DBE/ACDBE Program

• On October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) revising the DBE and ACDBE programs by removing race- and sex-based presumptions from the definition of a “socially and economically disadvantaged individual” under 49 CFR Part 26.
• MBECO Awareness Letter
• IFR FAQ Letter for RI DBE/ACDBEs
• If your home state or Jurisdiction of Certification (JOC) is not the State of Rhode Island, please first contact your home state/JOC.
• Personal Narrative statement
• Documents needed as a RI DBE/ACDBE for IFR Recertification:
  • Personal Net Worth Statement
  • Personal Narrative
  • Submit your DBE/ACDBE Recertification Application using this secure mail portal
    • Here are the instructions for accessing the secure mail portal to submit your DBE/ACDBE IFR recertification.  

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). This program was designed to provide socially and economically disadvantaged owners of small businesses with a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts nationwide. 

DBE certification is valid for USDOT federally assisted programs with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). DBE certification is valid for contracts in the State of Rhode Island with the RI Department of Transportation (RIDOT), Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). 

You may find the criteria for DBE certification here.

The Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (DEDI) is responsible for determining if a firm meets the eligibility requirements for certification as a DBE, as detailed in 49 CFR 26.

Rhode Island based firms seeking certification as a DBE and/or ACDBE under the U.S. Department of Transportation's DBE program valid for projects and contracts with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) must complete the submit the following certification documents. Do not place applications in binders or include any extraneous documents such as dividers, tabs, an index, etc., as these documents will only be discarded.

For any questions, please contact Meg Dela Dingco at meg.s.deladingco@doa.ri.gov or (401) 574-8396

• A copy of your home state UCP certification letter or certificate.
• Copies of pertinent Rhode Island licenses, if operating in a licensed industry.

Electronic submissions are encouraged – please contact DEDI.MBECO@doa.ri.gov for a secure link. 

If mailing, please mail to: Rhode Island Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 

Attn: MBE Compliance Office One Capitol Hill, 3rd Floor Providence, RI 02908

For any questions, please contact Meg Dela Dingco at (401) 574-8396

Out of state firms that are currently certified as a DBE and/or ACDBE by their home state UCP may seek certification as a DBE and/or ACDBE in Rhode Island. U.S. Department of Transportation DBE certification is valid for projects and contracts with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC). Pursuant to 49 CFR 26.85(b), out of state DBE firms may request interstate certification by submitting the following forms.

• A copy of your home state UCP certification letter or certificate.
• Copies of pertinent Rhode Island licenses, if operating in a licensed industry.

Electronic submissions are encouraged – please contact DEDI.MBECO@doa.ri.gov for a secure link. 

If mailing, please mail to: Rhode Island Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 

Attn: MBE Compliance Office One Capitol Hill, 3rd Floor Providence, RI 02908