DBE

• Further U.S. DOT guidance on the IFR can be found at: October 3, 2025 DOCR letter on the IFR
• Official frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the IFR can be found at: DBE IFR FAQ's

On August 10, 2026, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Office of Business & Workforce Diversity will be hosting a virtual meeting with industry stakeholders and DBEs to discuss IDOT’s revised Overall DBE Goal-Setting Methodology that will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The revised Overall DBE Goal-Setting Methodology for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was published and submitted in June 2026, and the Methodology for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will be published and considered later this summer.

The revised Goal-Setting Methodology will be submitted in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Interim Final Rule that was issued on October 3, 2025.  The Methodology is included here for your consideration.

FAA DBE Goal Methodology for Distribution – FINAL

The revised FAA Methodology for federal fiscal years 2026-2028 calls for an Overall DBE goal of 14.8 percent.  IDOT expects to meet 11.5% of this goal through DBE-conscious means and 3.3% through DBE-neutral means.  Public comments pertaining to this goal recommendation are welcome and can be e-mailed to DOT.DBEPublicComment@illinois.gov no later than close of business on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The virtual meeting will be held via Webex on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 9:00am-10:00am Central Daylight Time.  To join this meeting, the link is:

https://illinois.webex.com/illinois/j.php?MTID=m3d3f741a054b4f78a6518e463dee5115

From a mobile device, the number and access code for the August 10 meeting are:

(312) 535-8110, code # 2632 193 4790

For further information, please contact the Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at dot.sbe@illinois.gov.

In 2009, IDOT commissioned a Disparity Study focused on construction, architecture and engineering. The Disparity Study reviewed contract data during the period of January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008. In 2012 IDOT commissioned an updated availability study.

• FTA Goal Methodology
• FHWA Goal Document
• 2012 Availability Study
• 2026 DBE GOAL METHODOLOGY FOR FHWA

In 2016, IDOT commissioned a disparity study focused on construction, architecture, and engineering. The study reviewed contract data during the period of October 1, 2012, through September 30, 2016. This study was completed in 2017 and published for release in February 2018. The 2017 IDOT Disparity Study is available below.

• 2017 Disparity Study
• FAA Goal Document 2023-2025
• FTA Goal Document 2024-2026
• FHWA Goal Document 2025-2027

The Illinois Department of Transportation believes that the strength of diversity lies in different perspectives and solutions. The Bureau of Small Business Enterprises helps to foster an environment where partnerships between emerging and established firms deliver value.

Through IDOT’s Mentor Protégé Program, emerging and established businesses can connect to share skills, discuss best practices, and ensure mutual growth. This unique mentorship opportunity helps emerging DBEs learn to identify, pursue and manage IDOT contracts efficiently. IDOT encourages any certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and/or prime contractor who meets the minimum requirements of the program to submit an application.