DBE Interim Final Ruling (IFR) update

All DBE certification-related activities are halted until further notice. New DBE certifications, interstate applications, and declarations of eligibility (DOE) are temporarily on hold and will resume after the statewide reevaluation process is complete.

Texas to begin DBE/ACDBE reevaluation process March 30

The Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) will accept DBE and ACDBE reevaluation documentation beginning Monday, March 30 through Thursday, April 30, 2026.

All Texas‑based DBE and ACDBE firms who wish to continue participating in these programs must be reevaluated for eligibility under the new criteria. Qualifying individuals/owners of these firms must submit the following documents to their respective TUCP certification agency:

Form CIV‑PN (Personal Narrative), with supporting documentation
Personal Net Worth Statement
Complete copy of the most recently filed personal tax return,
including all schedules and W‑2s
Current personal bank statement

Upcoming webinars

Invitations to informational webinars will be distributed soon. If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled webinars, all correspondence and materials, including recordings of these webinars, will be posted on this page.

Please reach out if you have questions related to the IFR.

Email Us

TUCP Partner Portals

Important notes for the reevaluation process

DBEs and ACDBEs who do not wish to seek reevaluation may withdraw from the program by submitting a Technical Support Ticket through your portal with “Withdraw DBE/ACDBE Certification” in the ticket subject.
All DBE/ACDBE firms will be delisted from the TUCP directory during the reevaluation process. Only firms that successfully demonstrate eligibility under the new criteria will be reinstated.
Interstate DBE/ACDBE firms are delisted until the firm reapplies for Interstate Certification. Interstate Certifications will resume after the statewide reevaluation process is complete.
New DBE/ACDBE certification applications are temporarily on hold.
Processing of DBE/ACDBE Declarations of Eligibility (DOE) are temporarily on hold and will resume after the statewide reevaluation process is complete. Your certification date will not change.

Clarifications related to DBE contractor compliance

The DBE program still exists. The IFR did not eliminate the DBE program.
The termination provisions at 49 CFR §26.53(f) continue to apply to existing contracts. Approved committed DBEs cannot be terminated without TxDOT’s prior written approval.
If the prime contractor self-performs the work of the committed DBE or another firm does so, then the prime contractor is not entitled to payment for the work.
Compliance with the prompt payment requirement is still applicable. Prompt pay applies to all subcontractors, not just DBEs.
For contracts executed prior to October 3, 2025, prime contractors must enter payments in TxDOT DMS. Confirmation of prompt payment is required by the subcontractor even if the reported payment is zero.
TxDOT will not conduct CUF reviews during the reevaluation process. Prime contractors should conduct their own internal CUF reviews.