Tips on how minority-owned small businesses can tackle the bidding process on contracts with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) were the focus of Calchamber Small Business’ first quarter meeting Policy Council.
David Deluz, deputy director of the Caltrans Office of Civil Rights. DeLuz leads the office’s efforts to increase the participation of small businesses (SBs), disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), and disability welfare companies (DVBEs) in federal and state business and procurement.
The Calchamber Small Business Policy Council is chaired by Calchamber Board Member Sandra Floyd, President and CEO of Ondranding Consulting Services, Inc.
“My job is to bridge the gap between where people are and where they want to be in terms of their contract 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 the participation of disadvantaged groups in the bidding process through their use of the certification programs he oversees.
He noted that as of this month, Caltrans has 924 active construction contracts worth more than $14 billion. Each contract, he said, represents opportunities for many types of businesses.
For public works projects, Caltrans purchases include major/minor road construction and maintenance, architectural and engineering consulting services, and emergency maintenance. Caltrans goods and services products include supplies and equipment, operations and security, 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.
The advantages of minor M contracts, he said, include the relatively lower dollar threshold ($461,000), shorter time to process contracts and lower administrative burden. Participating in the process also allows the company to develop relationships with Caltrans and contractors who regularly work with the department, DeLuz said.
Emergency projects, such as those related to the Los Angeles Fire emergency, offer similar opportunities and Caltrans headquarters staff are working with those in the District to clear contracts to make them more accessible to small businesses, a explained Deluz. A Caltrans webpage provides Emergency Contract Program Informationincluding links to announced emergency projects.
Business Resources
Among the business resources highlighted were:
- Caleprocure.ca.gov: This online portal is a central place where businessmen can register their business; Find solicitations and contracts via searchable database; indicate their interest in the projects; and seek information on historical public procurement, which can guide their strategy in developing proposals for submission. Required registration means the business will appear in searches by other buyers. Information available here includes how to sign up to receive job notifications and how to be certified as a small business and a disabled veteran business.
- Entrepreneur’s Corner Offers a comprehensive platform for the visitor to search announced projects, contracts by item, requests for bidders, current and past announced projects and a 24-month announced overview.
- THE Caltrans Text Notification System To opt-in to receive SMS alerts.
- A list of Caltrans Small Business Liaison Contacts in district offices and Caltrans headquarters in Sacramento.
Mentoring Program
Another Caltrans resource is the Construction Mentor Protégé Programwhich offers courses all year round. Deluz described it as a “cohort program.” Caltrans matches a business protégé with a mentor (an established successful business) and the two go through the program over a series of months.
The program includes workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions and is available throughout 12 Caltrans districts.
Next board 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 would like to join the council or be notified of the meeting can Email Jennifer Johnson.