DBE Program

In accordance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 26, recipients of U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funds are required to establish Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs. Title 49 CFR Part §26.45 requires the recipients of federal funds, including the City of Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus (BBB), to set an overall goal for DBE participation in USDOT assisted contracts when contracts to third parties are planned. For this triennial period, the City does not project any contracts to be awarded with federal funds.

Information regarding the DBE program can be provided upon request in person and by appointment only at Big Blue Bus, 1660 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.  

Written comments will be accepted and should be addressed to: 

Enny Chung Graham
Principal Administrative Analyst
Big Blue Bus
1660 7th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Big Blue Bus is committed to supporting the growth and development of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and small businesses. We actively encourage participation in our procurement processes and offer the following resources to assist in their development:

DBE Certification

• Please visit the Caltrans website for information on DBE certification at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/dbe.
• If you are interested in applying to become a DBE, please visit the Caltrans DBE System webpage at https://caltrans.dbesystem.com/.
• Access the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) database of DBE firms at https://californiaucp.dbesystem.com/.

Los Angeles Metro is a DBE certifying agency. Metro hosts a two-hour orientation/workshop on the second Tuesday of each month to advise firms on how to do business with Metro and the different small business certification programs that are offered by public agencies, including DBE Certification Program: https://metro.gob2g.com/.

DBE Supportive Services Program

• Caltrans DBE Supportive Services Program offers free assistance to DBEs or Potential DBEs including training, technical assistance and an extensive 6-month Business Development Program. More information can be found at https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/supportive-services.

Mentoring Program

• Caltrans’ Southern California districts have developed a mentoring program for a professional architectural and engineering (A&E) contracts. To learn more about how they can provide you with expert advice, please visit https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-7/district-7-popular-links/d7-calmentor.

U.S. Department of Transportation Short Term Lending Program

• The Short-Term Lending Program (STLP) enables small businesses to gain access to the financing they need to participate in transportation-related contracts. For the STLP application, visit https://www.transportation.gov/osdbu/financial-assistance/short-term-lending-program-application-package.

Caltrans Small Business Program

• Caltrans’ District 7 offers resources for small businesses. Visit the Caltrans District 7 Small Business Program website at https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-7/d7-small-business-outreach.

Other Local Training Opportunities

• There are many free training opportunities to learn more about operating a business in the State of California. Here is a comprehensive resource: https://www.dbegoodfaith.com/.