District 9 Small Business
Do Business with Caltrans
Caltrans is committed to increasing the economic opportunity and development of Small Businesses (SB), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) within the State of California. We are an equal opportunity employer and accept bids from all subcontractors and suppliers. This includes minority and women-owned businesses and disadvantaged, disabled veterans, and small businesses. Caltrans is committed to the newly implemented DBE goal of 22.2%, an SB participation goal of 25%, and a DVBE goal of 5% on State-funded contracts and procurement.
If your SB, MB, DVBE, or DBE needs additional help, schedule a 1:1 meeting with the District 9 Small Business Liaison.
Small Business Resources
There are many resources available for small businesses wanting to do business with Caltrans. A few of these are listed below, including how to find Minor B projects and educational materials.
Caltrans works with small businesses on its Minor B projects, which are funded by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) Minor Program with a maximum capital cost of $388,000 per contract. Minor B Projects may also include emergency work within the Minor B Limit of $388K, also referred to as an emergency District Director's Order (DDO) or work higher than $388K, also known as Director's Orders (DO).
Current advertised Minor B projects can be found at Cal eProcure. Click "Start a Search" and enter
"Minor B" under the Event Name to see current opportunities throughout California.
Minor B projects can also be found on the Contracts Out for Bid page. Note: this page is currently under maintenance.
For small businesses interested in working with Caltrans and the State of California, more information can be found at the following links:
- Cal eProcure: How to sell to the State of California, find bid opportunities, and other public information.
- California State Contracts Register List of Current Bids
- Calendar of Upcoming Bid Openings: Explore upcoming bids for Caltrans projects from the Division of Engineering Services: Program/Project Management and Office Engineer
- Department of General Services Certification Application: Apply or re-apply for certification as a Small Business and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise. The Department also has information regarding:
- Certification Eligibility and Benefits
- Bid Opportunities
- SB/DVBE Firm Search
- Outreach and Networking Events
- Office of Civil Rights: OCR ensures non-discrimination in the execution of contracts and promotes positive external customer relations.
- Office of Civil Rights Events Calendar (All in-person events have either been canceled or changed to virtual meetings due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions)
The following webinars offer a range of information for firms new to contracting with the State of California.
General
- How to Do Business with the State of California (Webinar hosted by Norcal PTAC)
- Subcontracting for Primes (Webinar hosted by Caltrans)
- Labor Compliance (Webinar hosted by Caltrans)
- PTAC Overview (Webinar hosted by Caltrans)
Bonding
- Surety Bonding for Public Works (Webinar hosted by Caltrans)
Estimating
- Estimating and Bidding: The Basics (Webinar hosted by Norcal PTAC)
- Estimating and Bidding: Best Practices (Webinar hosted by Norcal PTAC)
- Estimating Best Practices (Webinar hosted by Caltrans)
The following links have more educational resources:
- Small Business Administration (Fresno District Office)
- Golden State PTAC (The Procurement Technical Assistance Center helps businesses successfully compete in the Federal, State, and Local Government marketplaces)
- Norcal PTAC Past Webinars (Recorded lessons covering a variety of topics)
Upcoming Events
Caltrans has events and webinars throughout the year, click here to see the calendar of events.
District 9 Contact
Joe Reidhead
Small Business Liaison
(760) 881-7730
Join the D9 Small Business eNewsletter
Schedule a 1:1 Meeting
The Caltrans District 9 Small Business Liaison holds virtual, open office hours on the first Thursday of every month. Appointments can be reserved at least one day in advance. Click here to schedule a 1:1 meeting to discuss your SB, MB, DVBE, or DBE needs.