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.
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. The Iowa DOT is working on developing a DBE reevaluation/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.