What is the DBE program?
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federally mandated program governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) 49 CFR part 26 intended to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts for highway, mass transit and airport financial assistance programs.
It also creates a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts; help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts; and promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally assisted contracts and procurement activities.