DBE Update
Effective September 25, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued Final Rule 9.30.26. With few modifications, this final rule follows the interim final rule (IFR) published on October 3, 2025, which eliminated race - and sex-based presumptions that DOT found unconstitutional. This action completes the transition to individualized determinations of social and economic disadvantage. In addition, U.S. DOT has also published the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the DBE IFR 9.30.26 Revised FAQs.
What This Means:
- All DBE/ACDBE certifications will be reevaluated under new federal eligibility standards.
- We are now accepting new certification applications.
- Be prepared to provide:
- Personal Narrative (PN) statement on the required form
- Personal Net Worth (PNW) and other supporting documents
If you need further assistance, contact Kellye.Johnson@odot.org
Contract Compliance Division
The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Contract Compliance Division is to ensure equal employment opportunity within ODOT, to level the playing field for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) by providing full and meaningful participation opportunities in ODOT’s federally funded highway projects and to plan, implement and provide guidance to prevent discrimination in federal aid programs and activities. As a public agency, ODOT is responsible for the assurance of full and open participation in the process of highway construction and in the receipt of benefits derived from highway construction and related activities.
Proposed Methodology - FTA
ODOT will update its FY2027–2029 overall goal methodology and begin assigning DBE‑conscious goals once it completes the reevaluation process required under 49 CFR § 26.111.
DBE Program Goal Methodology
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Goal: DBE Goal Setting | US Department of Transportation
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) DBE Goal Setting | US Department of Transportation
To comment click here or for additional information email dbeinfo@odot.org.
Disparity Study
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has conducted a statewide disparity study for its Disadvantages Business Enterprise (DBE) program for federal-aid contracts to ensure that DBEs have equal access to contracting opportunities and that the program remains narrowly tailored and administratively successful. The Study, with the Department’s response, has been posted here.
