The national DBE/ACDBE certification program is undergoing significant change. As of October 3, 2025, all DBEs will become EFFECTIVELY decertified and will need to requalify in order to retain their certification. Here are some details.
U.S. DOT Interim Final Rule – Immediate Changes to DBE/ACDBE Certification
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an interim final rule that immediately changes how all Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) certifications are evaluated. The rule is effective October 3, 2025.
What’s Changing?
As of October 3, all DBE and ACDBE firms are effectively decertified.
The prior race- and gender-based presumptions of disadvantage are no longer in place. In other words, race and/or gender no longer automatically count as proof of disadvantage.
To remain in the program, every certified owner must submit a Personal Narrative and current Personal Net Worth statement.
The Personal Narrative should describe real barriers you’ve faced (e.g., lack of access to financing, business opportunities, or systemic hurdles) and how they caused financial harm.
What does this mean for you, as a certified DBE/ACDBE?
All currently certified DBE/ACDBE firms that submit the additional, required documentation will be reevaluated again under this new rule. Until reevaluations are complete, goal setting and several other program elements are suspended.
Your certifying agency will contact you with instructions for securely submitting the required documentation.
Read the official DOT notice here: U.S. DOT Interim Final Rule on DBE/ACDBE Certification.
GovCon Strategy Group can help you develop your personal narrative and personal net worth statement for submission to your state’s certifying agency. Contact us for details by submitting our contact form or reaching out through email or phone (219-213-6420)