In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule removing race- and sex-based presumptions from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a result, Iowa DOT was required to place previously certified DBE firms on hold while a new reevaluation process was developed. That transition period has now ended.
As of January 12, 2026, the Iowa Department of Transportation notified currently certified DBE firms that it has begun implementing the new DBE reevaluation process required under these federal rule changes.
Firms that were certified under the former presumption-based standards must be reevaluated before regaining DBE eligibility. Interstate DBE firms must complete reevaluation through their home state before applying in Iowa.
What This Means for DBE Firms:
- The DBE certification “hold” has been lifted
- Iowa DOT has begun the reevaluation of previously certified DBE firms
- Firms may now submit reevaluation materials to be considered for inclusion in the updated DBE directory
- DBE participation will not count toward DBE goals until reevaluations are complete and the new directory is published
Important Reevaluation Deadline:
- To receive priority reevaluation, firms must submit their reevaluation packet so it is received by Iowa DOT no later than February 13, 2026
- Firms may submit reevaluation materials after February 13, 2026; however:
- Those packets will not be evaluated until all priority submissions are completed, and
- The DBE directory has been published
- A firm cannot be included in the new DBE directory until its reevaluation under the new standards is complete
What to Do Next:
DBE firms should carefully review the January 12, 2026 email from Iowa DOT, which includes detailed instructions, guidance documents, and required forms for reevaluation. Those materials outline what is needed to demonstrate eligibility under the new federal standards.
For firm-specific questions, clarification on the process, or assistance with reevaluation materials, firms are encouraged to contact:
Iowa DOT Civil Rights Bureau
Phone: (515) 239-1304
Email: civil.rights@iowadot.us
Additional updates will be provided by Iowa DOT as the DBE program continues to transition under the new federal requirements.