Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) firms are strongly encouraged to participate in the City of Irvine’s contract opportunities. City projects which are funded in whole or in part with federal funding sources are subject to DBE requirements as set forth in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 26, and the State of California Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Plan, as well as other Caltrans guidelines. For these projects, specific DBE requirements and project goals are detailed in the project’s bid specifications.

There are many useful resources available to assist you in your DBE and SBE program efforts. Please review the information below, and visit the links to the various web sites provided.

Please register your firm on the City’s BidsOnline system, so that you will receive automated email notices whenever a new Invitation for Bids, or Request for Proposals, is posted.

To register your firm, please follow these instructions:

Visit the Purchasing page of the City’s website at: http://legacy.cityofirvine.org/cityhall/purchasing/default.asp

After reviewing the information on the web page, click on the link near the bottom of the page which states, "You may register your firm or check for current bid and RFP opportunities by clicking here."

After registering, click on the link near the top of the page which states, "Current Bids/Proposals," to check for current opportunities.

Once you have registered, you will receive automated email notices whenever we post a new Invitation for Bids or Request for Proposals opportunity for the supplier codes you have selected when registering. If you possess a State Contractors License, make sure you include your classification type, so that you will be notified for the types of projects for which you are qualified (such as Class A License, etc.). Also, be sure to include your DBE certification number, so that you will be notified of any future special DBE outreach programs.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
The City strongly encourages the participation of DBE firms for its contract opportunities, and sets goals for achievement each year, for federally funded projects. For general DBE program information, please visit the Caltrans website by clicking on the following link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/index.htm 

California Unified Certification Program
To learn more about how to become a DBE certified firm, including criteria which must be satisfied, please click on the following Caltrans link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/ucp.htm

Along with DBEs serving as the prime contractor for City contracts, the City strongly encourages the use of DBE certified subcontractors. To assist you in your search for DBE certified subcontractor firms, the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) database directory can assist you. To access the database, please click on the following link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/find_certified.htm

California Construction Contracting Program
Caltrans sponsors the California Construction Contracting Program (CCCP) to its market place contractors, consultants and vendors. DBEs and SBEs are encouraged to participate in and attend Caltrans’ sponsored free courses specifically offered through the CCCP, to assess bid opportunities.

For information about the CCCP, please visit the Small Business Enterprise section of the Caltrans website, by clicking on the following link:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/documents/COBEO_SBE.htm

Small Business Administration (SBA) Bonding Assistance Program
DBEs and SBEs may learn about the SBA Bonding Assistance Program by visiting the Small Business Enterprise section of the Caltrans website, by clicking on the following link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/documents/COBEO_SBE.htm