The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) will host a special online informational session on ODOT’s new DBE certification and recertification requirements.
ODOT officials will join us to break down the recent federal Interim Final Rule (IFR) and explain exactly how Ohio is implementing these changes.
**🗓️ Tuesday, December 16
⏰ 11:30 AM
💻 Online Session – Free to Attend
🔗 Register at: OHBDC.org**
What You’ll Learn
ODOT will provide clear guidance on the major changes now in effect, including:
🔸 Mandatory Reevaluation of All DBE Firms
All DBE firms previously certified under race- or sex-based presumptions must be reevaluated. This includes many Black-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned firms in the Ohio UCP directory.
Reevaluation requires:
- A personal narrative documenting disadvantage
- A personal net worth statement
- Additional DBE financial & business documentation
🔸 Suspension of DBE Contract Goals
Under the IFR:
- No new DBE contract goals can be set on projects effective on or after Oct. 3, 2025
- DBE participation on new contracts cannot be counted toward DBE goals until firms complete recertification
Who Should Attend
- Current DBE firms
- Firms preparing new DBE applications
- Minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses
- Primes needing clarity during the goal suspension
- Purchasing professionals and community partners
Why This Matters
These new federal rules fundamentally change how disadvantage is evaluated and how DBE participation works in Ohio. This session will help you understand what’s required and how to prepare your business for recertification.
🎟️ Registration is FREE
Register now at OHBDC.org