Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Caltrain and SamTrans are committed to the participation of Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in contracting opportunities. To contact us about Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) questions, please email: compliance@samtrans.com.

DBE Program Summary

The main objectives of the DBE Program, operated under Title 49 CFR Part 26, are:

  • To ensure that DBEs can compete fairly for federally funded contracts.
  • To ensure that only eligible firms participate as DBEs.
  • To assist DBE firms in competing outside the DBE Program.

The complete DBE Programs for Caltrain and SamTrans and triennial overall goals analysis are available for review by contacting the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

To participate as a DBE in DOT-assisted contracts, DBE firms, including those owned by minorities and women, must apply for and receive certification as a DBE. For the state of California, DBE certification is performed by the certifying agencies of the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP). SamTrans is not currently certifying DBEs. To find a certifying agency or search for certified firms please visit the CUCP website.

For additional information about the DBE Program, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

To search for DBEs, visit the CUCP's Certified Vendor Directory.

The Federal regulation for the DBE Program, Title 49 CFR Part 26, can be downloaded here.

SBE Policies

Caltrain and SamTrans are committed to assisting small businesses’ participation in Caltrain and SamTrans contracts.

CUPCAA set-asides: SamTrans sets aside small construction contracts under $60,000 for small businesses where SBEs are available to complete given projects.

SBE Preference: Caltrain and SamTrans have the option to apply, where appropriate, an SBE preference to contract solicitations.

SBE Certification and Search for SBEs: Caltrain and SamTrans will recognize the SBE certifications listed below. Other certifications will not be accepted. Prime bidders may utilize the links below to search for DBEs.

  • DBEs pursuant to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, 49 CFR Part 26. This includes DBE certifications performed by the California Unified Certification Program, or any other state Unified Certification Program. CUCP's Certified Vendor Directory.
  • SBA 8(a) by the Small Business Administration provided that a firm’s average annual gross receipts do not exceed the cap of $30.72 million. SBA SBE Search.
  • SBE certification performed by the California Department of General Services (DGS) for the following industries only: (a) Construction (NAICS 230000); (b) Manufacturing (NAICS 310000-330000); (c) Wholesaling (NAICS 420000); and (d) Trucking (NAICS 484000). DGS SBE Search.
  • All Microbusiness (MB) certifications by the California Department of General Services for ALL industries. DGS SBE Search.
  • SBE certification by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. VTA SBE Search.
  • SBE certification from LA Metro. LA Metro SBE Search.

1250 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, California 94070-1306 Customer Service 1-800-660-4287 | Administrative Office 650-508-6200.

Tags