DBE Certification and Re-evaluation in U.S. Virgin Islands

What it's for

The U.S. Virgin Islands Unified Certification Program (V.I. UCP) certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) for USDOT-funded work in the territory. The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (VIDPW) is the UCP lead agency, and the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is the other member. VIDPW's directory says the program also covers Airport Concession DBEs (ACDBEs). Certification lets a firm count toward DBE goals on USDOT-funded contracts.

Where this state stands

• DOT's UCP status page lists the Virgin Islands' re-evaluation as not complete (In progress) as of Oct 2, 2026.
• VIDPW's Civil Rights page says "All DBE/ACDBE certifications will be reevaluated under new federal eligibility standards" and "Until reevaluations are complete, existing DBE/ACDBE certifications cannot be counted toward goals." Goal setting and awards with DBE/ACDBE goals are paused.
• Firms "will be contacted by DPW's Certification Department" to provide a personal narrative, a PNW statement and supporting documents.
• New applications and modification requests are on hold "pending further notice."
• No deadline, narrative page limit or template was found on VIDPW's pages.
• Under the federal final rule (published Sep 25, 2026), UCPs must finish re-evaluations within 90 days (by Dec 24, 2026), with one possible 90-day DOT extension. Firms that haven't submitted by Mar 24, 2027 are disqualified (DOT final-rule FAQ, Q17 and Q22).

Have this ready

• Personal Narrative (PN) in the owner's own words.
• Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement. VIDPW posts the form on its Civil Rights page.
• Supporting documents, as the Certification Department requests.
• New applicants (once applications reopen): the DBE Uniform Certification Application posted by VIDPW, plus the PN and PNW.

Steps

Already certified (re-evaluation):

1. Watch for contact from VIDPW's Certification Department. Make sure VIDPW has your current email and phone.
2. If you have not heard from them, call VIDPW at (340) 776-4844 or (340) 773-1290 and ask for DBE certification.
3. Write your own narrative and complete the PNW form. The UCP decides if you qualify.
4. Send the package the way the Certification Department tells you, and keep a copy.

New applicants:

1. VIDPW has paused new applications. Check the Civil Rights page (https://dpw.vi.gov/civil-rights/) for reopening.
2. When it reopens, complete the Uniform Certification Application and attach the PN, PNW and supporting documents.

After you're certified

• VIDPW's 2019 plan requires certified DBEs to file an annual affidavit on eligibility. Firms that do not may be treated as "uncooperative."
• Report changes in size, ownership, control or eligibility "within 30 days of such change," in writing.
• Interstate: the plan says VIDPW "will accept the certification decisions from out of state DBEs" after checking the home-state directory or written confirmation.
• Firms leaving the program can use VIDPW's DBE Voluntary Removal Form.

Watch out for

• VIDPW's posted program plan dates from Dec 2019. Confirm the current contact person before sending documents.
• Existing certifications do not count toward goals until re-evaluation is done.
• Help from the UCP is free. Call VIDPW with questions.

What changed nationally, plus DOT's narrative and net worth checklists →

Sources

• www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2026-09/DBE_Final%20Rule_FAQs%2009-28-2026_0.pdf
• www.transportation.gov/UCPstatus
• public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-19688.pdf
• dpw.vi.gov/civil-rights/
• dpw.vi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/VIDPW-DBE-Program-Plan.pdf
• www.viport.com/civilrights
• www.viport.com/_files/ugd/e0a2e7_f32363f02ecd473d9ce0356194e4a880.pdf

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with USDOT or any certifying agency, and this isn't legal advice. Your state's UCP decides who qualifies. FindMyBids never writes personal narratives and never asks for your net worth figures.