As part of the IFR, USDOT amended 49 CFR Parts 26 and 23, removing the prior race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage. Under the new rule, determinations of disadvantage must be made on an individual basis. Specifically:
49 CFR §26.5 – “Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual” means any individual who is a U.S. citizen (or lawfully admitted permanent resident) and who a [DBE/ACDBE Program] certifier finds to be socially and economically disadvantaged based on individualized proof, and not in whole or in part on race or sex.
To follow the new federal requirements, the Louisiana Unified Certification Program (LAUCP) must now reevaluate all currently certified DBE and ACDBE firms. During this process, your certifying agency will:
- Review your firm’s eligibility under the new rule.
- Recertify your firm if you meet the updated standards; or
- Decertify your firm only if you do not meet the new standards or do not respond to the LAUCP re-evaluation request.
To start this process, please let LADOTD know if your firm would like to continue participating in the LAUCP by confirming that you want to be re-evaluated under the new IFR standards.
To do this, please respond to the LAUCP re-evaluation request promptly by:
- Completing the official Louisiana Unified Certification Program (LAUCP) Firm Re-evaluation Response Form.
- Printing out AND Signing your form; and,
- Returning your completed form to 2025IFRCompliance@la.gov.
Please note that each LAUCP certifying agency has its own response form. The form used here is for LADOTD certified DBEs only.
If you have already submitted this form, thank you for your cooperation.
If you have not yet submitted the form, it is imperative that the LADOTD Compliance Programs Section receive your completed form via email to: 2025IFRCompliance@la.gov no later than the submission date of Friday, January 30, 2026.
Questions? Please email dbesupport@urbanleaguela.org.
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Founded in 1981, GOTECH, Inc. is a professional engineering and consulting firm providing civil engineering, surveying, program management, and construction engineering and inspection services. Under Mr. Guillaume’s hands-on leadership, GOTECH has earned a reputation for quality, integrity, and professionalism. He oversees all aspects of the firm’s operations, from client engagement and contract administration to budget management and long-term planning, fostering a family-like yet high-performing environment that reflects his commitment to mentorship and opportunity.
Mr. Guillaume’s distinguished career began early. In 1971, at just 23 years old, he was selected as one of four engineers to represent the owner during construction of the Louisiana Superdome, assisting with critical civil and structural oversight. A graduate of both Marquette University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and Xavier University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, his technical expertise and leadership have contributed to landmark buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects across the state.
Beyond engineering, Mr. Guillaume’s legacy is defined by service. He is a Fellow and Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and an active member of numerous professional organizations. His dedication to community development, faith-based service, and philanthropy is reflected in his involvement with Pointe Marie Community Development, St. Jude Catholic Church, Baton Rouge Rotary Club, and many others. In recognition of a lifetime of service and excellence, he was inducted into the Louisiana Section of ASCE’s prestigious “Wall of Fame” in 2023. Through his work and values, Rhaoul A. Guillaume, Sr. continues to build not only infrastructure, but pathways to opportunity for future generations.
Learn more about Mr. Guillaume here.
ULLA established the Women’s Business Resource Center (WBRC) in 2001 to support minority and women-owned businesses as a pathway to secure economic parity for African Americans and other underserved populations. The WBRC provides small-business development services including business education workshops and interactive trainings, hands-on technical assistance, and access to resources relevant to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs throughout southeastern Louisiana.
The Contractor’s Resource Center (CRC), an extension of the WBRC, was established in 2014 as an expansion of the Urban League’s work in economic development and inclusion, and as a direct response for the need to increase access to opportunities and education services to small business contractors in the area.
The CRC provides invaluable resources to small, disadvantaged, minority and women-owned contracting firms, and provides mastery-level, contractor-specific training programs in:
- Electronic Estimating
- Electronic Scheduling
- Job Costing
- Accounting Software Set-up and Support
- Project Management
- Capability Statement
- Construction Safety
- Compliance and Legal Support
- Back-office and Administrative Structure
- Commercial License Prep
In 2019, ULLA created the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI), as an umbrella organization to include the Women’s Business Resource Center and the Contractor’s Resource Center.
ULLA understands the importance and value of DBE participation in the sourcing of LADOTD’s statewide infrastructure projects. ULLA supports and applauds the LADOTD for its deliberate and strategic efforts to attract, develop, and provide access to opportunities to DBE firms that are seeking to bid on statewide infrastructure projects.
ULLA is honored to provide DBE Supportive Services including training, counseling, and access to resources to assist DBE firms in starting and scaling their businesses. We look forward to working with businesses across Region B.
]]>Thanks to our event partners and all who attended. Special thanks to Susheel Kumar, Public Information Officer, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center – West, SBA, for providing critical information about disaster recovery and the SBA loan process.
Also, a very special thanks to the leadership and staff of the The Saenger Theatre for providing us with the meeting space and onsite resources for this event.
