Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I qualify as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE),
or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?

A. Small Business Certification Eligibility Requirements

· Must be independently owned and operated;

· Cannot be dominant in its field of operation;

· Must have it owners (or officers in the case of a corporation) domiciled in California and

Together with it’s affiliates be either:

· A business with 100 or fewer employees, and

· An average gross receipts of $10 million or less over the previous three tax years, or

· A manufacturer with 100 or fewer employees.

B. DVBE Certification Eligibility Requirements

· A veteran of the U. S. military, naval, or air service;

· The veteran must have a service-connected disability of at lease 10% or more, and

· The veteran must be domiciled in California

C. DBE Certification Eligibility Requirements
· To qualify an individual must have Ownership (51% or more) and Control (of the day-to-day operations) of the business.

2. How do I become certified to do business with Caltrans?

A. Contact DGS Procurement Division, Office of Small Business and DVBE Certification.
http://www.dgs.ca.gov 916.376.5000.

· For Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Small Business Certification Application , STD. 813 (Rev. 1/2002)

· Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certification Application, STD. 812
(REV. 1/2001).

B. For Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contact California Unified Certification Program (CUCP)
To complete the application you can be downloaded by clicking
(The Certification Application Package)

· You only need to apply through one agency when applying for the CUCP DBE Certification; you will
apply to the agency closest to your place of business (See the last two pages of the application for the
list of certifying agencies. (www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep).

· If you would like assistance in completing your application you should contact our
Southern California Supportive Services Consultant, Padilla & Associates, Inc. at 619/725-0843.

3. How long is the certification process?

The certification process begins once you have submitted a complete application package including all
supporting documentation. The process could take one - five months due to the current backlog.
(Note: if you’re bidding on an upcoming project you should contact the certifying agency you submitted
your application to and give them all of the pertinent bid information and request them to expedite your
certification process so that you meet the bid deadline).

4. Can ownership be 50/50?

No, for purposes of this program the business must be owned 51% or m more by one or more socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals applying for DBE certification

5. How long is the certification good for?

The certification varies:

· If the firm is new the certification is good for 1 year.

· If a firm has been in business for 2 years, the certification is good for 2 years

· If a firm is renewing their certification, it is good for three (3) years and prior to your expiration date
you should complete a recertification application to keep your certification from expiring. (Once it expires
you’ll need to repeat the initial certification process)

6. Can a new business apply for DBE certification?

Yes, a new business can apply for DBE certification providing the business is operational, has equipment
necessary to operate the business independently, and has all necessary licenses and/or permits.

7. Are personal documents kept in a secure place?

All certification documents are kept in a secure area.

8. What are the benefits/advantages of being certified as a SBE, DVBE and DBE?

A. Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

· 5% bid preference on applicable State solicitations

· Under the Prompt Payment Act, the state must pay a certified SB/MB higher interest penalties for
late payment of an undisputed invoice.

Small Business Certification Benefits and Eligibility Requirements

B. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise

· State-certified DVBEs are eligible for the state’s DVBE Participation Program.

· The program sets the goal to use DVBEs in at least 3% of the State’s overall annual contract dollars.

DVBE Certification Benefits & Eligibility Requirements

C. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

· Goals are predicated on availability of DBE firms

· Federally assisted projects usually have DBE goals

· The larger the number of certified DBE firms, the higher the goal

· DBE firms are referred to prime contractors bidding on federally funded or assisted projects.

· Although being a DBE firm does not guarantee a contract, it gives the firm expanded exposure.

· DBE firms are listed in the statewide CUCP DBE Database.

· Strengthened business networking opportunities via the CUCP DBE Listings