ACDBE Recertification

Reevaluation under the new federal rules

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has changed how ACDBE eligibility is decided, first in an interim rule on October 3, 2025, and then in a final rule published September 25, 2026. Race and sex no longer create a presumption of disadvantage. Every ACDBE that Maryland certified must be reevaluated, and Maryland must finish by December 24, 2026.

To be reevaluated, each disadvantaged owner submits a personal narrative and a current Personal Net Worth Statement, with supporting documents, in the Certification Management System. You do not need to reapply. Firms that are recertified keep their original certification anniversary date.

If your firm has not submitted these documents, you will receive a written notice. Under the final rule, a firm that still has not submitted them by March 24, 2027, is removed from the program without further proceedings. A firm that is removed can appeal to USDOT.

Until Maryland finishes reevaluation, federal rules do not allow new ACDBE goals to be set or ACDBE participation to be counted. Questions? Email [email protected] with the subject line " Certification Reevaluation Question."

Your annual Declaration of Eligibility

Once certified, your firm remains an ACDBE unless its certification is removed. You do not reapply. Instead, every year on the anniversary of your original certification, you submit a new Declaration of Eligibility with the required documents, including your firm's gross receipts for its most recently completed fiscal year.

Not submitting your declaration is treated as a failure to cooperate under federal rules and can cost your firm its certification.

Report changes within 30 days

Tell us within 30 days of any change in circumstances that affects your firm's ability to meet the size, disadvantaged status, ownership, or control requirements, and of any material change to the information in your application. Submit the change in the Certification Management System and email [email protected].

Staying eligible

Your firm must continue to meet every ACDBE requirement. If its average annual gross receipts grow past the ACDBE size limit, or a disadvantaged owner's personal net worth rises above $2,047,000, your firm may no longer qualify. In addition to your annual declaration, we may review your certification at any reasonable time.

Firms with more than one certification

If your firm is also a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), keep up with the requirements for each program. Review DBE recertification requirements.

ACDBE certification is a federal program, separate from Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program. The federal rule changes do not affect MBE certification, which applies to State-funded contracts.