DBE Certification and Re-evaluation in Rhode Island

Where: RI Secure Mail (securemail.ri.gov) for submitting documents to DEDI
Cost: Not published on the DEDI pages reviewed
Re-evaluation: In progress (DOT UCP status page, last updated Oct 2, 2026: re-evaluation not complete). DEDI began accepting re-evaluation applications Jan 12, 2026, reviewed 'in chronological order.' DBE certifications are suspended until each firm is re-approved.
How long: UCP must decide within 90 days of receiving all required information; it may extend once by up to 30 days with written notice (49 CFR 26.83). DEDI's FAQ gave a target of '90 calendar days following the program's launch' for re-evaluations; DOT shows it is not yet complete.
Contact: DEDI DBE/ACDBE certifications: dedi.dbe@doa.ri.gov, (401) 574-8606 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM). MBECO: mbe.compliance@doa.ri.gov, (401) 574-8670, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908-5850
Last checked: 2026-10-03

What it's for

In Rhode Island, the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (DEDI) decides DBE eligibility under 49 CFR 26. Its Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office (MBECO) handles DBE and ACDBE (airport concession) certification. DBE certification lets a firm count toward DBE goals on USDOT-funded contracts. Other member agencies are not listed on the DEDI page reviewed.

Where this state stands

DOT's UCP status page shows Rhode Island's re-evaluation as not complete (page last updated Oct 2, 2026).
DEDI says it began "accepting renewal applications for DBEs and ACDBEs January 12, 2026." They are "reviewed in chronological order." DEDI recommends submitting your PN and PNW "as soon as possible."
DEDI says "all DBE certifications must be suspended until DEDI completes the reevaluation process." Each firm's "certification will remain suspended until the firm applies under the reevaluation procedures and receives approval."
How DEDI contacts firms: "MBECO will be providing information via email and updates on their website."
Narrative format, from DEDI's PN form and FAQ: use DEDI's Personal Narrative form; "single-spaced essay of no more than 2 pages"; "Times New Roman, 12-point font." The form ends with a declaration under penalty of perjury that the owner signs and dates.
Submit by RI Secure Mail. Max 25 MB per secure email; DEDI suggests a ZIP file for larger sets.
DEDI posted a May 2026 webinar recording on the IFR and benefits of certification.
Federal deadline: a firm that still hasn't sent its narrative and net worth statement by Mar 24, 2027 gets a Notice of Decision disqualifying it (DOT final-rule FAQ, Q17 and Q22). Don't wait for that date.
DOT says the PN "is a statement of the owner's own experiences, not a technical or legally complex document to be written by consultants or legal experts."

Have this ready

DEDI's Personal Narrative (PN) form, written and signed by the majority disadvantaged owner (2 pages max, single-spaced, Times New Roman 12).
A current Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement.

PN form: https://dedi.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur811/files/2026-01/IFR%20--%20PN%20Form_0.pdf

Steps

Already certified (re-evaluation):

Download DEDI's PN form. Read the format rules.
Write your narrative in your own words on the form. Sign and date the declaration.
Complete a current PNW statement.
Send both to DEDI through RI Secure Mail (https://securemail.ri.gov/encrypt). Follow DEDI's secure mail instructions. Check "Send me a copy."
Watch your email for DEDI follow-up. Your certification stays suspended until DEDI approves you. The UCP decides.

New applicants:

DEDI's page does not post separate new-applicant instructions. Email dedi.dbe@doa.ri.gov or call (401) 574-8606 to get the current application.
Expect to include the PN form and a PNW statement.
Submit by secure mail as DEDI directs.

After you're certified

DEDI says "Your firm's annual DOE submission date will remain the same as its original DBE certification date." The Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) is due each year on your certification anniversary, with your latest gross receipts (49 CFR 26.83).
Report material changes within 30 days, with a signed DOE (49 CFR 26.83).
Interstate certification: not addressed on the DEDI pages reviewed.

Watch out for

Your DBE certification is suspended until you re-apply and are approved.
The 2-page limit and font rules are DEDI's. Follow them.
Secure emails over 25 MB won't go through.
Help from the UCP is free.

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

Common questions

Where do I apply for DBE certification in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island DBE/ACDBE certification, Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (DEDI), Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office (MBECO): https://securemail.ri.gov/encrypt

Has Rhode Island finished DBE re-evaluations?

In progress (DOT UCP status page, last updated Oct 2, 2026: re-evaluation not complete). DEDI began accepting re-evaluation applications Jan 12, 2026, reviewed 'in chronological order.' DBE certifications are suspended until each firm is re-approved.

How long does DBE certification take in Rhode Island?

UCP must decide within 90 days of receiving all required information; it may extend once by up to 30 days with written notice (49 CFR 26.83). DEDI's FAQ gave a target of '90 calendar days following the program's launch' for re-evaluations; DOT shows it is not yet complete.

Sources

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.

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