Key Updates to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program & Webinar
Friday, October 10, 2025
1:00 – 2:00pm PT
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) amending regulations for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs (49 CFR Parts 23 and 26) on October 3, 2025.
The Division of Local Assistance will be hosting a short webinar on Friday, October 10, from 1:00 – 2:00pm.
We are currently reviewing the IFR in detail and coordinating with the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide further guidance.
Local Agency Next Steps
Review the IFR:
– Link to full rule: Federal Register: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions Program Implementation Modifications
Stay Informed by monitoring official Caltrans communications for updates and implementation guidance.
Questions:
– Should you have any questions about how the Interim Final Rule affects your projects, please email your District Local Assistance Engineer.
As the process continues, additional guidance, policy updates, and procedural instructions will be issued to ensure compliance and support for recipients and stakeholders.
Below is Caltrans’ Office of Civil Rights official advisory and response to date. Please click on the image to access the 3-page document. This advisory summarizes the key federal changes now in effect, including the suspension of DBE goal setting, the reevaluation of all certified firms, and new documentation requirements for certification. Should you have any questions about how the Interim Final Rule affects your projects, please email your District Local Assistance Engineer.
