The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) gets federal funding from the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT). Because of this, federal law requires Caltrans to have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a local agency eligible for U.S. DOT federal assistance and to support Caltrans' DBE program, the City of Santa Clara takes part in the program for qualified City projects.

DBE Certification of Eligibility Requirements

The DBE certification process lets small businesses join the DBE program if they are independently owned and run by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged people. Its goal is to remove barriers and help disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) take part in federally assisted highway and transit projects. If your company is women-owned (WBE), minority-owned (MBE) or a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), the City of Santa Clara encourages you to get state certified so you can join federally assisted projects.

Learn more about the criteria for DBE certification

View DBE Application Forms

Once your company has been certified in California, let the City know. This way your company can be added to the DBE list for future City projects.  For further information on the City's DBE Program, contact the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division at (408) 615-3000 or email us at engineering@santaclaraca.gov.

Links to External Resources

Builders' Exchange of Santa Clara County
Golden State Builder's Exchanges