Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Under EPA Assistance Agreements (DBE Program)
In the 1980s, EPA started the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. The current efforts in 2023 is to eliminate discrimination, promote diversity, and advance equity across EPA financial assistance agreements; strengthen our ability to create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. However, the objectives of the overall program remain unchanged.
Objectives
The objectives of EPA’s DBE program are:
- advance equity and to ensure nondiscrimination in the award of contracts under EPA financial assistance agreements;
- to operate harmoniously with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, 515 U.S. 200 (1995);
- to help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in the award of contracts under EPA financial assistance agreements; and
- to provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of EPA financial assistance in establishing and providing contracting opportunities for DBEs.
Available Training
- Accurately Completing EPA Form 5700-52A (MBE/WBE Utilization Report Form) and Other Collateral Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Requirements: This optional online training course is designed to introduce EPA grant applicants and recipients to key aspects of the DBE Program, including if, when, and how to complete and submit EPA Form 5700-52A.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Information
For more information on the EPA DBE Program, please see the following links: