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Application for Certification

OVERVIEW OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2003-4
An important component of the economic revitalization of Detroit is the utilization of certified Detroit Headquartered Businesses and Detroit Based Businesses in the City of Detroit’s contracting. This Executive Order (EO) took effect November 1, 2003 and directs City departments and agencies to implement specific purchasing goals for the utilization of certified Detroit Headquartered Businesses and Detroit Based Businesses. The goal of this administration is to award thirty percent (30%) of the total dollar value of City contracts to certified Detroit Headquartered Businesses and Detroit Based Businesses. The ability of individual departments to achieve this goal may vary as a function of the types of goods and services required and the availability of certified Detroit Headquartered Businesses and Detroit Based Businesses to perform any given contract. However, all departments shall make their best efforts to meet this goal. All City departments and agencies are directed to review their contracting practices and procedures for the implementation of this EO. Another goal of this EO is to encourage more certified Detroit Based Businesses to locate their headquarters within Detroit.


Application for
Certification		Application for
Re-Certification

A SINGLE APPLICATION CAN BE USED FOR ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION CATEGORIES BELOW
Business Certifications

DHB
Detroit Headquartered Business is defined as a Detroit Based Business whose headquarters is located within the City of Detroit for one (1) year prior to this application, and the headquarters is that place where the Chief Executive Officer and
highest-level managerial employees of that business have their offices and
perform their management functions.

DBB
The definition of a Detroit Based Business means a physical and economic relationship to the City, which is determined, in part, by the payment of the following for not less than one (1) taxable year immediately prior to the date of application for Detroit Based Certification: City income taxes on the business' net profits; City excise taxes; and City property taxes on a plant or office and equipment such as is ordinarily required for the performance of the contract bid upon or on other real or personal property in the City equivalent in value to such plant or office equipment. In addition, it satisfies three of eight defined criteria.

DSB
Detroit Small Business is a Detroit based business that is independently owned and operated, and not one of the dominant leaders in its field. In addition, such businesses must meet specific size requirements as defined in the Administrative Guidelines and Application.

Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise refers to firms that have at least 51% minority ownership and is controlled by minorities, or that has at least 51% female ownership and is controlled by females. The M/WBE certification process is not a City set-aside or quota program for award of City contracts to MBEs and WBEs. A business may apply for certification as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) or both.

MBE
Minority-Owned Business Enterprise means there is a 51% bona fide ownership by minorities. Other criteria include whether minorities control the business policy and business operations, and if they have been in business for at least one (1) year.

WBE
Women-Owned Business Enterprise means there is a 51% bona fide ownership by a woman/women. Other criteria include whether women control the business policy and business operations, and if they have been in business for at least one (1) year.