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, and found here, removes race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage and requires all DBE firms to undergo recertification. Until recertification is complete, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) may not set DBE goals for new contracts or count DBE participation toward existing goals.
The Iowa DOT began accepting and processing applications for reevaluation of in-state Iowa based DBEs on January 12, 2026, with applications received within the first 30 days receiving priority processing. Applications received after February 13, 2026, will not be processed until the reevaluations of the priority applicants have been completed.
Out of state DBEs must first receive recertification from their Jurisdiction of Original Certification (JOC) prior to applying for certification with the Iowa DOT. The Iowa DOT will begin accepting applications for out of state DBEs once it has substantially completed the reevaluation process for in state DBEs.
Per guidance from USDOT, the new DBE directory cannot be published until the reevaluation process of all in-state DBE firms has been substantially completed. The Civil Rights Bureau has a target of April 2026 for substantial completion.
The required reevaluation materials along with the most recent frequently asked questions can be found here:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Guide for Writing Social Disadvantage Narrative
- Unified Certification Program (UCP) DBE/ACDBE Reevaluation Instructions & Worksheet
Although no DBE goals will be assigned until the DBE reevaluation/recertification process is complete, please continue to reach out to prime contractors to express your interest in working on projects.