The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation, aims to ensure that small, minority- and women-owned businesses have fair opportunities to participate in federally-assisted contracts.

A DBE must be a for-profit small business with at least 51% ownership and control by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The program’s objectives include fostering equal opportunity in federal-aid contracts and ensuring only eligible firms participate as DBEs.

Resources

• City of Orange DBE Program

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

State of California Certified DBE firms receive increased visibility through inclusion in the California Unified Certification Program (UCP) database of businesses. The database is used as a resource by City buyers, department personnel, prime contractors and other agencies and organizations throughout the state. 

For more information and to find a certified DBE firm, visit the Caltrans database.

Martin Varona

Associate Civil Engineer
DBE Liaison Officer

Public Works Department
Engineering Division
300 E. Chapman Ave.
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 744-5563

For general inquiries email us.