The Director of Civil Rights has delegated responsibility to adjudicate appeals and other disputes relating to denials of DBE Certification by a transportation recipient. DOCR's goal is to render a decision within 180 days upon receipt of records. 49 C.F.R. Section 26.89(f)(8).
Firms that have applied for and were denied DBE certification and firms whose certification has been removed by a recipient of DOT funds may file an administrative appeal with the Departmental Office of Civil Rights within 90 days from the date of denial.
How to file an appeal after being denied DBE certification by a DOT recipient:
To file a DBE certification appeal, firms should send a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The appeal should at a minimum include information and arguments concerning why the recipient's decision should be reversed, a copy of the denial letter, and any additional information you believe to be pertinent to the appeal. Firms must provide the name(s) and address(es) of any DOT recipient the firm is currently certified with; or who has rejected its application for certification; or removed the firm's eligibility within one year prior to the date of the appeal. This includes applications currently pending certification action.
All appeals should be submitted to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Departmental Office of Civil Rights
External Civil Rights Programs Division (S-33)
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: (202) 366-4754
TTY: (202) 366-9696
Fax: (202) 366-5575