Web Policy

Website Disclaimer

The Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (“DMBE”) extends its best efforts to provide a high quality certification database and to verify that the data contained therein is accurate. DMBE makes no warranties, however, as to the accuracy, veracity or reliability of the data contained in the certification database. Users of the certification database assume the responsibility for independently verifying the accuracy of the information contained in the certification database. In addition, users assume the risk of relying on the information contained in the certification database should it prove or be found to be inaccurate or misleading. DMBE shall not be liable for direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the data, or that may result from errors or omissions in this database.

Corrections Of Inaccurate Data

DMBE has established procedures to ensure that data is as accurate and current as is practical. All requests to correct inaccurate information should be submitted to DMBE@DMBE.virginia.gov and corrections will be made in a timely manner.

Outside Links And Information

DMBE provides links to many independent web sites that are not controlled, maintained, or regulated by DMBE and therefore, DMBE is not responsible for the content of those web sites listed on DMBE’s web site. Use of information obtained from those web sites is voluntary and on behalf of the user. Only an independent review of the information contained in the web sites can verify its accuracy and DMBE has not conducted such a review. Therefore, reliance on that information is at the risk of the user. References at independent web sites to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or official sanction by DMBE.

Accessibility Policy

Through its Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is promoting a high degree of Web access for people with disabilities. In coordination with organizations around the world, WAI is pursuing Web accessibility through five primary areas of work: technology, guidelines, tools, education and outreach, and research and development. To help support the WAI, DMBE is complying with W3C guidelines for Web accessibility. In addition to ensuring that most parts of the graphic website comply, DMBE has created a "text only" version of the site that meets all CAST and W3C guide lines.

Document Accessibility Notice:
Hard copy documents are available for those unable to access or view the downloadable files on this website. Simply contact DMBE by e-mail, by FAX at 804-371-1087, or by mail at:
Virginia Minority Business Enterprise
200-202 North 9th Street, 11th floor
Richmond, VA 23219

Linking Policy

This web portal may contain hypertext links to external web sites and pages containing information created and maintained by public and private organizations other than DMBE. These hypertext links may be created by DMBE if it determines that establishing the external link will be consistent with assisting or furthering the purpose of this web portal, which is to significantly and diligently promote public service to citizens and businesses by:

• Expanding business and citizen access to government services and government information;
• Offering an easy and convenient process for these groups to conduct transactions with State government online;
• Accelerating the development and delivery of an increased volume of quality, online government services;
• Improving the level of customer service from State government;
• Extending electronic government services to citizens of cities and county government.

In addition, hypertext links may be created by DMBE for informational purposes where the linked external web site will provide useful and valuable information to visitors to this web portal, or where the linked external web site is required or authorized by law.

DMBE, in its sole discretion, will determine whether the external web site meets the purpose of this web portal or for the specified informational purposes. The inclusion of a hypertext link to an external web site is not intended as an endorsement of any product or service offered or referenced on the linked web site, the organizations sponsoring said web site, or any views that might be expressed or referenced in the web site.

Hypertext links to external web sites and pages may be removed or replaced at the sole discretion of DMBE, at any time without notice.

In the event you discover problems with or have concerns regarding the format, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of a linked external web site, please contact the organization responsible for the linked external web site -- DMBE does not control nor is it responsible for any linked external web sites, pages, or content.

Downloads and Plug-ins

DMBE provides content in several formats that require plug-ins, or separate browser components, to properly view. All required plug-ins are free to use. If your browser or assistive technology can not view the content using the plug-in, please contact Customer Service for an alternate version of the content.

The Plug-ins used are:
Adobe Reader
Microsoft Word Reader
Microsoft PowerPoint Reader
Macromedia Flash Player

Privacy Policies

Data Collection | Cookies | Live Help Privacy | Child Privacy Act | P3P | Contact Us

The following represents practices and procedures of DMBE. DMBE reserves the right to change these practices and procedures at any time without prior notice. The following is not intended and should not be interpreted as a contract of any nature, either stated or implied.
Individuals who visit DMBE are important to us. Because visitors to our Web site are important, we do not capture personal information about them without their permission. We endeavor to ensure that we collect only the minimum amount of information needed to meet the purpose for which the network was created.

DMBE may be required to collect personal information, such as a user's name and address, because of legal requirements or in order to provide customer services. In doing so we are subject to the requirements for administering information systems as established in the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, Chapter 38 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia. Pages that appear after you click on a link may be controlled by a different agency or entity, whose practices are not under DMBE's control.

We do collect personal information directly from individuals who volunteer to subscribe to one or more of DMBE’s premium services. Collecting personal information is necessary in order for DMBE to deliver the services requested.

Fostering and maintaining the public's trust is a cornerstone of DMBE. We appreciate the trust and confidence that you place in us by providing requested personal information.

Use, collection, and retention of customer information at DMBE
For each visitor, we collect information about the Internet Protocol (IP) address, type of browser used, the date and time of the visit, and the IP addresses of the locations to which the visitor linked during his or her visit to our Web site. This information is strictly used for statistical reporting purposes.

We collect, retain and use personal information about our customers, other than mentioned above, only when they volunteer to subscribe to a DMBE premium service. We only collect, retain and use personal information where we believe it is essential (and allowed by law) to administer our business and to provide products, services and other opportunities requested by our customers.

Use of "Cookies"

"Cookies" are small files either stored on a server or sent back to a visiting computer. In certain applications user information is stored as "cookies" of the type that are then sent back and stored on the user's computer. Any application or web page that uses cookies will identify itself as such. This information is handled in the same way as other user information obtained by DMBE. No user information is gathered through cookies except for that needed to run the specific application.

Restrictions on the disclosure of customer information

We do not sell or rent our subscribers’ information to any outside company or organization. We do not reveal specific information about subscribers or other personally identifiable data to unaffiliated third parties for their independent use, except if required to do so by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or other law.

Protection of information via established security procedures

We maintain security standards and procedures regarding unauthorized access to customer information to prevent unauthorized removal or alteration of data.
Maintenance of accurate information
We have established procedures to ensure that information is as accurate and current as is practical to enable us to conduct business with you. Although we strive to do things right the first time, we also respond to requests to correct inaccurate information in a timely manner.

Limiting employee access to information

Our network manager is instructed to limit employee access to personally identifiable information to only those employees who need access in order to perform their assigned duties. The network manager is instructed to enforce with its staff their responsibilities in protecting subscriber’s information.

Privacy issues relating to the Federal Child Privacy Act

The Federal Child Privacy Act regulates Web site's collection of personal information on users under 18 years of age. We do not intentionally collect such information on anyone we know to be under 18 years of age. If such information is inadvertently obtained, the minor's parent or legal guardian may contact DMBE for a description of the specific types of personal information collected from the child and the options available to them under law to ensure their child's safety.

Privacy issues relating to the Live Chat service

The Live Chat service is DMBE's live customer service application that allows visitors to talk with customer service representatives in real-time. Certain information is collected and maintained in regards to the Live Chat service. In addition to IP address, browser type, date and time of the visit, and the referring webpage, transcripts of the chats are saved for statistical, demographic, and/or customer service purposes. Some information is also collected through chat surveys on a volunteer basis.

P3P

The Platform for Privacy Preferences Project (P3P), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, is emerging as an industry standard providing a simple, automated way for users to gain more control over the use of personal information on Web sites they visit. At its most basic level, P3P is a standardized set of multiple-choice questions, covering all the major aspects of a Web site's privacy policies. Taken together, they present a clear snapshot of how a site handles personal information about its users. P3P-enabled Web sites make this information available in a standard, machine-readable format. P3P enabled browsers can "read" this snapshot automatically and compare it to the consumer's own set of privacy preferences. P3P enhances user control by putting privacy policies where users can find them, in a form users can understand, and, most importantly, enables users to act on what they see. The Virginia portal continues to be P3P compliant.

Changes

DMBE reserves the right to change this privacy policy as necessary.

Contact us

We welcome your comments and invite you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns by contacting us:dmbe@dmbe.virginia.gov

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** Please Note you will need Adobe’s Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word Reader in order to view some of the documents on this page. To view these files in another format, contact dmbe@dmbe.virginia.gov