DBE Program FAQ  What does Certification mean? Certification is the process by which the Massachusetts State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (“SOMWBA”), or other entities authorized to certify DBEs reviews and investigates applicants who seek to participate in business opportunities to determine that they meet the requirements of federal statutes and regulations.  What is a DBE (“Disadvantaged Business Enterprise”)? A DBE is a for profit small business owned and controlled by minorities, women or other socially and economically disadvantaged persons, as defined by 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26, (“49 CFR, Part 26”). If your firm is Not Certified as a DBE, and you wish to qualify for DBE status, please contact the Massachusetts SOMWBA or your state equivalent, at the address below, to request information on the DBE certification process.  SOMWBA Massachusetts State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3740 Boston, MA 02116 Phone: (617) 973 – 8692, Fax: (627) 973 – 8637 Web Address: www.SOMWBA.State.ma.us What are the benefits to MBCR? MBCR is committed to diversity and to our corporate responsibility to the communities we serve.  This is demonstrated in our DBE Program wherein we purchase goods and services from disadvantaged business enterprises, thus, creating diversity in our supplier base and business relationships.  What does the term tier-two supplier mean? The term “tier-two” or “second-tier” supplier refers to DBE certified suppliers who supply MBCR with products or services through another supplier, often referred to as the first-tier or prime. MBCR supports diversity in all avenues of our business, and encourages all “first-tier” suppliers to support diversity through the use of DBE certified businesses when providing goods  and services. Inclusion is an important thread in MBCR’s diversity initiative and DBE Program.  We at MBCR endeavor to pursue inclusion of DBEs in our sourcing processes, in the different categories.  Moreover, MBCR commits working with our Prime or Tier 1 suppliers, when possible, to create opportunities for qualified DBEs as tier two suppliers.   Does MBCR guarantee contracts for DBE suppliers? MBCR does not guarantee contracts.  MBCR is committed to providing opportunities for DBE participation in our purchasing process.       MBCR’s DBE Program Information Should you have questions about certification, you may contact the Massachusetts State Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance (SOMWBA) at Phone: (617) 973 – 8692, Fax: (627) 973 – 8637 or Email: www.SOMWBA.State.ma.us or any of the authorized certifying agencies. If you have specific procurement or contract questions, you may contact MBCR’s Material Control & Purchasing Department: Manager Material Control & Purchasing Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility 70 Third Avenue Somerville, MA 02143 (617) 222 – 6388 (617) 222 – 6358, or Email: purchasing@mbcr.net. If your firm is certified and you provide any of the category of goods and services frequently acquired by MBCR, you may wish to register your business on MBCR’s DBE Vendor Connection Registration Form, or if your company is a MBE or WBE, and is now a certified DBE vendor and you wish to make updates to your company’s profile, please  Click Here