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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Important Update
Notice to DBE Firms: Disadvantage Business Enterprise Reevaluations Begin
Reevaluation Packets due: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Access Services would like to share an important update regarding the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) Reevaluations that Caltrans has shared.
The California Unified Certification Program has issued reevaluation notices to firms certified as DBEs in California prior to October 2, 2025. All certifying agencies within the CUCP will reevaluate DBEs they originally certified.
Reminder: Any active DBE firms must submit their reevaluation documents by Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Under the revised Federal DBE regulations, Interim Final Rule issued October 3, 2025, certifications must now be based on individualized demonstrations of social and economic disadvantage, with no reliance on race‑ or sex‑based presumptions.
For more information on DBE firms and the reevaluation process, please refer to the available resources, including guidance letters, webinars, and support materials designed to assist DBE firms in completing their reevaluation.
Reevaluation Letter Guide DBE Reevaluation Webpage
How can I get certified as a DBE?
The California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) has established two Regional DBE Certification Clusters throughout the State to effectively facilitate statewide DBE certification activities. Please forward your completed certification packet to one of the agencies serving the county where your firm has its principal place of business (refer to list of Certifying Agencies). You can access the CUCP application by visiting https://metro.gob2g.com/Default.asp, or by clicking below:
https://californiaucp.dbesystem.com
Applicants will be required to provide the following documents together with the completed application. (NOTE: May not be all inclusive):
- Profile of business/vendor (organization description)
- Proof of vendor's ethnicity/gender (i.e. birth certificate
- List of vendor's business clients
- Three years of recent tax returns (business and/or personal taxes)
- Vendor's "Articles of Incorporation" (if applicable)
- Applicant's "corporate meeting" list, if applicable (an agenda for your first corporate meeting)
- Stock transfer letter, including a list the first stock(s) issued
Following submission and processing of the vendor's application package, a DBE representative will schedule a site visit. Your DBE Certification will be determined following this site visit.
Where Can I Get DBE Certified?
Please click on the website link below for a roster of DBE certifying agencies. Please forward your completed certification packet to one of the agencies serving the county where your firm has its principal place of business (note this information is subject to change): https://caltrans.dbesystem.com