Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
SacRT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Small and Local Business Preference Program
SacRT is committed to providing opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Small and Local Businesses in its efforts to improve mobility throughout the Sacramento area. Participation by DBEs and Small and Local Businesses that reflect the demographics and diversity of the region improves the community served by SacRT. SacRT is committed to providing a level playing field on which DBEs and Small and Local Businesses can compete fairly for contracts and subcontracts relating to SacRT's construction, procurement, and professional services activities.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - Federal
As a condition of receipt of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds, SacRT administers a DBE program in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 26 - "Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Financial Assistance Programs" (49 CFR Part 26).
SacRT's DBE Program creates a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly and ensures that qualified businesses have an equal opportunity to compete for, and participate in, the performance of all DOT-funded contracts and subcontracts. It also assures that all contracts and solicitations will be administered without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.
What is a DBE?
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are small, for-profit businesses that are at least 51% owned by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged, as defined by the federal government.
How does my business become a certified DBE?
If you’re interested in certifying your business as a DBE, review the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) eligibility criteria. If you believe your
business qualifies, you can apply through the California Unified Certification Program
(CUCP), which is managed by the State of California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans)
Who is eligible for SacRT’s DBE Program?
Businesses must obtain their DBE certification from a CUCP-certifying member agency and be
certified in the NAICS code(s) applicable to the contract scope of work.
Small and Local Business Preference Program (SBE/LBE) - Non-Federal
Small and Local Business Preference Program (SBE/LBE) - Non-Federal SacRT has a Small and Local Business Preference Program to provide opportunities for Small and Local Businesses to successfully compete for contracts for the purchases of goods and services used in SacRT's operations. To qualify for the SacRT Small and Local Business Preference Program, a business must be certified by the California Department of General Services (DGS) or any other Public Agency whose certification criteria are substantially similar to the DGS criteria. See SacRT's Small and Local Business Program below for details.
How does my business become a certified Small Business?
If you’re interested in seeking Small or Micro Business certification, visit the State of
California Office of Small Business and DVBE Services website
to view the eligibility criteria and application.
What is a Local Business?
Local Business means a business that maintains its Principal Place of Business within the
geographical boundaries of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo or Yuba counties, and be
an established business entity conducting business operations for at least 6 consecutive months
prior to the due date of the bid or proposal.
Resources for DBEs and Small Business
Explore SacRT's resource hub for small businesses and DBEs to access resources and guidance for navigating government procurement. Learn more > here.
Are you a Prime Contractor looking for a DBE or Small Business Subcontractor?
Vendors are notified of Bid Opportunities in SacRT’s PlanetBids eProcurement system based on the NAICS codes applicable to each contract. For contracts with subcontracting opportunities, Prime Contractors can use the Prospective Bidders tab within the solicitation to identify potential DBE and Small Business subcontractors in SacRT’s Vendor Database. Prime Contractors can also use the tools below to find certified DBEs and Small Businesses or contact SacRT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (DBELO) to request a list of DBE or SBE vendors from SacRT’s vendor database (Bidders List).
SacRT Contact for DBE Program and Small and Local Business Program
Jessica Bennick Shevlin
Manager, Procurement, Contract Compliance, and Supplier Diversity
jshevlin@sacrt.com