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FindMyBids › DBE certification

DBE Certification and Re-evaluation in Washington

Where
OMWBE Access Equity certification portal
Cost
Not published on the pages reviewed
Re-evaluation
In progress per DOT's UCP status page (last updated Oct 2, 2026). OMWBE's initial collection period ended Feb 4, 2026; firms renewing after that date must submit before renewal.
How long
UCP must decide within 90 days of a complete application (49 CFR 26, final rule). OMWBE says processing for new applications and renewals \"will take longer than normal\" (updated July 31, 2026).
Contact
OMWBE - TechnicalAssistance@omwbe.wa.gov, support@omwbe.wa.gov, (360) 664-9750
Last checked
2026-10-03

See 171 open bids in Washington →

What it's for

In Washington, the Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (OMWBE) certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Airport Concession DBEs (ACDBEs). Certification lets a firm count toward DBE goals on USDOT-funded contracts. ACDBE certification covers airport concessions, and ACDBEs follow the same re-evaluation steps as DBEs.

Where this state stands

  • DOT's UCP status page lists Washington's re-evaluation as not complete (In progress) as of Oct 2, 2026.
  • OMWBE's initial collection period ended Feb 4, 2026. Firms that missed it are "delisted from our public directory and hidden from view," but not immediately decertified.
  • If your renewal date falls after Feb 4, 2026 and you have not submitted, "your business will not be eligible for renewal."
  • The narrative is uploaded into a 2025 IFR Re-evaluation application in Access Equity. OMWBE's guidelines say: "There is no length requirement." Preferred file types are .DOCX and .PDF (.JPEG, .JPG, .PNG and .XLSX also accepted). Put the business name, owner name and ownership percentage at the top, and follow OMWBE's three-section layout.
  • OMWBE says you "may refer to job titles (i.e. 'my supervisor') or organizations (i.e. 'a state agency') rather than referring to them by name."
  • 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, following OMWBE's guidelines.
  • Current USDOT Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement. It is completed inside the application.
  • Optional supporting documents. OMWBE says these are encouraged.
  • New applicants: the full DBE/ACDBE application in Access Equity, including a Personal Narrative.

Steps

Already certified (re-evaluation):

  1. Log in at https://omwbe.diversitycompliance.com.
  2. Select "Renew/Apply for Certification."
  3. Choose the existing DBE/ACDBE option for the 2025 IFR Re-evaluation.
  4. Upload your own narrative. The UCP decides if you qualify.
  5. Complete the USDOT PNW statement in the application and submit.
  6. If you missed Feb 4, 2026, submit as soon as possible and before your renewal date.

New applicants:

  1. Create an account in Access Equity.
  2. Complete the DBE or ACDBE application, upload a Personal Narrative and complete the PNW statement.
  3. Expect longer than normal processing for now.

After you're certified

  • File the annual Declaration of Eligibility (DOE). OMWBE says the narrative "is different from your annual renewal."
  • Report changes through Access Equity or to OMWBE technical assistance (no Washington-specific change form found).
  • Out-of-state firms: contact your home-state certifying agency first, then apply in Washington through an Interstate Request.
  • Firms that no longer want DBE status can email TechnicalAssistance@omwbe.wa.gov to opt out. OMWBE says they keep Federal SBE certification and may look at OMWBE State Certification.

Watch out for

  • Missing the deadline means delisting from the directory, and no renewal if your renewal date has passed.
  • Upload the narrative into the re-evaluation application, not a different application type.
  • OMWBE does not review narratives for grammar or spelling.
  • Help from OMWBE is free. OMWBE ran free-to-register Zoom Personal Narrative Workshops (July 23 and Aug 11, 2026). Call (360) 664-9750 or email TechnicalAssistance@omwbe.wa.gov.

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

Common questions

Where do I apply for DBE certification in Washington?

Washington Unified Certification Program (Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, OMWBE): https://omwbe.diversitycompliance.com/

Has Washington finished DBE re-evaluations?

In progress per DOT's UCP status page (last updated Oct 2, 2026). OMWBE's initial collection period ended Feb 4, 2026; firms renewing after that date must submit before renewal.

How long does DBE certification take in Washington?

UCP must decide within 90 days of a complete application (49 CFR 26, final rule). OMWBE says processing for new applications and renewals \"will take longer than normal\" (updated July 31, 2026).

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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