Tips on how small and minority-owned businesses can handle the bidding process for contracts with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) were the focus of the first quarter meeting of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council.
Presenting the information-packed briefing on January 17 was David DeLuz, deputy director of the Caltrans Office for Civil Rights. DeLuz leads the office’s efforts to increase the participation of Small Business (SB), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) firms in federal and state contracting and procurement.
The CalChamber Small Business Policy Council is chaired by CalChamber Board Member Sandra Floyd, president and CEO of OUTSOURCE Consulting Services, Inc.
“My job is to bridge the gap between where people are and where they want to be in terms of contracting with the state of California,” DeLuz told the meeting attendees.
Caltrans receives state and federal funding and has strong competition for its grants, DeLuz reported. His office tracks the participation of disadvantaged groups in the bidding process through their use of certification programs it oversees.
He noted that as of this month, Caltrans has 924 active construction contracts worth more than $14 billion. Each contract, he said, presents opportunities for many types of businesses.
For public works projects, Caltrans procurement includes construction and maintenance of major/minor highways, architectural and engineering consulting services, and emergency maintenance. Goods and Services Caltrans procurements include supplies and equipment, operations and security, office and information technology equipment, and facilities maintenance supplies.
For companies new to bidding on government contracts, DeLuz suggested trying Minor B contracts and contingency contracts to learn how the process works.
Advantages of Minor B contracts, he said, include the relatively lower dollar threshold ($461,000), shorter contract processing time and lower administrative burden. Participating in the process also allows the business to develop relationships with Caltrans and contractors who work with the department on a regular basis, DeLuz said.
Emergency projects, such as those related to the Los Angeles fire emergency, offer similar opportunities, and staff at Caltrans headquarters are working with those in the district to split contracts to make them more accessible to smaller firms. , DeLuz explained. A Caltrans website provides information on the emergency contract program, including links to advertised emergency projects.
Business Resources
Among the business resources DeLuz highlighted were:
- Caleprocure.ca.gov: This online portal is a central point where businessmen can register their business; find requisitions and contracts through the searchable database; show their interest in projects; and seek historical public procurement information that can guide their strategy in developing proposals to submit. The required listing means that the business will appear in the searches of other buyers. Information available here includes how to sign up to receive offer notifications and how to become certified as a small business and disabled veteran enterprise.
- Contractor’s Corner offers a comprehensive platform that allows the visitor to search advertised projects, contracts by item, bidder inquiries, current and past advertised projects and a 24-month advertised look ahead.
- of Caltrans text notification system to choose to receive text message alerts.
- A list of Caltrans Small Business Liaison Contacts at the county offices and Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento.
Mentor Program
Another source is Caltrans Construction Mentor Protection Programwhich offers classes throughout the year. DeLuz described it as a “group program.” Caltrans matches a protected company with a mentor (a successful established firm) and both walk through the program over a series of months.
The program includes workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions and is available in all 12 Caltrans districts.
The next meeting of the Council
The next CalChamber Small Business Policy Council meeting is set for April 25 at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Any small business that is interested in joining the council or being notified of the meeting can email Jennifer Johnson.