La Verne: How Small Businesses Can Get In On Caltrans Projects

Press release from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce:

May 27, 2020

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking small businesses to participate in public works projects with local and state transportation agencies, as part of the Road Repair Act of 2017. Also called Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the act invests $54 million over 10 years for such projects.

The Office of Civil Rights is dedicated to increasing the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVE) and Small Business (SB) firms. The State of California purchases more than $8.9 billion annually in goods, services, construction and public works; Caltrans has a 25% small business participation goal in state procurement and contracts.

State of California DVBE certification promotes self-reliance for the state’s disabled vets by offering the chance to gain experience in state contracting and procurement. While the state has a 3% DVBE participation goal, Caltrans takes it a step further with an aspirational goal of 5%. The DBE certification attempts to level the playing field by providing socially and economically disadvantaged businesses a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts. Caltrans’ current overall DBE goal is 17.6%.

Useful links for more information:
Caltrans’ SB1 website, with info on SB1, the project map, and where the money is going
Caltrans District Small Business Liaison List
Office of Civil Rights website
Office of Small Business & Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise

Contractor Resources
Projects Tentatively Scheduled for Advertisement
Calendar of Upcoming Bid Openings
Links to additional business help centers, fact sheets, and brochures
Caltrans Events Calendar

• Edwin Bragado Outreach Specialist
• May 27, 2020
• Send Email

This press release was produced by the La Verne Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.