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. WisDOT is working on developing a DBE recertification process and will share details on the process in the coming weeks. We encourage you to stay informed and appreciate your attention to this matter.
If you’d like to receive updates on the DBE program and consultant opportunities, please sign up for emails by contacting
Rosalind Roberson.