Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Interim Final Rule

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 Unified Certification Program (UCP). All applicants must prove social and economic disadvantage on an individual, case-by-case basis, rather than relying on race or sex as a presumption.

Until recertification is complete, the Wisconsin Unified Certification Program (UCP) agencies may not set DBE goals for new contracts or count DBE participation toward existing goals.

We encourage businesses to continue reaching out to prime contractors to express their interest in working on projects. If you have questions, please email DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov.

DBE Recertification

The Wisconsin UCP is currently accepting DBE/ACDBE recertification applications. Please submit your recertification application using the three-step process below. If approved, your business will be included on the WI UCP DBE Directory.

Step One

Update your contact information or opt out of the Recertification Process.

Step Two
Complete these documents:
Step Three
Upload Step 2 documents and submit DBE/ACDBE application for recertification.


Interstate Certifications:
As of July 1, 2026, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is open for Interstate DBE applications, businesses whose Jurisdiction of Certification (JOC)/home state is not Wisconsin.
If you were certified before the October 2025 IFR, which mandated that all firms must be reevaluated based on new credentials, you must resubmit information for continued interstate DBE status with WisDOT.
Whether you are new or a previously certified firm, the following must be submitted for interstate DBE application:
  1. A letter of intent – a cover letter that specifies you are applying for interstate certification in Wisconsin and identify all UCPs in which your firm is certified post October 2025.
  2. Signed copy of the USDOT form Declaration of Eligibility
  3. A screenshot of your firm on your home state’s UCP directory
Send all submissions to DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov.

New DBE/ACDBE Applications
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will soon start accepting In-State DBE applications, businesses whose Jurisdiction of Certification (JOC)/home state is Wisconsin.
Updates and instructions will be posted soon.


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