DBE Program Info
The Department’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is designed to remedy ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in federally-assisted highway, transit, airport, and highway safety financial assistance transportation contracting markets nationwide.
The primary remedial goal and objective of the SD DBE program is to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.
Funded through the Federal Highway Administration, the SDDOT DBE Business Development Program (BDP) is intended to support SD DBE program participants. The DBE Business Development program is designed to give you and your team the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to grow your business.
We work directly with you, the business owner, to identify organizational goals and areas of focus that will help move your business forward. We work hard to develop relationships with our clients to truly understand the personality and culture of your business so that we can uniquely tailor curriculum based on the current stage of your business and help determine growth strategies.
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Project Solutions, Inc. serves as the support services provider for the South Dakota DOT DBE program. As the support service provider, Project Solutions has a team of professionals that can help support your business, no matter the need. From application assistance while getting certified to business development after you have received your certification, here are some of the services we offer:
- Application and Program Assistance
- Business Development Training Opportunities
- Capability Statement Development
- Writing a Business Plan
Our resource library of training videos and other resources will be your go-to platform for taking your SD DBE business to the next level. Training videos on topics like:
- Certified Payroll
- Managing & Leading
- Communication
- Social Media
- Job Costing
- Onboarding and Employee Retention
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Announcements
Important Update on the USDOT Interim Final Rule (IFR) and South Dakota DBE Recertification
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is moving forward with the implementation of the USDOT’s Interim Final Rule (IFR), which requires all currently certified DBE firms to complete a full reevaluation under the new federal guidelines.
What’s Happening Now
Recently, SDDOT sent a survey to all in-state DBE firms to gauge each firm’s interest in proceeding with the recertification process required under the IFR. Input that was received is helping SDDOT plan and allocate resources to ensure an efficient and timely reevaluation process.
Next Steps for Firms Interested in Recertification
With the survey period now closed, SDDOT will soon begin outlining the process for accepting the required Personal Narratives and updated Personal Net Worth (PNW) statements from firms that have indicated interest in moving forward. These documents are key components of the new IFR requirements and must demonstrate social and/or economic disadvantage using factual, race/gender-neutral evidence.
To assist firms through this transition, Project Solutions Inc., the SDDOT DBE Supportive Services provider, will host a workshop focused on:
- Understanding the new requirements
- How to develop and write your Personal Narrative
- One-on-one support and guidance throughout the recertification process
Personal Narrative Workshop #1 – January 14, 2026 10:00 a.m. CT – REGISTER HERE
Personal Narrative Workshop #2 – January 20, 2026 1:00 p.m. CT – REGISTER HERE
DBEs are encouraged to attend the workshop before submitting their narrative to SDDOT.
Current Status of DBE Firms
Under the IFR requirements, all South Dakota DBE firms are temporarily listed as inactive until they complete the reevaluation process. All firms must complete recertification before SDDOT can restart the DBE Program.
What This Means for Statewide Goal Setting
Once SDDOT has reviewed and processed all recertification submissions, the department will resume work on DBE goal methodology and development which are a vital part of getting the DBE program started again.
SDDOT is committed to completing this recertification effort as quickly as practicable to comply with federal requirements while minimizing disruption for DBE firms.
An update to the FAQ on the IFR was released on December 1, 2025. You are highly encouraged to read the FAQ as it includes guidance on Personal Narratives: IFR FAQ December 1, 2025. If you have any questions regarding the IFR and the reevaluation process, please reach out to Kyle Watkins, SDDOT DBE Program Coordinator at 605.773.4906 or Kyle.Watkins@state.sd.us.
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Effective Leadership Skills for Business Owners
Leadership is more than just a title, it’s a skill. For business owners, effective leadership is the cornerstone of building resilient teams, fostering innovation, and navigating the complexities of the modern market. Whether you’re managing a startup or steering a well-established company, the ability to lead well is essential for long term growth. In this article we will explore some key leadership skills every business owner should cultivate to inspire their team, drive performance, and create lasting success for their company.
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