Design and Construction Services
SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SBE)/DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DVBE) INITIATIVES
SBE/DVBE Goal
The President of the University and Regents have set a goal of 25% SBE/DVBE participation for Design & Construction contract spending by 2025.
Sheltered Bidding and Applicant Pool
Sheltered Bidding/Sheltered Applicant Pool is a program whereby a portion of contracts are designated, before solicitation of qualifications or proposals, for submission from Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE). The goal of sheltered selection is to provide greater opportunities for such business enterprises in UC capital programs.
- Sheltered Bidding- this program covers small construction contracts
- Sheltered Applicant Pool- this program covers design and professional services contracts
- Large Project Sheltered Subcontractor Bidding - this program covers large projects
Sheltered Bidding Pool for Small Construction Contracts
Sheltered bidding may be used for selected Negotiated (<$50,000) and Informal competitively bid (<$640,000) projects. Preregistered SBE/DVBE contractors may be invited to bid by campus staff. A minimum of three firms must be invited from the list for each bid. 51% of the contract value must be performed by SBE/DVBE firms. This will be documented on the bid form. If bids are not reasonable the campus may reject all bids and rebid in the non-sheltered market. A further description of the program can be found in the facility manual.
Contractors must fill out a campus contractor interest form to be registered for the program. For agreements over $300,000, contractors are also required to fill out a base qualification form.
Large Project Sheltered Subcontractor Bidding
Large project sheltered subcontractor bidding may be used for subcontracts on selected Formally Bid (>$640,000) agreements. In this process, the CM/GC may set aside trade packages for bidding or assignment solely for SBE/DVBE subcontractors and subconsultants. The sheltered SBE/DVBE contractors must meet the same certification requirements as the small project sheltered bidding. The CM/GC may utilize the SBE/DVBE firms already enrolled in the University’s Sheltered Bidding Pool, but it is not required. 100% of the subcontract value for these set asides must be performed by SBE/DVBE firms and this will be documented on the Expanded List of Subcontractors. Under the Sheltered Subcontractor Bidding program, no more than 25% of the total value of the contract between the CM/GC and the University can be set aside for sheltered subcontractor bidding.
- This program can be utilized for projects using CM at Risk, Design-Build, Brief Design-Build, and Progressive Design Build agreements.
- A minimum of three certified SBE/DVBE firms will be invited for each identified sheltered subcontractor bid. If bids are not reasonable the CM/GC/DB may reject all bids and rebid in the non-sheltered market.
- The identified Sheltered Subcontractor bid packages will not exceed the 25% maximum participation cap.
- Design Build Agreements: For projects utilizing the standard Design-Build and Brief Design Build agreements that allow Contractors to choose their subcontractors without bidding, the use of Large Project Sheltered Subcontractor Bidding shall be completely voluntary by the Contractor. The use of this program will not change the project bidding or awarding requirements in any way.
Sheltered Applicant Pool for Professional Services
The sheltered applicant pool may be used for selected consultant services agreements under $100,000. The campus may reach out to firms in the pool list to solicit a proposal. Firms will be selected based on qualifications. 51% of contract value must be performed by SBE/DVBE firms. This will be demonstrated by the Report of Subconsultant Information submitted with the proposal. A further description of the program can be found in the facility manual.
Designers and consultants must first fill out a campus consultant interest form. The Sheltered Applicant Pool will be used for consulting contracts under $100,000.
SBE/DVBE Certification
To join any of the above sheltered programs, SBE/DVBE firms must hold a certification from a recognized certifying agency. Firms must report their certification status on the Confirmation of Certification form. See List of Accepted Small Business Enterprise (SBE) or Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Certifications linked below.
SBE/DVBE Definitions
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) - an independently owned and operated concern certified as a small business by the California Department of General Services Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) or other accepted certifying agency.
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) - an independently owned and operated concern certified as a DVBE by the State of California Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) or other accepted certifying agency.
SBE/DVBE Training Program
Through the Small Business Enterprises (SBE) Outreach and Training Program, the University of California is offers a series of free training and outreach programs designed to increase the involvement of SBE and DVBE firms in Design and Construction projects at all of our campuses. This program is open to all.