Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Interim Final Rule (IFR) effective Oct. 3, 2025, DBE participation can not be counted for DBE credit until the Arizona Unified Certification Program (AZUCP) partners, ADOT, and the cities of Phoenix and Tucson have completed a required reevaluation process. Once the AZUCP has completed this process, counting participation can resume.

The list of DBE firms currently listed as active in the AZ UTRACS system were certified based on the USDOT DBE rules prior to Oct. 3, 2025. The current list of firms listed in AZ UTRACS are not certified in accordance with the IFR and do not count for DBE credit at this time.

• ADOT will work with its Unified Certification Program (UCP) partners to complete the reevaluation process as quickly as possible in accordance with the IFR.
• ADOT will review new applications under the new certification standards as outlined in the IFR.
• ADOT will not accept appeals of DBE recertification applications per the IFR provision stating these decisions are not subject to the appeal provisions of 26.87.

The Department’s certification of a DBE, or ACDBE, is not a representation of qualifications and/or abilities; only that the firm has met the criteria for DBE certification as outlined in 49 CFR Part 26. The contractor bears all risks of ensuring that DBE firms selected by the contractor are able to perform the work.