§ 28-106. Certification or decertification as an SLBE.

(a) In general.

In order to apply for certification or recertification as an SLBE, an enterprise must provide the Office with:

(1) a completed certification or recertification application in the form required by the Office;

(2) all supporting documentation required by the Office; and

(3) a signed affidavit stating that it meets all of the SLBE eligibility criteria set forth in § 28-105 {"Eligibility for SLBE Program"}.

(b) Recertification.

Certified SLBEs must submit a completed recertification application to the Office every 2 years for review and continued certification.

(c) Application review.

(1) After receiving an SLBE certification or recertification application, the Office must review all enclosed forms, affidavits, and documentation to make a prima facie determination as to whether the applicant satisfies the SLBE eligibility requirements as set forth in this chapter.

(2) If, after the review required by this section, the Office finds that the applying firm satisfies the SLBE eligibility requirements as set forth in this chapter, the Office must grant the firm certified SLBE status.

(d) Ineligible applicants.

(1) If an applicant is determined to be ineligible for certification as an SLBE, the Chief must send a letter to the applicant stating the basis for the denial of eligibility.

(2) Applicants determined to be ineligible are not eligible to submit a new application until at least 1 year after the date of the notice of denial of eligibility.

(e) Joint ventures.

(1) Joint ventures must be certified on a bid-by-bid basis.

(2) A joint venture seeking certification is not itself subject to the size limitations imposed by § 28-105(a)(4) and (a)(5).

(3) Each individual business participating in the joint venture must be a certified SLBE in order for the joint venture to receive the benefits of the SLBE Program.

(f) Certification audits.

In the course of considering the certification or recertification status of any SLBE firm or joint venture, the Office must periodically conduct audits and inspect the office, job site, records, and documents of the firm, and interview the firm's employees, subcontractors, and vendors as reasonably necessary to ensure that all eligibility standards are satisfied and that the integrity of the SLBE Program is maintained.