DBE Recertification
On October 3, 2025, the US DOT removed race- and sex-based presumptions of disadvantage for DBE and ACDBE certification. This requires all DBE and ACDBE firms to undergo recertification. Until the recertification process is complete, no DBE or ACDBE goals can be set on federally funded projects.
Wisconsin is pleased to announce its DBE/ACDBE Recertification Process to recertify DBEs and ACDBEs.
On Monday, February 16th, 2026, the Wisconsin Unified Certification Program (UCP) will begin accepting DBE and ACDBE Recertification applications. Application information will be located on the WisDOT DBE Website.
A link to submit applications will be provided on or before that date. There will be 3 steps to submitting an application:
Step 1: Opt Out | Update Contact Information
Step 2: Complete These Documents
Step 3: Attach completed PN and PNW forms and submit recertification application
Even though you cannot submit documents until February 16, 2026, you may begin working on completing your PN and PNW forms now. If you have questions, please email DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov. Thank you. (February 4, 2026)
Enhanced Email Security
WisDOT’s Security team has implemented enhanced email security protocols which may lead to external stakeholders receiving “bounce backs”. If you send an email that bounces back, your email was identified as not meeting WisDOT’s email security standards and was moved into a quarantined account. Once quarantined, your email will be reviewed and ultimately released to the intended recipient if found safe. WisDOT recommends that you reach out to the intended recipient via other avenues for time sensitive emails. (January 31, 2026)
Maximum Escalation Factor
2026 Maximum Escalation Factor
(December 16, 2025)Missed Test Memo
Missed Test Memo (May 12, 2025)
WisDOT, in consultation with FHWA WI-Division developed the “MISSED TEST MEMO." The basis for the memo is a refocused emphasis on prevention of missed tests. If no Quality Verification (QV) testing is conducted in a lot, contractor Quality Control (QC) sampling and testing cannot be used for acceptance [23 CFR 637.207 (a)(1)(i)(A) and (a)(1)(ii)(B)]. Guidance within the memo was developed using existing WisDOT Standard Specification language. The MISSED TEST MEMO includes the addition of a semi-formalized Material Placement Notification (MPN) to address the “missed test" finding from the FHWA Concrete Quality Assurance Assessment.
The MISSED TEST MEMO is effective with the May 13, 2025 bid letting; however, please be advised that WisDOT Standard Specification 106.1.1 and 106.1.2 already require the contractor to provide notification of material sources and required engineer approval PRIOR to incorporating materials into the work. These requirements remain unchanged with the memo.
FDM Chapter 8 Consultant Services Update
WisDOT has made change throughout Chapter 8 regarding Consultant Services procedures. All consultants should review these updates. (May 16, 2024)
WisDOT Plan Quality Review
WisDOT’s Plan Quality workgroup was formed to address questions and addenda being issued during the advertisement process. The Department has developed a list of items to review during the PSE submittal process to reduce questions from contractors during advertisement.
Plan review items.
(December 7, 2021)
Specific Rate of Compensation Special Provision
The Department will continue to encourage consultants to create rate cards to establish class rates that can be used for short term substitutions when there is not an individual rate for the substitute employee already established in the contract. The
special provision will be inserted into applicable contracts to explain the process for using employees not named in the contract.
The Department staff have been given the following guidelines to use when evaluating a consultant's request to approve use of a class rate rather than amending to add an individual rate:
Or
NOI Instructions
Unless specifically mentioned in the NOI instructions, please do not attach additional files (e.g. resumes, project descriptions, letters). These materials have not been requested and will not be reviewed.
(Aug. 22, 2018)
DBE Policy
DBE policy and guidelines
(reposted Sept. 1, 2016)