Notice to All DBE/ACDBE Firms

Effective October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that immediately changes how the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs operate nationwide.

What This Means

  • All DBE and ACDBE certifications will be reevaluated under new federal eligibility standards.
  • Our agency and all sub-recipients have paused goal setting and awards involving DBE/ACDBE goals during the transition.
  • These changes do not affect the City’s MBE, WBE, or SLBE programs.

Key Changes to Certification Requirements

Under the new DOT rules:

  • Race and gender are no longer automatic indicators of disadvantage. Applicants must show real, documented barriers—such as limited access to capital or contracting opportunities—and demonstrate how these resulted in financial harm.
  • To remain certified, business owners must submit the following:
    • A completed Personal Net Worth statement.
    • A personal narrative showing they faced real, documentable education, employment, or business barriers not based on race or sex.

What You Need to Do

If Your Business Is Already Certified

You must submit the newly required documents so your certification can be reviewed under the updated rules.

If Missouri Is Not Your State of Original Certification

Watch for additional instructions from your home state. These changes apply nationwide, and processes will be similar across states.

Temporary Program Adjustments

Some program functions—such as setting DBE participation goals—are temporarily paused while CREO reviews required submissions.

Voluntary Withdrawal

If you wish to withdraw from the DBE program:

  • Submit the withdrawal form to CREODBE@kcmo.org, or
  • Email a statement indicating that you do not wish to recertify.

Contact Information

Email: CREODBE@kcmo.org

Official Guidance and Resources

U.S. DOT's current DBE and ACDBE regulations are available at:

The Interim Final Rule (effective October 3, 2025) and related guidance can be found on the U.S. DOT’s DBE Laws, Policy, and Guidance webpage.

The IFR ensures the DBE and ACDBE programs operate in a nondiscriminatory manner and aligns with federal law by removing race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage.

Our Commitment

CREO is committed to helping businesses navigate these changes while keeping Kansas City’s small business programs compliant, fair, and effective. We will continue to share updates as we receive information from the U.S. DOT.

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