Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

RTD’s DBE Policy Statement

RTD has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Plan in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. RTD has received federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation; as a condition of receiving this assistance, RTD has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of the RTD to ensure that DBEs, as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. It is also its policy to:

  1. Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.
  2. Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts.
  3. Ensure that the DBE Plan is narrowly tailored operates in accordance with applicable law.
  4. Ensure that only firms which fully meet the 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs.
  5. Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts.
  6. Assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Plan.
  7. Allow for access to information and resources in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility and applicable law and policies.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has been delegated as the DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO). In that capacity, the CFO is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE Plan. Implementation of the DBE Plan is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by RTD in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

RTD has disseminated this policy statement to RTD Board of Directors and all the components of its organization. RTD has distributed this statement to DBE and non-DBE business communities that perform work for us on DOT-assisted contracts. This distribution is accomplished by posting it on its website at www.sjRTD.com and by any means requested by the public or another agency as applicable.

What is a DBE?

A DBE is a for-profit small business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged, and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

The California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) provides certifications to small businesses looking to become a DBE in California. Visit this link for more information on the eligibility requirements or how to apply.

What is the RTD’s proposed overall goal?

The Final Proposed Overall DBE Goal for FFY 2023-2025 for RTD’s FTA-assisted contracts is 0.61%. As a part of the prescribed goal-setting methodology, RTD must project the percentage of its Proposed Overall DBE Goal that can be met utilizing race-neutral and race-conscious measures.

Race/gender Conscious & Race/gender-Neutral Projection

RTD intends to continue to use race/gender-neutral methods to meet the overall DBE goal of 0.61% for FFY 2023-2025 in accordance with the DBE Regulations, as discussed in detail below.

How can I be notified of RTD’s contracting opportunities?

Register your company at no cost using our self-registration process and review open procurements. Once you are registered you will be automatically included in our vendor database.

Where can I find a list of all California certified DBEs and other small businesses?

If you are a prime contractor looking to use a DBE as a subcontractor on your future contracts, the CUCP provides a statewide DBE Directory available for download. View the CUCP statewide DBE Directory.

If you’re interested in viewing a database of other California certified small businesses, such as a Minority-Owned Business (MBE), Women-Owned Business (WBE), Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Owned Business (LGBT), Small Business (SB), Disabled Veteran Business (DVBE), or Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (PDBE), please use the following links:

Are there any programs that could help my small business establish financing, receive a loan or offer grant opportunities?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) backed loan program makes it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. To learn more about how to get an SBA-backed loan, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.

The California Grants Portal provides access to all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies. To learn more, visit: https://www.grants.ca.gov/.

Are there any programs that providing bonding (e.g. bid bond, performance bond, payment bond) assistance?

The SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies, which allows the companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not meet the criteria for other sureties. To learn more about how to get an SBA-guaranteed surety bond, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bonds.

Are there any programs that could help my small business with technical assistance?

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) offers free procurement technical assistance services to small businesses. For more information about PTAC, please visit https://socalptac.org/.

The Caltrans Office of Business & Economic Opportunity provides contractors with resources and materials in order to assist you in becoming a certified firm, finding advertised contracts, working with Caltrans, and more. If you have additional questions or need more information, please email the Small Business Advocate at smallbusinessadvocate@dot.ca.gov.

The SBA provides a Business Guide to plan, launch, manage and grow your business, as well as offers free business counseling. For more information, visit: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide.

Who can I contact at RTD if I have further questions?

Sylvester Donelson, Jr.

Director of Procurement

421 E. Weber Avenue

Stockton, CA 95202

sdonelson@sjrtd.com