February 6, 2026

By Lane Kimble

Four months after the federal government halted the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, WisDOT is ready to begin reviewing and recertifying DBEs.

The Office of Business Opportunity and Equity Compliance says it will start accepting recertification applications Monday, Feb. 16.

Companies seeking to reestablish themselves as a DBE in Wisconsin need to complete a three-step process: update contact information (or opt out of recertification), complete Personal Net Worth and Personal Narrative forms, and upload all documents via the state’s website.

Wisconsin will host webinars detailing the process on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. or Thursday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

WisDOT removed all DBE goals from federally funded highway projects beginning with the October 2025 let.  This was in response to the USDOT’s interim final rule issued last fall, which ordered states to recertify all DBEs without the presumption of race- or sex-based disadvantages. Instead, DBEs will need to individually submit narratives detailing their case.

The federal government’s rule blocks states from applying DBE goals to any federally funded projects until the recertification process is complete.

Wisconsin had nearly 1,300 licensed DBEs as of 2025.  WTBA members can send questions about WisDOT’s recertification process to THIS email.