Business Opportunities for DBE & ACDBE Firms
How DBE and ACDBE certification can help your business access contracting and concession opportunities throughout California.
Marketing Advantage
By becoming a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Airport Concessionaire DBE (ACDBE), your business will be listed in the CUCP statewide database. This database is utilized by contractors, businesses, and public agencies throughout California and the U.S.
Public agencies and large prime contractors contact DBEs listed in the database to solicit their participation on upcoming federally-assisted projects. The CUCP database provides your firm with exposure to procurement opportunities.
Where to Find Opportunities
- 1.Certifying agency websites — most agencies list contracting opportunities online and offer vendor registration.
- 2.Non-certifying agency websites — also list potential contracting opportunities.
- 3.Airport concessions — contact airports directly for concession opportunities. Request to be placed on the bidder's mailing list and receive notices of concession opportunities.
- 4.CUCP DBE Directory — search for other DBE firms to partner with on projects.
Major California Airports (Concessions)
Understanding DBE Goals
Every agency that receives USDOT funding is required to set annual DBE participation goals. These goals represent the percentage of federal contract dollars the agency aims to award to certified DBE firms. For example, Caltrans' overall DBE goal for FHWA-funded projects has historically ranged from 10% to 13%, depending on the federal fiscal year and available disparity study data.
When an agency issues a contract with a specific DBE goal, prime contractors must demonstrate good-faith efforts to subcontract a portion of the work to certified DBE firms. This creates a steady demand for DBE-certified subcontractors across construction, engineering, trucking, professional services, and many other industries.
Being listed in the statewide DBE directory makes your firm visible to prime contractors searching for certified subcontractors by NAICS code, location, and work type. Many firms report that they receive solicitations from primes shortly after their certification appears in the directory.
Not yet certified? Read the complete DBE certification guide, check your eligibility, or learn about Caltrans DBE certification. Compare DBE, SBE, and DVBE to choose the right program.
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