The U.S. Department of Transportation has created a Unified Certification Program (UCP) for certifying small, socially and economically disadvanteged businesses (hereinafter referred to as 'DBE' firms).  By receiving LUCP certification, your firm will automatically be certified with over 45 state municipalities and agencies. A complete list appears in the Louisiana Uniform Certification Program, Plan and Process Description.

Primarily three major DOT Operating Administrations (OAs) are involved in the DBE program. They are the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The DOT DBE program is carried out by state and local transportation agencies under the rules and guidelines in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Among other things, DOT DBE regulations require recipients of DOT Federal financial assistance, namely, state and local transportation agencies, to establish goals for the participation of disadvantaged entrepreneurs and certify the eligibility of DBE firms to participate in their DOT-assisted contracts.

In order for small disadvantaged firms, including those owned by minorities and women, to participate in the DOT-assisted contracts of State and local transportation agencies they must apply for and receive certification as a DBE.

To be certified as a DBE, a firm must be a small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Recipients get information about firms through on-site visits, personal interviews, reviews of licenses, stock ownership, equipment, bonding capacity, work completed, resume of principal owners, financial capacity, and type of work preferred.

Louisiana Unified Certification Application (Orleans Levee Board)

Louisiana Unified Certification Supporting Documentation Checklist

Supporting Documentation Separator (TAB) Pages

Louisiana Unified Ceritification Plan and Process

Louisiana Unified Certification Program Agreement

Sample Completed Louisiana Unified Certification Application

Additional forms, the current listing of certified vendors, and other information available at:

Orleans Levee District Compliance Office Contacts:
Main: (504) 286-3100 x1008

Nina Hebert - Marchand
Compliance Director

Joan Coats
Administrative Program Specialist A

"Business Opportunities With The Orleans Levee District"