Recording: Caltrans Advisory on DBE Program IFR
If you missed the October 10th, 2025, webinar from Caltrans Division of Local Assistance (DLA) discussing significant changes to both the DBE and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs (49 CFR Parts 23 and 26), the recording is now available.
On October 3, 2025, USDOT published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) related to the status of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) considers inconsistent with equal protection under the Fifth Amendment.
DLA is continuing to review and coordinate with USDOT and as this process continues, will release additional guidance, policy updates, and procedural instructions to ensure compliance and support for all recipients and stakeholders.
Recommendations for LPAs:
- Review the IFR
- Watch the recorded informational webinar for the latest details
- Download the accompanying presentation and FAQ documents
- Monitor official Caltrans communications for updates & guidance
- Check with your DLAE if you questions about your specific project(s)
Below is the official advisory from the Caltrans Office of Civil Rights summarizing the key federal changes now in effect. This includes the suspension of DBE goal setting, reevaluation of certified firms, and new documentation requirements for certification.
Watch the recording or read the official advisory
to learn about key federal changes now in effect
About the DBE Program
The USDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) was established by Congress in 1982 to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts, help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts, and assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.
The DBE Program has reauthorized it in each subsequent surface and aviation authorization, most recently on November 15, 2021 in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
