Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

To receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Caltrans requires the City of Stockton to adopt and maintain a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The Contract Compliance section of the Public Works Department administers the City's DBE program. 

A DBE is a small business owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, which has been certified and appears on the Caltrans DBE website. The DBE program applies to all federally-funded transportation projects. 

On July 1, 2012, the DBE program operates under fully "race conscious" rules. Rules require contract goals be calculated for each project based on all DBE groups, and adequate Good Faith Efforts are required if the goal is not met.

DBE Qualifications

To be considered a DBE, a firm must qualify as a DBE and be owned by one of the following groups:

• African American
• Asian Pacific American
• Native American
• Women
• Hispanic American
• Subcontinent Asian American
  
  

Project goals are established by examining the work to be done and availability of certified local DBE firms to perform that type of work. Firms interested in bidding on a particular federally-funded contract are made aware of the project's goal. Public Works requires contractors to meet the goal or show they have made a "good faith effort." 

Learn how to become a certified DBE by clicking the link below to the Caltrans Office of Business & Economic Opportunity. The San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center can also provide information, educational classes, and other resources.

Information about upcoming projects and potential DBE contracting opportunities can be found on the City of Stockton's Bid Flash page. 

External Links

Caltrans Office of Business & Economic Opportunity

San Joaquin Delta College - Small Business Development Center 

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 4/19/2017