South Dakota DBE Program

Learn about the disadvantaged business enterprise program for the State of South Dakota.

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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.

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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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Ready to Apply?

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Featured Training

Writing Your Personal Narrative

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Announcements

South Dakota DBE Firms: Reevaluation & Program Transition

South Dakota–based DBE firms planning to participate in the updated SDDOT DBE Program are encouraged to submit their Personal Narrative (PN) and Personal Net Worth (PNW) Statement as soon as possible.

Timely submission helps ensure eligibility once full program operations resume and allows SDDOT to establish an accurate baseline of active DBE firms for future goal setting.

Submission Information
Submit documents to:
Kyle Watkins, SDDOT DBE Program Coordinator
Kyle.Watkins@state.sd.us | 605.773.4906

Firms may also request access to a secure SharePoint folder for uploading documents.

Important Notes
Under current Interim Final Rule (IFR) requirements, all South Dakota DBE firms are temporarily listed as inactive until reevaluation is complete:

  • Firms that do not submit required documents will remain inactive and will not count toward DBE goals
  • Firms not wishing to proceed should notify SDDOT
  • Firms may apply later, but will remain inactive until reevaluation is completed
Important Update: Conclusion of DBE Supportive Services Program
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) DBE Program is sharing an important update regarding the future of its Supportive Services.

Due to the discontinuation of funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the DBE Supportive Services program—including all services delivered by Project Solutions Inc. (PSI)—will formally conclude on June 30, 2026.

For more than 20 years, PSI has served as the Supportive Services provider for the SDDOT DBE Program, offering a wide range of resources designed to help Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) grow, compete, and succeed in the transportation industry. This transition marks the close of a long-standing partnership and a significant shift in how support services will be delivered moving forward.

What This Means for DBE Firms
As part of this transition, several changes will take effect:
  • SDDBE.com will no longer be updated.
    Any existing information on the site will remain available for a limited time, but no new content or updates will be posted.
  • Official program information will move exclusively to SDDOT.
    DBE firms are encouraged to rely on the SDDOT DBE website as the primary and most up-to-date source for program guidance, requirements, and opportunities.
Services Concluding June 30, 2026
With the end of the Supportive Services program, the following PSI-provided services will no longer be available:
  • Business development program support
  • Training workshops and educational sessions
  • DBE application assistance
  • Monthly newsletter communications
  • General business support and technical assistance
While these services have played a key role in supporting DBE firms, SDDOT remains committed to ensuring firms continue to have access to essential program information and resources.

Ongoing Support and Contact Information
DBE firms with questions or in need of assistance related to certification, compliance, or program participation are encouraged to reach out directly to SDDOT:
Kyle Watkins
SDDOT DBE Program Coordinator
kyle.watkins@state.sd.us
605‑773‑4906

A Message of Appreciation
Project Solutions Inc. extends its sincere gratitude to the DBE community for the opportunity to serve as the Supportive Services provider for more than two decades. It has been a privilege to support the growth, development, and success of DBE firms across South Dakota.

As this chapter comes to a close, PSI recognizes the resilience and achievements of the DBE community and looks forward to seeing its continued success in the years ahead.

Featured Article

Complying with Federal and State Contract Requirements

Winning a federal or state contract can be a meaningful opportunity for a small business. Public‑sector work often offers steady projects, long‑term partnerships, and increased credibility. Along with those benefits, however, comes a set of requirements that are typically more detailed than what many businesses encounter in private‑sector work.

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