Administered through the Office of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, the SEDBE program was established to assist underserved, underutilized, and disadvantaged businesses with gaining greater access to procurement opportunities and resources to build competitively viable and sustainable businesses in and for the City-Parish.
The Office of Supplier SEDBE was created to help mitigate the effects of past and present social and economic discrimination by increasing the utilization of certified disadvantaged business enterprises in the procurement of goods and services by the City-Parish. The office oversees certification, compliance, outreach, training, and capacity building for disadvantaged businesses in the City-Parish.
Mission Statement & Guiding PrinciplesThe Office of Supplier Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SEDBE) is dedicated to creating and implementing programs, policies, and procedures that assist historically under-served and under-utilized business enterprises in the City of Baton Rouge. Our mission focuses on providing these businesses greater access to procurement opportunities and resources, helping them build competitively viable and sustainable operations.
As a race and gender-neutral program, SEDBE aims to mitigate the effects of past and present social and economic disadvantages by increasing the participation of disadvantaged businesses in City-Parish procurement of goods and services. Our office is intentional in its approach to creating meaningful opportunities for business growth and development.
The Office of Supplier SEDBE maintains the highest standards of integrity, acting honestly and ethically in all transactions and dealings. We are dedicated to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, while thoughtfully and responsibly serving the City and citizens of Baton Rouge.
Guiding PrinciplesOur team adheres to the National Institute for Public Procurement's NIGP) and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) “Values and Guiding Principles of Public Procurement.”
- Accountability – Taking ownership and being responsible to stakeholders for our actions.
- Ethics – Acting and conducting business with honesty and integrity.
- Impartiality – Unbiased decision-making and action
- Professionalism – Upholding high standards of job performance and ethical behavior
- Service – Obligation to assist stakeholders.
- Transparency – Easily accessible and understandable policies and procedures
Disadvantaged businesses seeking assistance in East Baton Rouge must apply for this program. All applicants must be registered as a vendor with the City-Parish before applying. To register, visit the City-Parish Vendor Self-Service system.
How to get CertifiedFirst-time applicants for EBR SEDBE certification must complete and submit a certification application (document 1 below) and a personal net worth statement (document 2 below). These documents should be filled out completely. If you fail to submit a completed application, your application may be delayed and/or denied.
If you are already a certified DBE, through the State of Louisiana, you only need to complete and submit the attestation to your social and economic disadvantage (document 3 below) defining how you are socially and economically disadvantaged. You are also required to submit your current LAUCP (DBE) approval letter and certificate with your statement of social and economic disadvantage. Additional information and supporting documents may be requested after submission of these items.
Download the relevant forms linked below and email the completed forms to [email protected]
DOWNLOAD THE CITY-PARISH SEDBE ORDINANCE
APPLICATION FOR THE EBRSEDBE PROGRAMClick here: EBRSEDBE
