Interview with SBE liaison officer for Caltrans on 2008 DVBE Incentive Program

Patty Ramirez — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:31:00 -0800

The following is an interview conducted on 3 March 2008 by Compliance News with Mr Morris Caugle, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) liaison officer for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). It provides more background on the 2008 DVBE incentive program.

Compliance News: I was wondering if the new 2008 DVBE “Incentive Program” will be part of and explained at the Pre-bid meeting in Fresno regarding 06-307004 (State Route 63, Mooney Boulevard 6-Lane in Tulare County, estimated at $17 million in construction costs.)?

Caugle: No Henry, this project was published before Feb 28, 2008 and therefore will not include the new DVBE 5% Incentive Program. All projects after February 28, 2008 will include the new 2008 DVBE incentive program. Sorry but 06-307004 will still have the old 3% or Good-Faith Effort program.

Compliance News: I noticed you enclude the ‘non-sbe’ 5% program, spelled out in the bid documents. Does that mean, if a larger contractor, that does not qualify as a SBE, can still receive the SBE 5% $50,000 bid advantage?

Caugle: Yes, but only if the winning contractors bid, has a 25% participation with certified (in good standing), SBE sub and/or vendors. If you don’t reach 25%...no non-sbe bid advantage.

Compliance News: Wow! Does this mean the ‘non-sbe’ 5% California program can be part of all statewide construction related projects over $5000?...I notice it’s not in many bid packages.

Caugle: Yes, it does and you’re right. You don’t see it often.

Compliance News Wow! So it’s like a best-kept-secret. Humm

Caugle: Yes, It sure is that way.

Jobs such as this will provide DVBE’s with more incentive in California. Bid items for the Fresno 06-307004 include:

· Construction area signs

· Remove and replace chain link fencing

· Remove and construct bus shelters

· Modify and install signal, lighting, and traffic monitoring system

· Highway planting and irrigation

· Asphalt concrete

· Minor concrete

· Traffic striping/pavement markers

· Clearing and grubbing

· Roadway excavation

· Remove and install culverts

· Adjust and install manholes

Compliance News Blog: Interview with SBE liaison officer for Caltrans on 2008 DVBE Incentive Program

Interview with SBE liaison officer for Caltrans on 2008 DVBE Incentive Program