Tips on how small and minority-owned businesses can tackle the process of bidding on contracts with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) were the focus of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council first quarter meeting.
Presenting the information-packed overview on January 17 was David DeLuz, deputy director of the Caltrans Office of Civil Rights. DeLuz leads the office’s efforts to increase the participation of Small Business (SB), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms in both 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 meeting attendees.
Caltrans receives state and federal funds and there is strong competition for its grants, DeLuz reported. His office tracks participation of the disadvantaged groups in the bidding process via their use of the certification programs it oversees.
He noted that as of this month, Caltrans has 924 active construction contracts valued at more than $14 billion. Each contract, he said, represents opportunities for many types of businesses.
For public works projects, Caltrans procurement includes major/minor highway construction and maintenance, architectural and engineering consulting services, and emergency maintenance. Goods and services Caltrans procures include supplies and equipment, operations and safety, office and information technology equipment, and facility maintenance supplies.
For companies new to bidding on government contracts, DeLuz suggested trying Minor B contracts and emergency contracts to learn how the process works.
Advantages of the Minor B contracts, he said, include the relatively lower dollar threshold ($461,000), the shorter time for processing the contracts and lower administrative burden. Participating in the process also enables the business to develop relationships with Caltrans and contractors that 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 is working with those in the district to unbundle contracts to make them more accessible to smaller firms, DeLuz explained. A Caltrans webpage provides information on the emergency contract program, including links to advertised emergency projects.
Resources for Business
Among the business resources DeLuz highlighted were:
- Caleprocure.ca.gov: This online portal is a central spot where businesspeople can register their business; find solicitations and contracts via the searchable data base; indicate their interest in projects; and look up historical public procurement information, which can guide their strategy in developing proposals to submit. The required registration means the business will appear in searches by other buyers. Information available here includes how to register to receive bid notifications and how to get certified as a Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise.
- Contractor’s Corner offers a comprehensive platform allowing the visitor to search for advertised projects, contracts by item, bidder inquiries, current and past advertised projects and a 24-month advertised look ahead.
- The Caltrans text notification system to opt-in to receive text message alerts.
- A list of Caltrans small business liaison contacts at district offices and at Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento.
Mentor Program
Another Caltrans resource is the Construction Mentor Protégé Program, which offers classes year-round. DeLuz described it as a “cohort program.” Caltrans matches a protégé company with a mentor (an established successful firm) and the two 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.
Next Council Meeting
The next meeting of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council is scheduled for April 25 at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Any small business that is interested in joining the council or being notified about the meeting can email Jennifer Johnson.
