DBE Program Manual and Goal(s)
The County of Orange receives federal-aid and as a condition of receiving such assistance has developed a DBE program in accordance with federal regulations published under Title 49 CFR, Part 26, Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) and subsequent guidance.
For these federally-funded projects, OCPW determines a DBE project goal, or a percentage of work to be awarded to certified DBEs, on a contract-by-contract basis.
To be eligible to count towards the DBE goal, DBE subcontractors must be certified with the State of California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) at the time of bid/proposal submission. For more information regarding DBEs and how to become certified, please visit the California Department of Transportation’s website using the following link (dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/dbe).
Project Look-Ahead
The County will post a look ahead schedule within the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to inform the public of upcoming projects and due dates so they will have ample time to reach out to primes and build solid partnerships to team on upcoming opportunities. A link to the most recent CIP report can be found here.
Disadvantaged Business Resources
The County attends local Small Business and DBE outreach events to connect with interested firms and provide them instrumental insight to working with the County and growing their business. For information regarding County events, view the County Procurement Office’s website for Vendor Day information ( olb.ocgov.com ).
Useful Links
- US Small Business Administration
sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/how-win-contracts
- Find a DBE Certified Firm
dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/dbe-search
Disadvantaged Business Bonding Assistance
The County is committed to the growth of Disadvantaged Businesses within the County’s market area and regularly communicates with its subcontracting community to identify possible barriers to the growth and success of Disadvantaged Businesses. The County recognizes that a firm’s ability to obtain performance and payment bonds can pose a significant barrier to their ability to win public sector contracts and for those firms that are able to obtain bonds, being able to bond adequately may also often pose a barrier to working on public contracts.
Follow this link to access information on Bonding Assistance Resources.
