US DOT Issues Changes to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Regulations
April 9, 2024, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a final rule that modernizes the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) program regulations. The major objectives of this final rule include modernizing existing principles to: improve provisions for the benefit of program participants, reduce burdens on firms and recipients, grow firm capacity and owner wealth, and improve program integrity, visibility, and data collected by the USDOT.
Key Changes affecting California’s Local Public Agencies (LPA):
• Prompt Payment
• Good Faith Effort Procedures
• Goal Setting: DBE Supplier Credit & DBE Decertification/Participation Credit
• Compliance Monitoring: Running Tally & Commercially Useful Function
• Bidders List Data Collection
• Uniform Report Data Collection
• DBE Certification
USDOT Free Webinar Series
The Final Rule Webpage will house the session recording and PowerPoint presentation following the webinar.
DBE/ACDBE Final Rule Changes: DBE Open Ended Performance Plans (OEPP) for Design-Build Contracts
June 18, 2024 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PT
Final Rule Prompt Payment and Return Retainage requirements with rollout of a Tool and Toolkit
July 24, 2024 – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm PT
Requirements for TVMs in the New DBE Rule
July 30, 2024 – 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm PT
Caltrans Office of Civil Rights and the Division of Local Assistance (DLA) are closely reviewing the changes made by the DBE Program Final Rule and are developing an implementation workplan, including updating guidance in the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM). Over the next several months, DLA Office Bulletins will announce updated guidance to the LAPM regarding the DBE Program. The changes will reflect the new regulations from the Final Rule, as well as clarify and enhance the DBE program regulations and guidance for LPA’s.
To stay informed on DBE Program changes, visit the DLA Blog and enter contact information in the right side column to receive weekly email announcements of news, trainings, and resources.
For details on the DBE and ACDBE Final Rule, please visit Federal Highway Administration’s DBE and ACDBE Final Rule website.
Please contact a District Local Assistance Engineer or DBE Coordinator for additional assistance.