Central Region Calmentor Program
Serving District 5, 6 and 10
Upcoming Events
Caltrans District 5 & 6 A&E Outreach: Monday October 30, 2023, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, To pre-register click via Webex.com
Calmentor Mixer in District 10: November 14, 2023, Location: Valley Brewing Co. 157 W. Adams Street, Stockton, CA 95204, Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
General Meeting in District 6: January 23, 2024 (Tentative Date)
More info is also available about past events.
Useful Links
Office of Civil Rights Events Calendar
District 6 Small Business Program
District 5 Small Business Program
District 10 Small Business Program;
Program Information
Program Overview
The Calmentor program encourages and supports volunteer partnerships between small businesses (protégés) and larger Architectural and Engineering (A&E) firms (mentors) in order to increase the participation of small businesses on A&E transportation projects. The program is consistent with California Executive Order S-11-06, which greatly encourages increasing the participation of Small Business (SB) , Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified firms in contracting with the State of California. The program is meant to foster meaningful relationships between firms, with mentors offering protégés education, training, and networking opportunities.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Calmentor Program is to increase the pool of certified firms participating in transportation projects by providing them opportunities to network and partner with established firms.
Goals and Objectives
- Establish a mentoring Program that pairs certified firms with established firms in the same field of expertise
- Enhance the growth potential of certified firms
- Ensure that both certified and established firms have equal opportunities to participate in transportation projects
- Establish a clear, accessible entry point for certified firms that want to do business with Caltrans or other public agencies
- Develop business relationships that foster new opportunities for both established and certified firms
- Encourage non-certified firms to obtain certification from appropriate agencies
- Increase the pool of small businesses
Participants
Participants of the Program are Mentors, Protégés, Sponsors, and/or Steering Committee members. Mentors are established firms who are typically prime consultants willing to commit time to help certified firms achieve their growth potential. Protégés are Certified firms who are seeking A&E contracts with Caltrans or other public agencies. Caltrans Central Region is the program's primary sponsor whose aim is to facilitate the growth of certified firms. Any public or local organization may join to co-sponsor the Program.
Program Organization
The 10-member Steering Committee, which guides and maintains the Calmentor Program, has the following roles:
- Establishes Program goals and objectives and ensures that they are fulfilled
- Maintains the Calmentor website
- Collects historical information on how the Program is proceeding
- Reviews agreements
- Helps resolve disagreements
- Establishes the grievance protocol
- Sets Program policies and procedures
- Evaluates Program performance
- Serves as an advisory body to Caltrans
Application to the Program
The program is currently accepting new Mentor and Protégé members. For applications, please contact Jin Thao at email address: Jin.Thao@dot.ca.gov or call (559) 981-4470. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Steering Committee Members and voted on during the next scheduled Steering Committee Meeting. The following are descriptions of Mentor and Protégé firms:
- Mentors: A&E prime consultant firms willing to commit time to help certified firms achieve their growth potential.
- Protégés: Certified firms seeking A&E contracts with Caltrans or other public agencies. If your firm is not certified and interested in being certified by the appropriate certifying agency, please go to the Small Business Program for information on the SB/DVBE or the DBE programs.
For additional information, please contact:
Jin Thao, Contract Analyst
Central Region Services/Consultant Services Unit
2015 E Shields Ave., Suite 100, Fresno, CA 93726
Phone Number: (559) 981-4470
E-mail:
Jin.Thao@dot.ca.gov