DBE

DBE is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts in different fields. Two of the most common are Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in the United States transportation procurement and double bond equivalents in chemistry. The meaning of DBE is usually clarified by context.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise refers to a business certified as owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, with eligibility extending to minority groups and women under the program. In the United States, DBE certification supports participation of such firms in U.S. Department of Transportation-funded highway, transit, and other DOT-assisted projects. Certification processes vary by state and may require documentation of ownership, control, and independence from other firms; net worth limits and business size rules may apply. DBE programs are administered under federal rules (49 CFR Part 26) and overseen by state transportation agencies in cooperation with the DOT. Participation goals, bid evaluations, and subcontracting opportunities are structured to foster access to contracting opportunities, though certification does not guarantee work.

Double bond equivalents, or DBE, is a chemistry-related term that measures the degree of unsaturation in a molecule. It counts the number of rings and pi bonds and can help infer molecular structure. A common formula is DBE = C − H/2 + N/2 + 1, with adjustments for halogens. For example, benzene C6H6 has DBE = 4 (one ring and three double bonds).

Other uses exist for the acronym in different fields, and the intended meaning depends on the context.