Keen Independent Research recently authored an article for American DBE Magazine on the new Personal Narrative requirement for DBE and ACDBE certification.

The article, “Navigating the Personal Narrative Requirement: Understanding the 2025 DBE and ACDBE Certification Changes,” explains how the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2025 Interim Final Rule is changing certification and recertification requirements for DBE and ACDBE firms. It also draws on Keen Independent’s national survey of 165 DBE and ACDBE business owners across 37 states, which found substantial variation in how firms are receiving information and support from certifying agencies.

It also outlines practical considerations for preparing a Personal Narrative, including the importance of describing specific experiences of social and economic disadvantage and connecting those experiences to business formation, growth or sustainability.

Read the full article in American DBE Magazine here.

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