Important changes impacting the DBE program
On October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) issued an interim final rule (IFR) requiring immediate changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program regulations. The IFR removes race- and sex- based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage that violate the U.S. Constitution. Under the new rules, the MTA Department of Diversity and Civil Rights (DDCR) and the NYS Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP) Partners are required to re-evaluate the social and economic disadvantaged status of all certified DBEs without regard to race or sex.
Regulatory changes:
- Interim Final Rule
- IFR Guidance
- DBE IFR Frequently Asked Questions (Last updated: Monday, December 1, 2025)
Steps to apply for re-evaluation will be announced.
For DBE Certification
NYSUCP is responsible for DBE certification in the state of New York and provides firms with "one-stop" shopping. To apply for DBE certification, you may contact any one of the four NYSUCP Certifying Partners listed below.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Department of Diversity and Civil Rights
2 Broadway, 16th Floor
New York, NY, 10004
Visit the website or email DBEcertification@mtahq.org
New York State Department of Transportation
DBE Certification Unit, 6th Floor
50 Wolf Rd
Albany, NY 12232
Visit the website or email DBECert@dot.ny.gov
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Office of Business Diversity and Civil Rights
2 Montgomery St, 2nd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Visit the website
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
EEO/Diversity Development Department
181 Ellicott St
Buffalo, NY 14203
Visit the website