Re-evaluation Process now opened
MaineDOT has now opened its reevaluation process (PDF) of all Maine-based DBEs and ACDBEs. Please submit all required materials by March 11, 2026, including the Personal Narrative of Social and Economic Disadvantage, the Personal Net Worth Statement, and the supporting documentation. If you cannot provide documentation by the specified submittal date, please contact our office to discuss an extension. DBEs/ACDBEs who do not wish to proceed with the certification reevaluation process, please provide us with a written notice of withdrawal.
As part of this process, each qualifying owner must submit a Personal Narrative of Social and Economic Disadvantage . The Personal Narrative must describe the owner’s own individual experiences, identify specific incidents that occurred in the United States, explain how those incidents created barriers to education, employment, business opportunities, or access to capital, demonstrate material economic harm, and compare outcomes to those of similarly situated persons. General business history, market conditions, or group-based assumptions do not satisfy the federal standard.
MaineDOT has developed a guidance document (PDF) to provide you with details about the Personal Narrative requirement, and applicants are strongly encouraged to review this information before submitting materials. Each qualifying owner must also submit a Personal Net Worth (PNW) Statement as part of the reevaluation process. The PNW Statement is used to evaluate the owner’s economic eligibility under the DBE and ACDBE programs. To support the PNW Statement, owners must provide financial documentation sufficient to verify assets, liabilities, and overall net worth. This documentation may include items such as tax returns, bank and investment account statements, real property information, loan or credit statements, and other financial records needed to verify the information reported. Failure to provide adequate supporting documentation may result in a determination that economic eligibility has not been demonstrated.
To help you further, MaineDOT has drafted a Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF) that addresses common questions about the reevaluation process, documentation requirements, and timelines.
To further assist Maine-based DBE and ACDBE firms, the MaineDOT Civil Rights Office is holding an informational webinar on February 11th at 2:00 p.m. to review the reevaluation process and the guidance document. The webinar will explain regulatory requirements and how submissions are evaluated, but it will not include individualized advice or assistance with drafting Personal Narratives or financial statements. Participation in the webinar and use of the guidance document are voluntary, but are intended to help applicants better understand the requirements and avoid common submission issues. The webinar slide deck and presentation notes will be available on our website after completion of the webinar.
Please read through the instructions on joining us and reach out if there are any issues.
Please note that while MaineDOT staff can explain regulatory requirements and procedures, staff cannot write, edit, or advise on the substance of a Personal Narrative. If you have procedural questions, please feel free to contact Mary Bryant.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) rule revision notice
Read the full notice (PDF)
Federal Register website
DBE Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Contractor and Consultant Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
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 the maximum feasible opportunity for these businesses 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
- Contractor and Consultant CUF and Utilization Forms
- Contractor Bidder's List Form (PDF)
- Bidder's List Form instructions (PDF)
- Commercially Useful Function Form (Word) (PDF)
- Certification of final DBE payment (PDF)
- Instruction for Consultant Bidder's List form (PDF)
- Consultant Bidder's List form (PDF)
- Certification of final DBE payment (PDF)
- Certification of Final Subconsultant Payment (Word) (PDF)
- Subrecipient DBE Instructions and Reporting Forms
- Instructions
- 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: Mary Bryant
Civil Rights Office
#16 State House Station
24 Child Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0016Telephone: (207) 624-3056
Email Mary BryantMaineDOT In-State DBE Documents
- Uniform Certification Application (PDF) - Required
- Declaration of Eligibility (PDF)- Required
- Personal net worth statement (PDF) - Required
- Supporting Documents checklist (PDF)
MaineDOT Out-Of-State DBE Documents
The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has paused acceptance of Interstate DBE applications until May 1, 2026.
MaineDOT requires any out-of-state firm that has completed the reevaluation process in its Jurisdiction of Original Certification (JOC) in the federal DBE program to submit the following for consideration for certification in Maine:
- Declaration of elegibility (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).
- 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 Mary Bryant at 207-624-3056 or mary.bryant@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:
- Interstate Certification Request Form;
- 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, Attn: Mary Bryant, State House Station 16, Augusta, ME 04333, or via email at mary.bryant@maine.gov.
Certification in Maine will be determined by the 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?