DBE Program Changes

Resources, Information and Guidance 

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is undergoing major changes. United Contractors (UCON) is committed to providing timely information, resources, and expert guidance to help contractors navigate this changing landscape with confidence.

Background

On September 30th, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) issued an “interim final rule” (IFR) eliminating race- and gender-based Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) goals on federal-aid highway and transit projects. Changes went into effect October 3rd.

Contractor Resources

UCON is working closely with federal partners and legal experts to deliver the most up-to-date analysis and insights on how the latest DBE program changes impact contractors, including;

• UCON hosted Webinar with the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and legal experts to discuss the program changes and answer questions. Watch UCON's Webinar Recording
   
• ARTBA’s Special Report
   
• U.S. DOT Frequently Asked Questions 

State and Local Agency Guidance
 

Caltrans Guidance from March 9, 2026 Webinar

Dear Attendees,

Thank you for attending the Reevaluation Overview & Next Steps Webinar on Monday, March 9.

Attached for your reference are the PowerPoint presentation from the March 9 webinar and the letter guide.

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the survey by clicking here [Survey]. Your feedback is important and will help us improve future webinars, events, and the support we provide.

In addition, we are currently collecting questions from participants across our webinar sessions so that we may address frequently asked questions during the upcoming FAQ Webinar Sessions on April 1, 2, 6, and 14. We encourage you to submit any questions you may have.

If you have any additional questions or need further resources or support, please contact us at DBE.Reevaluation@dot.ca.gov.

DBE Reevaluation Webinar March 9, 2026

DBE Reevaluation Notification Letter and Guide March 2, 2026
 

Additional Resources

• Caltrans DBE Reevaluation
• Personal Narrative Guidance Webinar Registration
• DBE Reevaluation Q&A Sessions Registration
• FREE Text Notification Support

State and local agencies have begun, or are in the process of, issuing guidance on recent changes to the DBE program. UCON is actively communicating with these agencies and compiling a list of official statements and resources from across the state, including:

• Caltrans DBE Reevaluation Letter March 3, 2026
• UPDATED Caltrans DBE Program; Construction Procedure Directive October 29, 2025
  • Attachment 1: Sample Form DOT CEM-4903, “Change Order Memorandum,” DBE Program Update
  • Attachment 2: Sample Form DOT CEM-4900, “Change Order,” DBE Program Update
  • Attachment 3: Caltrans’ Advisory on DBE Changes October 7, 2025
     
• BART’s official statement October 3, 2024
   
• LA Metro Advisory Notice October 14, 2025
   

UCON will refresh these resources and guidance as more information becomes available.

For immediate questions and assistance, please contact Gus Flores and Ray Baca.