District 12 Small Business Program

The Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification Programs were established to increase business opportunities for the SB and DVBE communities within the State of California; thereby stimulating the state's overall economy. It is the Department’s goal to promote SB and DVBE participation in its procurement and contracting process by meeting or exceeding the 25% SB participation mandate and 5% DVBE goal.

The Department also strives to increase the level of participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in all Federal contracting activities.

ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE DBE PROGRAM

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Office of Civil Rights (OCR), is committed to expanding opportunities for Small Business (SB), Disadvantages Business Enterprise (DBE), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms in federal and state funded contracting and procurement.

Under the new Federal DBE regulations (IFR issued October 3, 2025), certifications must now be based on individualized demonstrations of social and economic disadvantage, with no reliance on race or sex based presumptions. All currently certified DBE/ACDBE firms will be reevaluated under these standards, and those that do not meet the new criteria may be decertified. During the reevaluation period, recipients may not set DBE contract goals nor count DBE participation toward goals. 

Caltrans is working with the Unified Certification Program agencies to reprocess the more than 6,000 DBEs as soon as praticable. DBE firms will be contacted by their certifying agency regarding additional requirements to get recertified. 

OCR ensures non-discrimination in the execution of contracts and promotes positive external customer relations. Contact Civil Rights

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) - Federal Funded Program

Caltrans is committed to an overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 21.35% on its federal-funded projects based upon a race-neutral and race-conscious methodology. 

• Become DBE Certified 
• Find US DOT Certifying Agencies 
• Find a Certified DBE Firm 

Small Business (SB) & Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) - State Funded Programs

Caltrans is committed to increasing the economic opportunity and development of Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) within the State of California. Caltrans is committed to an SB participation minimum of 25% and DVBE goal of 5% on State funded contracts and procurement opportunities.

• SB/DBVE Certification Information
• Search For SB/DVBE

Resources

• Small Business Newsletter
• Small Business Events Calendar
• Current Bidding Opportunities
• Upcoming Bidding Opportunities
• CaleProcure Opportunities
• Information for Architectural & Engineering (A&E) Firms
• Procurement and Contracts (DPAC)
• Calmentor Program
• Construction Mentor Protégé Program
• U.S. Veteran Business Alliance
• California Office of the Small Business Advocate
• Federal Small Business Association - California Site
• Small Business Development Centers of California

Contact

Have questions? Contact the District 12 Small Business Liaison D12SmallBusiness@dot.ca.gov