The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), and is therefore required by federal law to implement a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. In keeping with Caltrans' commitment to the DBE program, and as a local agency eligible for U.S. DOT federal assistance, the City of Santa Clara participates in implementing the DBE program for qualified City projects.

DBE Certification of Eligibility Requirements

The DBE certification process allows small businesses, which are independently owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, admittance into the DBE program. The Program's goal is to remove barriers to DBE participation 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 obtain state certification for participation in its federally-assisted projects.

Learn more about the criteria for DBE certification

View DBE Application Forms

Once your company has been certified in the state of California, notify the City to be placed on the DBE list for future City projects.  For further information on the City's participation in the DBE Program, please contact us at (408) 615-3000 or email us at engineering@santaclaraca.gov.

External Resources

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