What’s in the BUILD America 250 Act for DBEs

Summary of the DBE Provisions in the 2026 House Highway and Transit Bill

The bottom line: The BUILD America 250 Act includes full reauthorization of the DBE program with strong, bipartisan support. Here is what the bill text says:

Congress reaffirms the program’s necessity.

  • The bill’s findings explicitly state that barriers for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses persist in federal transportation markets.
  • Congress finds there is a “compelling need” for the continuation of the DBE program.

The 10% goal is maintained.

  • The bill sets a national aspirational goal of not less than 10% of federal transportation funds going to DBE firms.
  • This goal applies across federally assisted surface transportation programs covered by the Act.

Certification remains rigorous and uniform.

  • The Secretary of Transportation must establish uniform certification criteria across all states.
  • Certification includes on-site visits, personal interviews, financial analysis, bonding capacity review, and more.
  • Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Transportation must publish objective criteria for evaluating eligibility, including the ability to demonstrate economic hardship, systemic barriers, and denied opportunities.

Reporting and accountability are strengthened.

  • States must annually survey and report on DBE firms, including new certifications.
  • The Secretary of Transportation must track recertifications and decertifications from 2026 through 2031.
  • The bill expresses that the Department of Transportation should strengthen prompt-payment enforcement and improve complaint tracking and public reporting.

What DBEs should do right now:

  • When the time comes we will ask you to contact your representative and senators to urge them to support the BUILD America 250 Act and preserve the DBE language through markup and passage.
  • Share your story: Congress needs to hear directly from DBE business owners about the impact of this program on your business and your community.
  • You can send your stories to Stephanie Duncan at sduncan@crossroadshighway.com and Joann Payne at joannpayne@payneshea.com.

View the portion of the bill containing language on the DBE program.