Why SBE Certification Matters for Construction & Trades Companies
For small businesses meeting SBA size standards.
SBE is issued by state and local agencies, and what it qualifies you for varies by agency. For a construction & trades business, check which public buyers in your state recognize it before you apply.
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.
SBE Eligibility Requirements
Must meet SBA size standards for your industry (based on employees or revenue).
To qualify as a small business:
Size Standards:
- Must meet SBA size standards for your primary NAICS code
- Size standards vary by industry
- Based on annual revenue or number of employees depending on industry
- Example: Most professional services = $16.5M - $41.5M annual revenue
- Example: Most manufacturing = 500-1500 employees
Ownership:
- No specific ownership requirements for basic SB status
- Just need to meet size standards
Location:
- Must be a U.S. business
How to Apply for SBE as a Construction & Trades Business
Step 1: Get Your UEI SAM.gov will assign you a Unique Entity ID when you register.
Step 2: Register in SAM.gov Complete your SAM.gov registration (required for all federal contracting).
Step 3: Self-Certify Size In SAM.gov, self-certify your small business status under your NAICS codes.
Step 4: Maintain Registration SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually.
No Application Fee SAM.gov registration is completely free.
Construction & Trades Corporate Programs Accepting SBE
These companies have construction & trades supplier diversity programs that accept SBE certification:
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm with significant government contracts in transportation, facilities, environmental, and construction management. Their supplier diversity program is recognized as …
View program details →Chevron Corporation
Chevron values supplier diversity as essential to our business success. We seek partnerships with certified diverse businesses across our operations.
View program details →Fluor Corporation
Fluor is one of the world's largest engineering, procurement, and construction companies with major government contracts in energy, infrastructure, and defense sectors. Their supplier diversity …
View program details →Jacobs
Jacobs is a global leader in engineering, technical, and construction services with significant government contracts in infrastructure, environmental, and defense sectors. Their supplier diversity program …
View program details →KBR
KBR delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. With major contracts in defense logistics, government services, and technology, they …
View program details →Parsons Corporation
Parsons is a technology-driven engineering and construction firm with significant government contracts in defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure. Their small business program focuses on developing …
View program details →Need help getting SBE certified?
CertifyAll prepares your application with you: we check the basic requirements, build your document list and draft the answers, then walk you through filing from your own account. You sign and submit. SBA certifications are free to file, and APEX Accelerators help for free.
Ask about CertifyAllNot sure which certifications to look at?
The 2-minute quiz lists the certifications worth checking for your construction & trades business. Only the certifying agency decides eligibility.
Take the certification quizGovernment Construction & Trades Opportunities
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.