The U.S. Department of Transportation is in charge of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program and it decides how firms can become certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are able to seek contracts funded with federal transportation-related money.
NEW: USDOT DBE Interim Final Rule information
NEW: ODOT OECR DBE Interim Final Rule Bulletin
What is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise?
According to the new DBE Interim Final Rule, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are certified firms that demonstrate social and economic disadvantages through individualized evidence, including personal narrative and financial documentation. Race- and gender-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantages are removed.
In order to be part of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, your firm must be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. ODOT only accepts Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from the Oregon
Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity, or COBID.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Mission, Objectives and Plan
- Ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of ODOT contracts.
- Create a level playing field where Disadvantaged Business Enterprises can compete fairly for federally funded contracts.
- Ensure the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program is in accordance with applicable law.
- Ensure that only eligible firms participate as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.
- Remove barriers for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to participate in contracting.
- Promote Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in all types of federally-assisted contracts and procurement activities.
- Assist firms so they may compete successfully in the marketplace outside the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.
- Help firms which receive federal funding provide opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.
You can continue your research by reading the ODOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy Statement.
- ODOT encourages Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to participate in contracts through the Civil Rights Program.
- ODOT never excludes any person from participating in, denies benefits of, or otherwise discriminates when awarding and administering contracts based on race, color, sex, and/or national origin.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Annual Goal
As of October 1, 2025, ODOT has an overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal of 18.9% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise usage. The 18.9% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal is broken into two parts, where 12.08% of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise usage will be DBE-conscious and 6.82% will be DBE-neutral.
ODOT Disparity Study Update
To meet federal requirements to operate the DBE program as a condition for USDOT funds, ODOT contracted with Keen Independent Research LLC to provide a 2025 Disparity Study Update under 49 CFR part 26. This study includes information about disparity as well as availability of DBE certified firms.