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Certification Process

A collaborative effort between the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) provides a joint process for minority certification. Companies desiring to certify as a “minority business enterprise” or a “minority subcontractor” may do so by submitting an application to the GDOT.  The GDOT Certification Application captures the required data used by DOAS. This eliminates duplication of effort for vendors and provides greater exposure of certified minority companies to state and local procurement officials and prime companies.

All minority-owned businesses are strongly encouraged to certify via GDOT’s Certification not only because it minimizes the duplication of effort in registration, but also vendors will be listed on both GDOT’s list of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and DOAS’ list of certified minority businesses.  This provides 1) greater exposure to larger companies (thereby increasing subcontracting opportunities) and 2) greater exposure to government procurement staff (thereby increasing opportunities to sell directly to government). Moreover, because GDOT receives federal funding for contracts, vendors can participate in GDOT’s federal programs intended to increase participation of small, minority, and women-owned business. A complete list of registered vendors is available from the Vendor Registration System link (below.) Simply click on the link, locate the category for Agencies, and use the search feature to locate the registered vendors.

Upon certification with the Georgia Department of Transportation, DOAS Vendor Relations will confirm the vendor’s status.  Depending on the vendor’s business structure (corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship) a few additional documents may be required to finalize the certification with DOAS.  In such cases, DOAS Vendor Relations will notify applicants of what additional materials are required. Certifications are valid for up to three years pending reconfirmation annually.

The GDOT “Certification Application” is available below or you can obtain one from the Georgia Department of Transportation, #2 Capitol Square, S.W., Room 142, Atlanta, Georgia. For directions to GDOT, you may call 404-656-5323.

GDOT Certification Application
Complete this application to get certified as a Minority business enterprise or a minority subcontractor. (Portable Document Format, 482KB.)

MBE & Minority Subcontractor Certification Process Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions about the State of Georgia Minority Business & Minority Subcontractor Certification Process.

Vendor Registration System (Current)
At this Website, vendors can register to do business with the state of Georgia and maintain your company's user information. Agencies can search for registered vendors in their geographic area. (Web site)