Confusion frequently surrounds the definition of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) as applied in state contracts versus a Section 8(a) or Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) company for purposes of contracting with the federal government.
Third Rock Consultants, LLC is 100% owned and operated by Molly Foree. As a woman-owned business, Third Rock is also eligible to participate in state disadvantaged DBE programs that provide for equal opportunity for women- and minority-owned businesses seeking contracts for state government-funded projects (49 CFR 29). Third Rock has been certified as a DBE by multiple states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio, to name just a few.
For federal contracts, Third Rock is considered a Woman-Owned Small Business, which means it is "at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, its management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women" (FAR Part 19.001) and "its annual receipts are less than $6 million" (13 CFR 121.201).
Third Rock is not certified as a Section 8(a) SDB with the federal government because the applicant must (i) either be a member of a designated ethnic group or (ii) must show "personal experience of substantial and chronic social disadvantage" (13 CFR 124.103(b)(2)(ii)).
Third Rock Maintains current DBE certification with the following agencies:
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's DBE certification committee voted to certify Third Rock at its March 2001 certification meeting. Third Rock became the only 100% woman-owned DBE in Kentucky to provide a full slate of environmental services.
Third Rock applied for and received certification from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department as a DBE in 2005. Third Rock is certified under NAICS codes 541620 (environmental consulting services) and 561410 (document preparation services).
Third Rock applied for and received certification from Louisville-Jefferson County Metro and from the Metropolitan Sewer District as a DBE in 2003. These two agencies have a reciprocal agreement regarding DBE certifcation.
Third Rock received DBE certification from the Mississippi Department of Transportation in 2003 to conduct environmental consulting services.
Third Rock received certification from the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority as a DBE in 2004.
Third Rock was certified by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) as a DBE under NAICS codes 541330 (Engineering Services) and 541520 (Environmental Consulting Services) in 2004.
Third Rock was certified as a WBE/DBE by OKI Regional Council of Governments http://www.oki.org in 2005 to perform Environmental Consulting Services. OKI is a council of local governments, business organizations, and community groups in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana committed to developing collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life and the economic vitality of the region.
Third Rock was certified as a WBE/DBE with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation http://www.dot.state.pa.us/ in 2005 to perform the following services:
Third Rock was certified in 2002 as a DBE with the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation. Third Rock is certified to perform the following services:
Third Rock was certified by West Virginia Department of Transportation as a DBE in 2002. We are available to perform the following types of work under SIC codes 541620 and 561410:
