DBE Program Overview

The federal DBE Program seeks to create a level playing field on which Disadvantaged Business Enterprises can compete fairly for USDOT-assisted contracts. CDOT administers this program on behalf of FHWA and FTA as a provision of receiving federal funds, and must adhere to regulatory requirements in order to remain eligible for continued federal funding.

CDOT DBE FAQs

What is CDOT's Statewide FHWA DBE Goal?

Because DBE is a federal program, statewide goals are set according to the federal fiscal year. CDOT sets an overall 3-year goal according to the USDOT methodology, and then reports progress to FHWA every 6 months.

FFY19-21 Goal: 11.55%

FFY22-24 Proposed Why is CDOT's Statewide FHWA DBE Goal so much lower than City and County of Denver's Metro Denver Area DBE goal?Goal: 11.89%

Does CDOT Have Separate Statewide DBE Goals for FHWA and FTA funds?

Yes. CDOT is required to execute the goal-setting methodology separately, once for FHWA-eligible contracts, and once for FTA-eligible contracts.

Why is CDOT's Statewide FHWA DBE Goal so much lower than City and County of Denver's Metro Denver Area DBE goal?

Generally speaking, there is more DBE availability in the Denver Metro area than there is statewide, as well as a greater diversity of project opportunities within close proximity versus having to travel to remote sites. As a result, CDOT's available statewide construction projects often have limited subcontracting opportunities and/or limited DBE availability due to the need for geographic equity in expenditures.

Coming Soon:

How Does CDOT Set Contract Goals?

Why Do Some Contracts Have a 0% DBE Goal?

How Can I Get More Involved in the DBE Program?