority, stock certificates or membership ledger, government-issued photo ID for the LGBT owner(s), three years of business tax returns (or all available years for newer businesses), a current profit & loss statement and balance sheet, business license, and a representative sample of signed contracts or purchase orders. Having documents ready prevents mid-session interruptions.

Step 3: Create your NGLCC account and complete the application at nglcc.org Register at nglcc.org/get-certified and work through the full application. The application covers ownership structure, management authority, financial overview, and business capabilities. Answer precisely and consistently; reviewers compare your answers directly against your supporting documents.

Step 4: Upload your document package Upload all documents gathered in Step 2. Label files clearly (e.g., "OperatingAgreement_2024.pdf" rather than "document1.pdf"). Mislabeled or incomplete uploads are the most common reason NGLCC staff issue follow-up requests that delay processing.

Step 5: LGBT identity declaration You self-certify your LGBT identity. NGLCC does not require third-party documentation of sexual orientation or gender identity. Your declaration is treated as confidential.

Step 6: NGLCC review and verification NGLCC staff reviews the application and supporting documents. For some applicants, this includes a phone interview or a virtual site visit to verify that business operations match the application and that the LGBT owner exercises genuine control. Respond promptly to any scheduling requests.

Step 7: Certification decision NGLCC targets 30-60 days for a certification decision on a complete application. Complex ownership structures or high application volume can extend this. Once certified, you're listed in the NGLCC supplier database and can begin using the LGBTBE mark.

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.