Construction Mentor Protégé Program
Caltrans Construction Mentor Protégé Program
Our Mission
Empower small and emerging construction firms through partnership and build California's future together.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Construction Mentor Protégé Program (CMPP) transforms how small and emerging construction firms access opportunities in California's transportation infrastructure projects. Operating across all twelve Caltrans districts, this statewide program creates pathways for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned construction firms—particularly Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), and small businesses—to thrive within the competitive public works construction landscape.
The CMPP directly supports Caltrans’ mission of “Improving lives and communities through transportation” and advances the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan priorities of safety, equity, climate action, prosperity, and employee excellence. By broadening participation among diverse contractors, the program strengthens California’s construction workforce, drives economic opportunity in underserved communities, and builds the collaborative partnerships essential to a resilient and connected California.
This program fulfills Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-16-22 commitment to engage historically disadvantaged communities and implements Executive Order S-11-06 directives to expand opportunities for small and emerging businesses throughout the State of California.
The CMPP is completely free to all participants.
There are no fees or hidden costs—just a genuine commitment to helping small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned construction firms succeed.
Our Vision
Empowering tomorrow's construction leaders today.
The CMPP envisions a construction industry where opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of business size or background. We are committed to removing barriers that hinder small, disadvantaged, veteran-owned construction firms and capable small and emerging firms from competing for and executing Caltrans transportation contracts.
The Program
Your Roadmap to Construction Success.
Each CMPP active program runs for six to eight months and uses a dual-delivery model that combines interactive group workshops with personalized mentoring through dedicated one-on-one sessions. This model offers protégés a comprehensive education on industry best practices and individualized guidance tailored to their specific business needs. The following image provides an example of the CMPP program roadmap for construction success.
Workshops and Mentoring
Our workshop series features collaboration between experienced mentors, protégés, Caltrans staff, and subject matter experts who share real-world insights, lessons learned, and practical strategies for overcoming common challenges faced by emerging contractors. The series also addresses one or more of the program’s four core competencies, providing comprehensive education across all aspects of Caltrans construction project delivery in the construction phase.
1: Education, Resources, and Guidance
Provides the necessary knowledge, tools, and advice to thrive throughout the complete project lifecycle, including:
- Identifying bidding opportunities and guidance using the Caltrans Contracting Opportunities Portal (CCOP)
- Pre-bid planning, estimating, and bid submittal
- Understanding bonding and insurance requirements and introduction to the Caltrans Insurance Pre-Approval Program
- Understanding contract administration processes and procedures
- Following project closeout procedures and final contract acceptance
- Learning how to participate in Caltrans emergency work opportunities.
- Understanding Caltrans Office of Civil Rights
- Introduction to the Caltrans Emergency Work Contractor Interest Registry
- Learning how to use the Caltrans District Small Business Liaisons (DSBL)Contract List
2: Relationships and Connections
Provides opportunities to build a strong network within the construction sector through:
- Networking and relationship-building
- Connecting with prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers
- Understanding insurance, bonding, and surety requirements
- Developing partnerships and teaming arrangements
- Building trust with Caltrans staff and project managers
3: Technical Skills
Supports the development of technical capabilities essential to construction project success through:
- Construction estimating
- Project scheduling and critical path management
- Subcontractor coordination and management
- Project management and reporting
4: Caltrans Fluency
Provides a deep understanding of Caltrans' processes and requirements including:
- Caltrans contract documents, such as plans, specifications, and estimates
- Contract compliance and administration practices
- Safety standards and workplace safety culture
- Quality assurance and quality control requirements
- Environmental regulations and permit compliance
- Caltrans inspection and acceptance procedures
- Communication protocols with Caltrans staff
One-on-One Mentoring
Protégés receive personal guidance during one-on-one sessions with mentors, Caltrans staff, and the program facilitator. These sessions provide an opportunity to address firm‑specific questions, challenges, and development needs unique to each protégé. The sessions allow the protégés the opportunity to ask questions specific to their unique business circumstances and challenges. This includes:
- Developing customized strategies for business growth and capacity building
- Building trusted relationships with Caltrans staff and successful contractors
- Receiving guidance on specific bidding opportunities or active projects
- Overcoming perceived barriers and identifying practical solutions to limitations
- Navigating complex regulatory, bonding, or insurance requirements
- Providing comprehensive, personalized discussions to follow up on workshop topics
These dedicated one-on-one mentoring sessions are where transformative relationships begin, connections and mentorships develop, and lasting professional networks that extend far beyond program graduation are created.
Cost
FREE. No application fees, no hidden fees, no tuition, no charges of any kind.
Protégé Qualifications
Requirements:
- Business Experience: A minimum of one year in business
- Certification Eligibility: Currently certified or eligible for certification in one or more of the following:
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) as specified in 49 CFR Part 26 and FHWA regulations through the California Unified Certification Program (CAUCP)
- Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) and Small Business (SB) as specified by the California Department of General Services (DGS)
- Active Contractor’s License: A valid California Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB) license in one of the following classifications:
- Class A (General Engineering Contractor): Eligible as standalone classification
- Class B (General Building Contractor): Eligible when combined with relevant Class C specialty classifications for transportation construction
- Class C (Specialty Contractors): Contractors holding a Class C license eligible when their classification aligns with Caltrans transportation construction activities in areas such as:
- Civil, earthwork and site preparation, such as earthwork and grading, excavation, demolition and removal, trucking and hauling.
- Pavement and concrete work, such as asphalt paving, concrete paving, concrete flatwork, minor concrete.
- Structures and structural components, such as bridges, retaining walls, soundwalls, structural steel fabrication and erection, reinforcing steel installation, geotechnical drilling and foundations.
- Drainage, utilities and underground work such as drainage systems, stormwater systems and underground utilities, including water, sewer and electrical.
- Traffic systems and roadway safety, such as traffic control and flagging, traffic signals and lighting, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), guardrail and barriers, striping, markings and sign installation.
- Electrical and communications such as electrical C‑10 transportation infrastructure, communications and ITS installation.
- Landscaping, environmental and erosion control such as landscaping and irrigation, erosion control, SWPPP implementation, environmental compliance and mitigation.
- Specialty and other services such as bridge painting and coatings, fencing and gates, rail and transit construction support.
Note: All Class C licenses will be reviewed to make sure they align with transportation construction activities before admission.
Mentor Qualifications
Requirements:
- Active California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license
- Proven track record of successful bidding and execution of Caltrans transportation construction projects
- Established and experienced as a public works contractor
- Willing to share knowledge, provide guidance, and support emerging contractors
- Committed to attending workshops and leading one-on-one mentoring sessions
Why Become a Mentor?
Becoming a mentor gives you the opportunity to:
- Expand your network of qualified subcontractors and specialty trade partners
- Enhance your relationships with Caltrans personnel and processes
- Contribute to workforce development and industry sustainability
- Meet corporate social responsibility goals and give back to the construction community
Protégés gain access to clear pathways for success, including mentorship, guidance, and the opportunity to grow their skills and advance within the construction industry. The program provides the following:
- Public Works Education
Insight into the processes of bidding, execution, and payment, while establishing industry best practices for public works contracts. This helps members understand Caltrans construction contracting when using the CCOP to identify projects available for bidding.
- Professional Relationship Network
An opportunity to build authentic connections with prime contractors, subcontractors, and Caltrans personnel. These relationships create opportunities for teaming arrangements, joint ventures, subcontracting work, and direct contract awards.
- Technical and Operational Capacity
Support in developing technical capabilities such as estimating accuracy, project planning, quality control, and operational infrastructure necessary for sustained success in transportation construction.
- Caltrans Fluency and Confidence
Provides comprehensive sessions to make sure Caltrans' contract administration, specifications, safety requirements, labor compliance, environmental regulations, and documentation standards are understood.
- Personalized Mentorship
Receive one-on-one mentoring guidance tailored to your specific business needs, circumstances, questions, and growth objectives from experienced contractors who have successfully navigated the industry.
- Increased Competitiveness
Help preparing your firm to successfully bid on and execute Caltrans construction contracts, expanding your revenue, workforce, and market presence.
Mentors gain opportunities to share their expertise, grow new business partnerships and contribute to a culture of learning, and excellence while strengthening California's construction industry, this includes:
- Expanding Subcontractor Networks
Identifying and developing relationships with qualified small contractors and increasing your pool of capable partners. This is a great asset for projects that require teaming and helps you meet participation goals.
- Enhancing Caltrans Relationships
Strengthening your working relationships with Caltrans staff and gaining a better understanding of agency priorities, while increasing transparency in your engagement on public projects.
- Improving Communication Strategies
Developing more effective approaches to communicating with and supporting small business partners throughout project lifecycles, helping to reduce conflicts and enhance collaboration.
- Building Industry Sustainability
Contributing to developing the next generation of construction professionals and companies by providing a robust, diverse, and capable contractor base for future California infrastructure needs.
- Demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility
Showing a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and small business development is valued by clients, communities, and stakeholders.
- Supporting Strategic Goals
Advancing in Caltrans' prosperity goals by fostering partnerships that maximize transportation investments and improve quality of life for all Californians.
The CMPP brings members together, who collaborate and work together to build the CMPP community. Our members include:
Program Sponsors: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through the Headquarters Division of Construction (DOC) and all twelve Caltrans districts. Together, they are committed to equity, economic prosperity, and building California's diverse transportation workforce.
District champions: Each Caltrans district has a dedicated management-level champion who advocates for the program, connects participants with resources, and provides alignment with local construction priorities.
Program facilitators: Caltrans partners with a professional co-facilitator to manage curriculum development, workshop coordination, participant support, and program logistics.
Subject matter experts: Volunteer professionals that contribute their knowledge and specialized expertise in areas such as bonding, insurance, estimating, safety, specifications, and business management, further enriching the program.
Protégés: Small and emerging construction firms that are ready to expand their knowledge, skills and capability to compete for Caltrans projects.
Mentors: Experienced leaders who are passionate about sharing their expertise, giving back to the industry, guiding emerging talent, fostering professional growth and strengthening California’s construction community.
D1 - Eureka D2 - Redding D3 - Marysville / Sacramento CMPP Protégé Directory
D4 - Bay Area / Oakland CMPP Protégé Directory
D5 - San Luis Obispo / Santa Barbara CMPP Protégé Directory
D6 - Fresno / Bakersfield CMPP Protégé Directory
D7 - Los Angeles / Ventura and D12 - Orange County CMPP Protégé Directory
D8 - San Bernardino / Riverside CMPP Protégé Directory
D9 - Bishop CMPP Protégé Directory
D10 - Stockton CMPP Protégé Directory
Caltrans Office of Civil Rights (OCR) The central resource for certification, business development resources, and compliance support.
Caltrans Contracting Opportunities Portal (CCOP) Search current construction bidding opportunities by district, project type, and schedule or view project details, plans, specifications, and addenda.
Insurance Pre-Approval Program Learn how to streamline your contract execution process by pre-approving your insurance policies before bidding, reduce paperwork and expedite contract awards.
Emergency Contractor Registry Register your firm's capabilities for rapid response emergency repair work following disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and wildfires.
DBE Certification (49 CFR Part 26/ FHWA) Certifies small businesses and makes sure they have equal opportunity to participate in federally funded transportation projects.
California Unified Certification Program (CAUCP) Handles the DBE certification in the state of California and provides firms with "one-stop" shopping.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Federal Program Oversees the DBE certification process nationwide and requires firms to demonstrate social and economic disadvantage in accordance with federal regulations.
Small Business/DVBE (California Department of General Services) Certification Helps eligible businesses compete for state contracting opportunities by giving them official certification and visibility to public agencies.
Work with Caltrans Helps contractors find up to date bid opportunities, project details and resources.
Business Resources and Statewide Resources Search Statewide and District resources for small and emerging businesses.
Protégé Success Stories
We celebrate our CMPP graduates as they go on to achieve remarkable success across California's transportation construction landscape. Watch their journeys to success.
D1, D2, and D3 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Graduation
D4 2024 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Graduation
D4 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Graduation
D4 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Promotional
Mentor Protégé Program for Construction
2022 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Graduation
D7 & D12 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Graduation
D10 Construction Mentor Protégé Program Graduation
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Whether you're a small contractor ready to expand your capabilities or an experienced firm committed to strengthening our industry, the Caltrans Construction Mentor Protégé Program welcomes you to join California’s premier construction mentorship program.
Protégés: Gain the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to compete successfully for Caltrans construction projects.
Mentors: Share your expertise while expanding your network and enhancing your business relationships.
Together, we're building a thriving and connected California.
Questions? We're here to help.
Email: ConstructionMentorProtege@dot.ca.gov