86 ©2018 WASHINGTON DC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP DOING BUSINESS WITH THE
2. UPON AWARD OF A CONTRACT WITH THE
DISTRICT, A VENDOR MUST MEET ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH THE
DISTRICT, INCLUDING:
• Provide a federal identification number and Dun and
Bradstreet number. Additionally, OCP may request copies
of D&B reports. (800) 333-0505
• Prove tax compliance. For contracts exceeding $100,000,
vendors must show proof that their taxes are current and
that, if in arrears, an approved payment schedule exists.
(202) 727-4829 · otr.cfo.dc.gov
• Show proof of unemployment tax compliance. For
contracts exceeding $100,000, vendors must show proof
of current Unemployment Tax payments.
(202) 724-7000 · does.dc.gov
• Enter into a First Source Agreement. For contracts
exceeding $300,000, vendors must enter into a First
Source Agreement. This agreement requires the
vendor to utilize DOES as the first source for employee
recruitment, referrals, and placement in jobs created
under the proposed contract. Please review the updated
DC First Source Policy regarding social security numbers.
(202) 724-7000 · does.dc.gov
• Certify compliance with the District’s Equal
Opportunity and Human Rights obligations
• Meet minimum insurance requirements. Before
awarding a contract, OCP determines the risks and
minimum insurance required for supplies or services
contracts. (202) 727-8600
3. REGISTER TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE DISTRICT
IN ESOURCING TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF OPEN
SOLICITATIONS. VISIT BIT.LY/DCESOURCING FOR
MORE INFORMATION.
4. BECOME CERTIFIED AS A CBE-CERTIFIED
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (LOCAL BUSINESSES ONLY)
A Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) is a for-profit business
that is headquartered in the District of Columbia and has
been certified by the Department of Small and Local Business
Development (DSLBD). Businesses with CBE certification
receive preferred procurement and contracting opportunities.
The District government has enacted laws to stimulate and
foster local economic growth and develop development of
certified business enterprises (CBEs) and small business
enterprises (SBEs). With regard to District procurements
and contracts, the law identifies three requirements to
which every agency must adhere.
1. Each agency is required to procure or contract 50%
of its expendable annual budget with qualified small
business enterprises (SBEs) or, if there are not at
least 2 qualified SBEs, then with qualified certified
business enterprises (CBEs).
2. Contracts of $250,000 or less must be set aside to
qualified SBEs or, if there are not at least 2 qualified
SBEs, to qualified CBEs.
3. All contracts greater than $250,000 shall include a
requirement that 35% of the total dollar amount of the
contract be subcontracted to qualified SBEs or, if there
are insufficient qualified SBEs, to qualified CBEs.
CBE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The CBE certification process can take up to 45 business
days once you submit the application. DSLBD does not
expedite applications. If you are completing a Certification
application and you have never been certified or your CBE
expiration date has lapsed for more than a year, you must
take the mandatory CBE Program webinar.
Businesses may be certified in any of the certification
categories listed below; however, only a maximum of 12
points can be applied toward any contract award.
Businesses that are
CBE-certified prior to
March 11, 2015 are
certified for two years.
CBE certifications issued
after March 11, 2015 are
good for three years.
LOCAL & FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
/otr.cfo.dc.gov
/does.dc.gov
/does.dc.gov