Update on the DBE Program and Reevaluation Process
| The Colorado UCP is busy working through the DBE reevaluation applications required by the USDOT IFR that was issued on October 3, 2025. As many of you know, this Interim Final Rule removed the presumption of social disadvantage and requires owners of prospective DBE firms to submit a personal narrative demonstrating their individual disadvantage based on past experiences, excluding their race or sex.
As of the beginning of March, the UCP had received 449 DBE reevaluation applications from the 1,303 Colorado-based DBE certified firms. That is approximately 34.5% of the DBE directory. At that time, the UCP had reviewed approximately 5.5% of the reevaluations. They are now ramping up after the initial January 16 deadline. If you already submitted your reevaluation, it is in the queue to be reviewed. If approved, you will receive email notification. If there are deficiencies in your application, you will be given the opportunity to “cure” or fix your Personal Narrative or Personal Net Worth Statement. If you do not qualify for DBE certification under the new rules, or you do not cure deficiencies in your reevaluation, you will be officially removed from the DBE program. Common Issues with Personal Narratives: · References to race and/or sex · Lack of specific individual examples/experiences · Focused on industry challenges encountered by the business rather than the owner individually · Type and magnitude of economic harm is not specified · Lack of direct comparisons to similarly-situated non-disadvantaged individuals Guidance: · Review the Steps to Submit a Personal Narrative for Reevaluation. · Check out Additional Guidance: Completing the Personal Narrative · Reach out to Connect2DOT for generic examples · Watch a recording of the UCP webinar from December 2025. Upcoming Recertification Process Webinar: RTD is hosting an webinar on March 31, 9am – 10am led by the Colorado UCP (CDOT and City and County of Denver). This will provide additional information about the reevaluation process and you can get your questions answered. Importing Things to Note: · DBE goals are currently NOT being set on any federally-funded projects in Colorado. · The Colorado UCP DBE directory will be offline indefinitely until the Colorado UCP completes its reevaluation of the entire directory. · CDOT is NOT accepting new DBE applications. Only DBE reevaluation applications are being accepted. · City and County of Denver IS accepting new DBE applications, in addition to new applications for their local certifications. · CDOT is NOT accepting annual updates. You will need to be recertified through the reevaluation process and if approved, your annual update date will be the same as it was previously. · City and County of Denver IS accepting annual updates. If you have Denver certifications, those do need to be updated. The DBE certification requires the reevaluation application. · All previously certified DBE firms can submit a reevaluation application at any time. However, you will be delisted until your reevaluation is approved. · If you do not intend to do the reevaluation, please notify your certifying agency. Upcoming Recertification Process Webinar: RTD is hosting an webinar on March 31, 9am – 10am led by the Colorado UCP (CDOT and City and County of Denver). This will provide additional information about the reevaluation process and you can get your questions answered. Importing Things to Note:
Questions: If you have additional questions, please contact the certifiers:
Assistance: If you need assistance, you can request a free appointment with a Connect2DOT consultant who is experienced in the reevaluation process |
