Civil Rights
Announcement on the DBE Program
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Office of Civil Rights (OCR), is committed to expanding opportunities for Small Business (SB), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms in federal- and state-funded contracting and procurement.
Under the new Federal DBE regulations (IFR issued October 3, 2025), certifications must now be based on individualized demonstrations of social and economic disadvantage, with no reliance on race- or sex-based presumptions. All currently certified DBE/ACDBE firms will be reevaluated under these standards, and those that do not meet the new criteria may be decertified. During the reevaluation period, recipients may not set DBE contract goals nor count DBE participation toward goals.
Caltrans is working with the Unified Certification Program agencies to reprocess the more than 6000 DBEs as soon as practicable. DBE firms will be contacted by their certifying agency regarding additional requirements to get recertified.
OCR ensures non-discrimination in the execution of contracts and promotes positive external customer relations. Contact Civil Rights
Business Resources
- Caltrans Contractor Interest Registry
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Reports, Studies, and Publications
- District Small Business Liaisons (DSBL)
- FHWA DBE Program Plan (PDF)
- FTA DBE Program Plan (PDF)
- Senate Bill 1
- Small Business Council
- Small Business Press
Business Search
- Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Search
- Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Search
- Small Business Search
Caltrans Small Business Events Calendar
Caltrans Contracts
Caltrans Sub Contractor Success Stories
Certification
- California Unified Certification Program
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Small Business/Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
- Temporary Procedures for AC/DBE Certification during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Compliance
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Search
Disparity Study
Message to Sub-Contractors from Director El-Tawansy
OCR 2023 Accomplishments
State Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) E-Newsletter
Supportive Services: Small Business and Workforce Development Center
Title VI Branch
- Declaración de Política de no Discriminación (Spanish)
- Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
- Non-Discrimination Policy Statement (English)
- Title VI Complaint Process
- Título VI Gestión de Quejas de Discriminación