DART DBE Program – Des Moines Area Public Transportation

DART Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is committed to ensuring that all persons have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DART contracts, helping to increase the number of DBE firms and encouraging the participation of DBE firms in prime contracting and subcontracting opportunities. It is therefore the policy of the DART that DBE's shall have fair opportunity to compete for and participate on DART contracts and subcontracts, pursuant to U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulation 49 CFR Part 26.

DBE Program Update:

On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced changes to the DBE program that will directly affect DBE firms. The new interim final rule, which became effective October 3, 2025, and found here, removes race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage and requires all DBE firms to undergo recertification. Until recertification is complete, DART may not set DBE goals for new contracts or count DBE participation toward existing goals.

DART will also be required to update its DBE program and policy after the recertification process is complete and the timeline for that process is currently unknown.

As information becomes available, DART will post updated information on its DBE program, policy and goals on this page.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification

To become certified as DBE, a business must meet the eligibility standards established by the USDOT regulation 49 CFR Part 26. The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) certifies businesses as DBE for the state of Iowa. For certification applications or additional information about the certification process, please contract the Iowa DOT's Office of Civil Rights by phone at 515-239-1111, by email at civil.rights@iowadot.us or visit https://iowadot.gov/civilrights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-DBE/DBE-program.

Review the full DART DBE Program here.

DART, in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR, Part 26, hereby announces its FY 2024-2026 goal of 1.8% for DBE participation on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) assisted contracts, purchases, and services.