Three steps to submit your Wisconsin UCP DBE/ACDBE recertification application or opt out
Per the DBE Interim Final Rule published on October 3, 2025, all Wisconsin-based DBE and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) firms previously certified using race- or sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage must be reevaluated for recertification by the United Certification Program (UCP). All applicants must now prove social and economic disadvantage on an individual, case-by-case basis, rather than relying on race or sex as a presumption.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, the Wisconsin UCP will begin accepting DBE and ACDBE Recertification applications. Application information will be located on the WisDOT
DBE website.
Wisconsin will host webinar training on how to submit your recertification application on
Monday, February 16 at 11 a.m. and
Thursday, February 19 at 2 p.m. Use the provided links to join the training. If you have questions, please email
DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov.
Please complete your DBE/ACDBE recertification application using these three steps:
On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program that will directly affect DBEs. The new interim final rule, which became effective October 3, 2025, removes race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage and requires all DBE firms to undergo recertification. Until recertification is complete, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and other Wisconsin DBE-certifying agencies may not set DBE goals for new contracts or count DBE participation toward existing goals. Existing contracts are not expected to be impacted, but future bids (October 2025 and beyond) will reflect these updated requirements.
Although no DBE goals will be assigned until the DBE recertification process is complete, please continue to reach out to prime contractors to express your interest in working on projects.