The eligibility requirements for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs changed on October 3, 2025 due to an Interim Final Rule (IFR) recently issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). This change is not only for new DBE/ACDBE applicants but also for previously certified DBE/ACDBE businesses, which makes it retroactive. The IFR removes the presumption of social and economic disadvantages based on race and/or gender.

The updated regulation Title 49 C.F.R. 26.67 moves to non-presumptive disadvantage that requires all DBE applicants to provide a Personal Narrative demonstrating social and economic disadvantage based on their owner experiences and circumstances in American society, without regard to race or gender. The Personal Narrative must be submitted with a current Personal Net Worth statement and any other financial information the owner considers relevant.

DBE & ACDBE Personal Narrative of Social Disadvantage Guidelines:

Here are two brief guides that cover the same information:

1. Personal Narrative Guideline (document)
2. Personal Narrative Guideline (slideshow)

Instrucciones en español

Additional Resources:

• OMWBE Certification Portal: Access Equity 
• USDOT’s Interim Final Rule (IFR): 2025-19460.pdf
• USDOT IFR FAQs: DBE IFR FAQs Updated 12-1-2025
• USDOT’s eCFR :: 49 CFR 26.67 -- Social and economic disadvantage.
• USDOT Personal Net Worth Statement: DBE/ACDBE PNW Statement

If you have questions, please contact technicalassistance@omwbe.wa.gov or call us at (360) 664-9750.