Frequently Asked Questions Business Certification Using Printable Forms – Frequently Asked Questions (Cont.) Q: What is the purpose of on-site inspections? On-site inspections provide certification specialists an opportunity to confirm the applicant's business type (by NIGP codes), actual business site(s), principal office location, management control and capacity for doing business in the District. Q: I am trying to get a contract now. Can my LSDBE certification be post dated or dated retroactively to my bid submission date? No. All LSDBE certification packages are reviewed once per month by LBOC. A certification package's effective date is based on that meeting and determination. Q: Where do I obtain an application? You can download and print an LSDBE Application here*, or call (202) 727-3900 to request a fax. Applications are also available at 441 4th Street, NW, Suite 970, Washington, DC 20001. Q: Can I speak to a representative before I submit my application? Yes, the office welcomes your inquiries. However, you may prefer to participate in an orientation meeting. If so, please call (202) 727-3900 for more information. Q: Once certified, how will I get notice of contracting and procurement opportunities? All LSDBE certified firms are placed in the DC Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) vendor file database and in the LBOC LSDBE directory. Your company is matched to procurement and contracting opportunities based on NIGP codes. If a match is confirmed, you will be notified by OCP. Q: Aside from NIGP matching, how else can I increase my opportunities with the District? You must market your company to the DC Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP), understand what new projects and/or bidding opportunities are to arise, and submit responses as required. We encourage you to visit the District of Columbia, OCP Supply Schedule web site at www.ocp.dcgov.org. Q: Who issues contracts for the District government? Buyers for the District are centrally located in the Office of Contracts and Procurement located at 441 4thStreet, NW, Suite 800 South, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 727-0252. The District government has contracting offices that purchase for the agencies. Q: I already search for federal contracts and procurement opportunities through the Commerce Business Daily. Aren't the District's bidding opportunities listed there? No. The District of Columbia government is independent from the federal government. Q: I have just started a business. Can I participate in the LSDBE program? Yes. However, the LSDBE Certification Program requires detailed investigation of capacity to perform and proof of direct experience to compete. As a start-up business, your application must include detailed information about your experience, management capability, staff, capital injection, equipment to perform, licenses, leases, financial operations, business plan, etc. Q: What types of business structures does the LSDBE Program certify? The LSDBE program certifies c-corporations, s-corporations, limited liability corporations, partnerships, sole-proprietorships, and joint ventures Q: I'm thinking of a joint venture with another firm. Do we both need LSDBE certification? No. Although it is highly encouraged to have all firms LSDBE certified, a joint venture may have only one certified company, if the primary business owns (controls) and operates over 51% of the business interest. All joint ventures are subject to review and final approval by the LBOC. Please call for further information. Please Note: This Frequently Asked Questions page is designed to assist the applicant by listing some of the most commonly addressed issues. This page is not intended, by accident or otherwise, to supersede any viable and/or current legislation authorized by the District of Columbia City Council. All applicants are advised to attend the Department of Human Rights and Local Business Development Orientation Session for LSDBE program participation requirements and further application information. *This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). A PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF Reader or Learn More About PDFs.