The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has submitted a new Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 14.82% for federally funded contracts between fiscal years 2026 and 2028. 

The goal, as identified through the agency’s methodology report, is included as part of NJDOT’s efforts to increase minority- and women-owned business access.

5.75% of the overall goal will be achieved through race- and gender-neutral initiatives like outreach programs and technical assistance, while 9.07% will need race- and gender-focused actions to achieve target participation. The agency will conduct a virtual public meeting on June 23 to introduce the draft plan and will be soliciting written public comments by July 1, 2025.

Federal guidance by the U.S. DOT dictates that DBE goals are created locally through market analysis rather than national quotas. This allows goals to be realistic and representative of available firms within the region. The new objective supports NJDOT’s overall infrastructure plan, including its recently approved $4.5 billion capital funding plan, which will create big-picture opportunities for certified DBEs in the coming years.

Contractors and DBE businesses are urged to study the plan, attend outreach events and stay abreast of certification and bidding procedures as NJDOT gears up for a new round of federally funded roadwork.