DBE and ACDBE Certification Reevaluation – Completed
MaineDOT has completed its reevaluation of Maine-based Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) firms in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation's September 25, 2026 Final Rule revising the DBE and ACDBE regulations.
The Final Rule eliminated race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage and requires individualized determinations of social and economic disadvantage based on each owner's specific experiences and circumstances.
MaineDOT has completed the required individualized reviews and has made certification determinations under the revised federal requirements. The reevaluation process marks an important step in MaineDOT's continued implementation of the revised DBE and ACDBE regulations.
What Happens Next?
With the reevaluation process complete, MaineDOT is moving forward with the next phase of implementing the revised federal requirements.
MaineDOT is working to:
Develop a new DBE overall goal methodology: Establish a methodology consistent with the revised federal regulations and based on the availability and capacity of eligible DBEs.
Update the MaineDOT DBE Program: Incorporate the revised federal requirements into MaineDOT's DBE Program and submit the required updates to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Continue program implementation: Maintain the certification and program administration functions necessary to support eligible DBE and ACDBE businesses in accordance with applicable federal requirements.
DBE Contract Targets and Participation Counting
Although the certification reevaluation process is complete, MaineDOT has additional program requirements to address before resuming DBE contract goals or counting DBE participation toward federal DBE goals.
MaineDOT will not establish DBE contract targets or count DBE participation toward federal DBE goals until the required goal methodology and updated DBE Program have been completed and submitted to FHWA.
MaineDOT will provide additional information as these requirements are addressed and implementation moves forward.
For questions regarding certification status or procedural aspects of the DBE and ACDBE programs, please contact:
Sherry Y. Tompkins
MaineDOT Civil Rights Office
sherry.tompkins@maine.gov
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Final Rule
MaineDOT is committed to engaging small disadvantaged business enterprises, as defined herein, in all contracts to the maximum feasible extent and will continue working to ensure these businesses have the maximum feasible opportunity to participate in contracts financed in whole or in part with federal funds.
As a recipient of federal USDOT funding, MaineDOT is required to develop and administer the DBE Program. MaineDOT administers the DBE Program and certifies all DBEs in Maine in compliance with federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 26. This program is intended to foster equal opportunity in USDOT-assisted contracts; improve the flexibility and efficiency of the DBE Program; and reduce burdens on small businesses.
DBE Certification does not mean the contractor has the ability to work in the state of Maine; it is up to the contractor to verify eligibility.
- General Information/DBE Documents
- Subrecipient DBE Instructions and Reporting Forms
- Bidder's List Form (PDF)
- Bidder's List Form Instructions (PDF)
- Forms
- DBE Application Information
- The following is a list of application forms and Instructions for applying as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). Please forward completed applications to the following address:
- Maine Department of Transportation
Attn: Sherry Tompkins
Civil Rights Office
#16 State House Station
24 Child Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0016 - Telephone: (207) 624-3066
Email Sherry Tompkins - MaineDOT In-State DBE Documents
- Uniform Certification Application (PDF) - Required
- Declaration of Eligibility (PDF)- Required
- Personal net worth statement (PDF) - Required
- Supporting Documents checklist (PDF) - Required
- MaineDOT Out-Of-State DBE Documents
If your firm has maintained its interstate DBE certification with MaineDOT and your certification is currently active, please provide MaineDOT with either:
- A copy of your JOC reevaluation decision letter; or
- A screenshot of your active listing in your JOC DBE Directory.
- Any out-of-state firm that is not currently certified with MaineDOT will need to submit the following for consideration for certification in Maine:
- Declaration of eligibility (PDF)
- Cover letter with its application that specifies that the DBE is applying for interstate certification, identifies all UCPs in which the DBE is certified (including the UCP that originally certified it).
- An electronic image of the UCP directory of the original UCP that shows the DBE certification.
- Interstate DBE certifications are completed within 10 days of receipt of all information required by Section 26.85(d).
- Please send completed Interstate Certification applications by email to Sherry Tompkins
- or:
- Mail to the following address:
- Maine Department of Transportation
Attn: Mary Bryant
Civil Rights Office
#16 State House Station
24 Child Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0016
- Annual Review Documents
List of Required Documents
- Declaration of Eligibility (PDF)
- Proof of gross receipts for your company’s most recently completed fiscal year, calculated on a cash basis regardless of the overall accounting method. The following documents may generally be considered “safe harbors,” provided that they include all reportable receipts, properly calculated, for the full reporting period: audited financial statements, a CPA’s signed attestation of correctness and completeness, or all income-related portions of one or more (when there are affiliates) signed Federal income tax returns as filed
- A cover letter that specifies that the DBE is submitting the required annual review documentation and identifies all UCPs in which the DBE is certified.
- An electronic image of the UCP directory of the original UCP that shows the DBE certification.
- DBE Goals and Methodologies
- DBE Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the DBE Program?
- A: The agency promotes a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, as an affirmative means to fulfill the philosophy that all businesses, regardless of ownership, are allowed equal freedom and opportunity to compete for all contracts. All small business owners providing transportation, construction, or related services are encouraged to apply for certification.
- Q: How do I get my firm certified?
- A: Contact Sherry Tompkins at 207-624-3066 or sherry.tompkins@maine.gov
- Q: How will this help my firm?
- A: Your firm will be listed in the online Maine DBE Directory that is constantly updated.
- Q: What is a socially or economically disadvantaged individual?
- A: A socially or economically disadvantaged individual is a citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States who is socially and economically disadvantaged.
- Q: My Maine firm is certified in Maine; can I get certified in other states as well?
- A: A DBE certification is only valid in the state in which the certification was issued. However, to obtain certification in another state, you must first be certified in your home state. Once you have obtained certification in your home state, you should contact the DBE Administrator from the state in which you want to obtain certification, and they will inform you of the required documents.
- Q: My firm is not in Maine but has been certified by my JOC. How do I become certified in Maine?
- For out-of-state firms, Maine requires the following information:
- An electronic image of the UCP directory of the original UCP that shows the DBE certification;
- A currently signed Declaration of Eligibility; and
- A cover letter that specifies that the DBE is applying for interstate certification and identifies all UCPs in which the DBE is certified.
- This information should be sent to the Maine Department of Transportation, Civil Rights Office, State House Station 16, Augusta, ME 04333, or via email at sherry.tompkins@maine.gov.
- Certification in Maine will be determined by MaineDOT.
- Q: Once certified, can a firm be assured of getting contracts and subcontracts?
- A: No. Certification does not guarantee work to a DBE; however, it does enhance a DBE's exposure to prime contractors, government agencies, and the business community. To be successful, a firm must diligently seek out contracts and implement a strategic marketing plan.
- Q: Where can I find information on upcoming MaineDOT contracting opportunities?
- A: MaineDOT's Contract website