Public Notices & Announcements
Archive of public notices related to the California Unified Certification Program and federal DBE/ACDBE regulations.
Public notices are official announcements from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Caltrans, and other agencies regarding changes to the DBE and ACDBE programs. They cover topics such as annual DBE goal adjustments, new federal rulemakings, program policy changes, and fraud alerts. Staying informed about these updates is important for both certified firms and agencies that administer USDOT-funded contracts.
The notices below were published between 2011 and 2013. Since then, significant regulatory changes have occurred — including adjustments to the personal net worth limit, gross receipts cap, and the October 2025 Interim Final Rule requiring individualized determinations and personal narratives. For the latest announcements, check the official CUCP website and the USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.
Caltrans DBE Goal for FFY 2013-2015
November 29, 2012
FHWA approved the Caltrans overall agency DBE goal of 12.5% for Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2015 for DBE participation on FHWA-funded projects.
ACDBE Program Final Rule
June 22, 2012
USDOT published the final rule to 49 CFR Part 23 for the ACDBE program. Key changes: PNW cap adjusted to $1.32 million, increased program oversight, race-conscious goal-setting required when race-neutral goals are not achieved, and ACDBE size standards adjusted for inflation.
UDBE Program Changes
June 22, 2012
Caltrans announced that race-conscious measures would include all DBEs, not just UDBEs. The USDOT Secretary terminated the Caltrans waiver that excluded Hispanic-American and Subcontinent Asian-American firms.
USDOT Expands DBE Program
January 27, 2011
Secretary LaHood announced a final rulemaking to help disadvantaged businesses participate in federally funded projects. The personal net worth limit was adjusted from $750,000 to $1.32 million (effective February 28, 2011).
USDOT Short-Term Lending Program (STLP)
The STLP provides certified DBEs and other small businesses short-term working capital financing at competitive interest rates for DOT-funded contracts. Maximum line of credit up to $750,000. Visit USDOT OSDBU for details.
Fraud Alert: Fraudulent USDOT Letters
WARNING: Do NOT respond to letters purporting to be from USDOT requesting financial information for "procurement eligibility." The USDOT Office of Inspector General has issued a fraud alert about this identity theft scheme. Report suspicious letters to the OIG Hotline at (800) 424-9071.