Office of Civil Rights News
MnDOT and its partner MNUCP agencies have completed the priority reevaluation process of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises certified in Minnesota required by the interim final rule published by USDOT on Oct. 3, 2025.
MnDOT and partner agencies in the Minnesota Unified Certification Program (MNUCP) have been working diligently to comply with federal program requirements and continue to support Minnesota’s vibrant small business community.
This update covers several areas impacted by the interim final rule:
- New DBE directory
- MnDOT’s 3-year goal
- New DBE applications
- Continued reevaluations
- Declaration of eligibility
- DBE goal setting
- Next steps
New DBE directory
All recertified reevaluated firms are now searchable via the MNUCP directory. Recertified DBEs should direct other states here to verify certification for interstate applications. Contractors should use this directory to search for firms who are now available for DBE credit on projects moving forward and future project goals.
Newly reevaluated firms will continue to be added on a biweekly basis. Please be sure to use the directory for the most up-to-date information.
MnDOT’s 3-year goal
MnDOT issued a notice on Aug. 5, 2026, that we were seeking input on the revised 3-year goals for the DBE program. For the remainder of the FFY 2025–2027 period, MnDOT is proposing to adjust its overall FHWA DBE goal from 15.3% to 6.2% and its FTA goal from 8.7% to 2.8%.
The public comment period is open from Aug. 5, 2026, through Sept. 7, 2026. To review the executive summaries or to submit a comment, please visit Revised Three-Year Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goals - Civil Rights - MnDOT.
New DBE applications
As of Aug. 17, 2026, new DBE applications must be submitted via the new online application platform found here: https://mnucp.dbesystem.com/.
Please make sure to start the application process with one of the certification partner agencies (Metropolitan Airports Commission, Metropolitan Council, or Minnesota Department of Transportation). Make sure to select the agency that you will most likely work with on federally funded transportation projects.
Continued reevaluations
The MNUCP initiated the reevaluation process on Nov. 3, 2025. Firms were encouraged to submit their personal narrative and personal net worth statement during a priority window through Dec. 5, 2025. Firms that did not submit during that time are still eligible to complete their reevaluation.
If you have not completed the reevaluation process, there are resources available to assist you.
Supportive Services - Civil Rights - MnDOT
MNUCP - About the DBE Program
Declaration of eligibility
All recertified reevaluated firms will start receiving automated reminders from the new certification system to complete their annual DOE form. Reminders are scheduled to go out 30 days, 15 days, and 5 days before your annual certification date.
DBE goal setting
MnDOT's DBE program plan must be approved by the FHWA before we may begin numerical DBE goal setting. MnDOT's DBE program plan is currently under FHWA review.
Next steps
MnDOT has completed the following items:
- Completed the MNUCP priority window reevaluation process
- Submitted an updated DBE program plan, pending FHWA approval
- Implemented the B2Gnow DBE directory and new certification platform
MnDOT continues to work on implementing a revised DBE program. We are working toward:
- Revising MnDOT's 3-year DBE program goals
- Continuing to complete submitted DBE reevaluations
- Developing a Small Business Enterprise program
- Providing small business technical assistance
- Communicating updates to stakeholders
If you have additional questions, please reach out to the Office of Civil Rights.
More information
For more information please visit www.mndot.gov/civilrights/updates.html
|
