CBE Business Center
Benefits of Certification—Preference Points
CBE Certification allows businesses to participate in the District's "Sheltered Market" contracting program. Thirty-five to 50 percent of the program's preferences and set-asides involve CBEs. Based on a point system, CBEs can receive from 2 to 12 preference points (maximum) on Requests for Proposals and 2 to 12 percent reduction (maximum) on a bid response.
If you are classified as one of the following District-based businesses, your may receive the indicated preference points when DC considers your contract proposal or bid:
LBE (Local Business Enterprise) : 2 points
SBE (Small Business Enterprise): 3 points
DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) : 2 points
DZE (Development Enterprise Zone) : 2 points
ROB (Resident Owned Business) : 5 points
LRB (Longtime Resident Business) : 10 points
