Subject
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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Update
overview
Overview
On October 3, 2025, the United States Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule that significantly modified the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Among other changes, the Interim Final Rule eliminated race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage and required all currently certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms to be reevaluated under new federally prescribed eligibility standards. On September 25, 2026, the United States Department of Transportation issued a Final Rule that largely maintained these changes and provided additional guidance for implementation.
The California Unified Certification Program has completed the initial reevaluation process required by the Interim Final Rule. This report provides an update on the reevaluation process, the Final Rule and related federal guidance, the status of previously certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms, and the next steps for implementing the revised Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program at the Orange County Transportation Authority.
recommendation
Recommendation(s)
Receive and file as an information item.