The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is adjusting its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification program to comply with a new rule from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that recently took effect. Under the new rule, states can no longer presume business owners qualify for DBE certification based solely on race or gender.

Going forward, every DBE applicant and currently certified firm must show individualized proof of being socially and economically disadvantaged. This can be accomplished through a personal narrative, a net worth statement, and detailed evidence of barriers they may face. IDOT confirms firms previously certified under the older presumptions will need to recertify under this new framework. In the meantime, contract goals tied to DBE certification are on hold until recertification is complete.

Senate Republicans say this is a significant change in how Illinois administers one of its small-business access programs, shifting from group-based preference toward individual qualification irrespective of race or gender. They say this move will help ensure that state programs are based on fairness and need, not identity, creating a more equal and accountable system for all business owners.