Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
The goal of the DBE program is to make sure there is equal opportunity in the award of US DOT-assisted contracts for highway, transit, and airport projects. The program is intended to provide a “level playing field” on which DBEs can compete fairly. To make certain that only bona fide minority firms participate, the NMDOT has a comprehensive DBE certification program.
DBE Certification Officer
505-670-3294
Julian.Salazar@dot.nm.gov
Important Notice: DBE Certification Update
Effective immediately, the Interim Final Rule (IFR) issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation has changed the eligibility requirements for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
These changes impact how DBE certifications are processed nationwide.
As we await formal guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is temporarily pausing all new DBE certification applications and interstate certification requests.
This pause ensures that all certifications align with the updated federal standards once implementation procedures are finalized.
What This Means for You:
- NMDOT will not accept or process new DBE applications at this time.
- Firms currently certified remain active and unaffected.
- Updates will be posted and disseminated as soon as FHWA guidance is received.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition. For questions, please contact the NMDOT DBE Office at 505-795-4922
Read the official DOT notice here:
U.S. DOT Interim Final Rule on DBE/ACDBE Certification – Federal Register