1. How do I know which tier my business is in? 
Tier placement is based on your business’s average annual gross receipts over the most recent three years, including those of any affiliates. FDOT reviews your financial information and assigns the correct tier.

2. Will existing SBEs have to re-apply for the program? 
 No. Existing SBE will receive a revised certification notifying them of their tier based on their last application.  

3. Will the self-certification process remain an option for small business?
 Yes. 

4. How long does my small business certification last? 
 Certification must be renewed annually. Reminders are emailed 30 days prior to expiration to the email address on file. 

5. If I receive a multiyear contract as a small business and later no longer qualify as a small business, do I have to stop working on the contract? 
No. You do not have to stop working on a contract that has already been awarded. Firms that no longer qualify as a small business after contract award may continue performing and completing previously awarded contracts. 

6. Can small business primes subcontract with larger businesses? 
Yes. If specified in the advertisement, small businesses may subcontract up to 50% of the total contract value to non-small business firms providing professional services. 

7.  Where can the current statewide average overhead rate for Professional Services be found? 
It is published on the following site: News and Updates. 

8. How and when does an eligible firm elect to use the statewide average rate instead of its audited overhead rate? 
SBEs will be allowed to make the selection on a contract-by-contract basis for any contracts selected on or after September 1, 2026. 

9. If a firm is an SBE, do they still need to submit an audit package every year before June 30th? 
Prequalification requirements are unchanged. 

10. If an SBE elects the Department's statewide average for overhead and applies the Business Growth Adjustment Factor (BGAF), is that firm still required to submit its annual overhead audit for prequalification? 
Yes. The pre-qualification process is outlined in Chapter 14-75, F.A.C.

11. How does this affect the prequalification process related to overhead audits?
Firms seeking prequalification are still required to follow the requirements of Chapter 14-75, F.A.C. 

12. When are statewide average overhead rates reviewed and updated?
Statewide averages are reviewed on an annual basis around the close of the fiscal year (June 30). 

13. Will there be contract specific work group limitations for the percentages or can the percentages be attained across all work groups? 
No. Tiers and limitations will not be applied to work groups or work types. 

14. For Tier 1 SBE, if the firm chooses the statewide average rate instead of the audited rate, will the firm still be eligible to pursue contracts over $500,000? Yes. For SBE-designated contracts, there is no contract value limitation associated with the use of the statewide average overhead rate. 

15. Why are the SBE tiers based on gross receipts instead of net receipts?
Section 337.027, F.S., has designated that small business thresholds are determined based on gross receipts. 

16. How will SBE utilization be tracked/monitored? 
The Department has set aspirational goals for prime and sub utilization. Utilization will be monitored through subconsultant reported commitments and payments.  

17. Will the advertisements designate projects as set asides for the different tiers? 
Yes. The tier designation and eligibility will be detailed through standard note 7 of the Professional Services advertisement. 

18. Will these policy changes be applied to Design-Build projects?
Future consideration for Design-Build recommendations related to the Small Business Growth Program will be determined at a later date. 

19. Will the policies be evaluated after implementation?
The Department is committed to the success of small businesses and will continue to evaluate and adjust the program as needed to ensure it achieves its intended goals and provides meaningful opportunities for small business growth.