VDOT's DBE Program Reinstatement: What VTCA Members Need to Know

VDOT announced that Virginia's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program will resume on July 1, 2026, following the federal government's suspension on October 3, 2025. Attached is Commissioner Brich's June 15 memorandum outlining the Department's plans to restart the program under revised federal requirements.

Additional guidance from VDOT is expected within the next few days. The Department plans to issue separate memoranda for construction contracts, including Design-Build contracts, and consultant engineer design and inspection contracts.

• Construction contracts (including Design-Build)
• Consultant design and inspection contracts

Those memoranda will explain how the DBE program applies to:

• Contracts that were underway before October 3, 2025, and remain active
• Contracts executed between October 3, 2025, and June 30, 2026
• Contracts advertised on or after July 1, 2026

VTCA encourages members to read the attached memorandum and watch for the forthcoming contract-specific guidance from VDOT.

VTCA has been in regular communication with VDOT regarding the program's restart and will continue working closely with the Department to address member questions and implementation concerns. Once VDOT releases its detailed guidance, VTCA will gather member feedback and work with VDOT to help our members transition into the new program.