08/03/2026

ODOT DBE Program Update – Important Information for ACEC Ohio Members

We wanted to share an important update from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) regarding the status of Ohio's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. Please see the attached notice from ODOT for complete details.

Key Updates:

• September 4, 2026 is the target submission date for personal narratives (PNs) for firms certified prior to October 3, 2025, that wish to submit one. Personal narratives received by this date will receive priority in the review process.
• Firms that cannot meet the September 4 target date will not lose their DBE certification status and may continue submitting personal narratives after the deadline.
• ODOT will continue reviewing and issuing approvals and denials for personal narratives as they are completed.
• New DBE and ACDBE applications will not be accepted until January 1, 2027, allowing ODOT to focus on completing the federally required reevaluation process.
• ODOT anticipates that DBE goal-setting in Ohio will not resume until mid-2027 at the earliest.
• The SBE certification program remains open, and SBE goals will continue to be established on projects.

ODOT also encourages firms to continue working with their Outreach Managers and to take advantage of available personal narrative guidance and workshops throughout the reevaluation process.

Please review the attached notice for additional information and guidance. If you have questions regarding the DBE reevaluation process, ODOT requests that firms contact DOT.SDBE@dot.ohio.gov.