Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
No, there is no fee for processing your application.
Generally, four to six weeks, provided the applicant is responsive to requests from OSD. Applications may be terminated for non-responsiveness, after which a new application may be submitted.
Outside of DBE subcontracting participation goals on certain Department of Transportation contracts, where federal highway dollars are involved and where certified trades are utilized, those goals are set project by project. Delaware’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification program and opportunities are handled through the Department of Transportation (DelDOT). DBE is a different certification than the state certification of the Office of Supplier Diversity (MBE, WBE, VOBE, SDVOBE, and IWDBE), as it is used specifically for federally funded transportation projects. There is not a requirement to be certified by the Delaware Office of Supplier Diversity or the Department of Transportation to do business with the state. We have an open, equal, and inclusive procurement process and do business with the full spectrum of business including traditional, diverse, and small. The value of certification is the inclusion of your business in the OSD online Directory of Certified Businesses. This directory is used for business-to-government under-threshold, unadvertised opportunities. The directory is also used by others for business-to-business opportunities.
Yes. Both Diverse and Small Business Certifications expire at the end of three years.
No. You are strongly encouraged to visit the respective resources including but not limited to: visiting the Bid Solicitation Directory to view any advertised contracting opportunities that match your business, sign up for our free Vendor Notification Service. Once properly registered, if a bid is posted that matches your criteria, you will receive automatic electronic notification that an opportunity has been posted. use the step-by-step guide. Additionally, GSS also uses the directory of certified business to outreach for procurement opportunities.
No.
Yes. Review the application and apply for any diverse and small business certification for which you find yourself eligible. OSD may also suggest additional certification categories.
Yes. OSD provides inclusive communication with all businesses: traditional, diverse, and small, sign up to receive emails with business development opportunities and information.
No. OSD assists with certification and many Business-to-Government opportunities. However, OSD is a resource partner with other state offices and outside partners. OSD is happy to refer you to our partners so that you can work with the best partner for your business needs. Those partners include the Division of Small Business, Delaware Tourism Office, the corporate and international development team at Export Delaware, the Small Business Ombudsman within the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), and others. To reach out to other partners on your own, review our list of Resource Partners on the DSB website.
Denials will be provided in writing, inclusive of the reasons for denial. The denial letter will include the protest process details.
Step 1 - Click on the "Sign up" button.
Step 2 - Provide your company name and primary details on the registration page.
Step 3 - Complete the registration process.
Step 4 - Receive a confirmation email at the provided email address.
Step 1 - Accurately complete the application form.
Step 2 - Provide all required details and certification type (Diverse Business or Small Business Enterprise).
Step 3 - Upload necessary documents such as business certifications, ownership information, and financial statements as specified in the application guidelines.
Yes,the information will be automatically saved after filling out each section of the application.
Please see the checklists of required documents on the main page. For certification applications, you will typically need to upload the following types of documents:
• Notarized Affidavit
• Professional License/Certification
• Proof of State of Delaware Business Licensure
• Home State Certifications (for out-of-state businesses)
Yes, the system is designed to be accessible from various devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, as well as different browsers.
If you forget your password for accessing OSD Application Portal, you can typically retrieve or reset it by following these steps:
Step 1 - Look for a "Forgot Your Password" link on the login page.
Step 2 - Click on the link.
Step 3 - You may be asked to enter your email address associated with your account.
Step 4 - You will receive an email with a link to reset your password.
Step 5 - Click on the link
Step 6 - Enter email,new password,confirm password and click on reset password.
Generally, four to six weeks, provided the applicant is responsive to requests from OSD. Applications may be terminated for non-responsiveness, after which a new application may be submitted.
Yes. All certified businesses appear on the State of Delaware Directory of Certified Businesses.
You will receive a certification letter via email, once your business is certified. In addition, all certified businesses appear on the State of Delaware Directory of Certified Businesses. You can check the directory for your listing.
Step 1 - Click on applications from application list.
Step 2 - Click on view button.
Step 3 - Click download certificate.
Click on download certificate,once it is downloaded you can print your certificate.
Yes. Both Diverse and Small Business Certifications expire at the end of three years. Please notify OSD of any changes or upgrades in your business.
Complete the application and submit it to the OSD. The application must be notarized. Firms must meet all eligibility requirements to become certified.
An email will be sent to the registered email address 60 days prior to the certificate's expiration.
Yes,you can edit the details during the renewal process.