CALMENTOR ANNUAL MEETING 2009!

A. Program Overview

As an advocate of small business participation, District 4 has implemented a small business Architectural & Engineering (A&E) mentor-protégé program, also known as the “Calmentor.” In promoting partnership with the private consulting industry, Calmentor supports the participation of certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises (DVBE) firms in District 4 A&E contracts. Calmentor is consistent with the recent Governor’s Executive Order No. S-11-06 to encourage new businesses, grow existing businesses, and promote small and emerging business contracting with the State. Voluntary participation in the program is through acceptance and screening of completed applications from mentors and protégés.

B. Mission Statement

The mission of the Calmentor Program is to increase the pool of certified firms participating in transportation projects by providing them opportunities to network and partner with established firms.

C. Goals and Objectives

• Establish a mentoring Program that pairs certified firms with established firms in the same field of expertise
• Enhance the growth potential of certified firms
• Ensure that both certified and established firms have equal opportunities to participate in transportation projects
• Establish a clear, accessible entry point for certified firms that want to do business with Caltrans or other public agencies
• Develop business relationships that foster new opportunities for both established and certified firms
• Encourage non-certified firms to obtain certification from appropriate agencies
• Increase the pool of small businesses

D. Participants

Participants of the Program are Mentors, Protégés, Sponsors, and/or Steering Committee members. Mentors are established firms who are typically prime consultants willing to commit time to help certified firms achieve their growth potential. Protégés are Certified firms who are seeking A&E contracts with Caltrans or other public agencies. Caltrans District 4 is the program’s primary sponsor whose aim is to facilitate the growth of certified firms. Any public or local organization may join to co-sponsor the Program.

E. Program Organization

The 9-member Steering Committee, which guides and maintains the Calmentor Program, has the following roles:

• Establishes Program goals and objectives and ensures that they are fulfilled
• Maintains the Calmentor website
• Collects historical information on how the Program is proceeding
• Reviews agreements
• Helps resolve disagreements
• Establishes the grievance protocol
• Sets Program policies and procedures
• Evaluates Program performance
• Serves as an advisory body to Caltrans

See the Executed Program Guidelines link for further information on roles and responsibilities of the sponsors, steering committee, sub-committees and program support.

F. Application to the Program

The program is currently accepting new members. Please complete the appropriate form in the application link and e-mail the completed form to the District 4 Caltrans contact person below and carbon copy the application to Mr. Curtis Lindskog, Program Recruitment Leader at e-mail address: curtis.lindskog@shawgrp.com. Upon receipt of your application, it will be posted on the "New Applicant" link to this website for review by the Steering Committee Members. Your application/membership will be voted on during the next scheduled Steering Committee Meeting.

For additional information, please contact:

Romy Fuentes, Contract Manager
District 4 Program/Project Management/ Consultant Services Unit, MS-7B
P.O. Box 23660, Oakland California 94623-0660
Phone Number: (510) 622-8803
Fax Number: (510) 622-0198
e-mail: romy_f_fuentes@dot.ca.gov