BUSINESS CENTER

DBE and SBE Programs

WestCAT, continually seeks out new partnerships with businesses to improve our service to the residents of Western Contra Costa County. If you would like to be added to our vendor list, please download and complete our Vendor Form: Click here to download Vendor Form (PDF)

You may also request a form by mail by calling 510-724-3331 and ask to speak with the DBE Liaison Officer.

DBE Program Policy Statement and Program Objectives

The Western Contra Costa Transit Authority, herein after referred to as “WestCAT”, has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. WestCAT has received Federal financial assistance from the DOT, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, WestCAT has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of WestCAT to ensure that DBEs, as defined in 49 CFR Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. It is also our policy:

  • To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts;
  • To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;
  • To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
  • To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
  • To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts;
  • To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.

WestCAT's policies prohibit discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex or national origin, in the award or performance of any contract subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Part 26.

WestCAT requires its employees, agents and contractors to adhere to the provisions of this Program. It is the responsibility of the DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) for implementing all aspects of the DBE program.

WestCAT in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation accorded the implementation of the DBE program the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred. WestCAT disseminated this policy statement to the WestCAT Board of Directors, WestCAT's staff and all of the components of our organization. We have distributed this statement to DBE and non-DBE business communities that perform work or are interested in performing work for us on DOT-assisted contracts.

DBE Goals

Federal Fiscal Years 2023-2025

In accordance with requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation as set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 26, as amended, Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WCCTA) hereby notifies the public that it is has calculated its anticipated goal for applicable professional services contracts during Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023-2025. The overall total DBE goal calculation for FFY2023-2025 is 0% and applies to Federal Transit Administration funded contracts. WCCTA anticipates using the majority of federal funds for the purpose of vehicle replacements (which are not subject to the goal setting process) and related equipment. WCCTA will continue to participate in program outreach to DBEs and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) using funds received from sources other than the FTA. However, this goal only details new contracting opportunities planned with FTA funds. Information pertaining to this goal calculation and a description of how it was determined is available for inspection from 9:00am – 4:00pm at WCCTA’s Administrative Office located at 601 Walter Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564 for 30 days following the original date of publication of this notice on May 16, 2022.

Written comments on this goal will be accepted for 45 days from the original date of publication of this notice on May 16, 2022. The comments may be sent to: Western Contra Costa Transit Authority, Attn: DBE Liaison Officer, 601 Walter Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564 or emailed to WestCAT DBELO
DBE Goal & Methodology 2023-2025 (PDF). DBE Program 2023-2025 (PDF).

Federal Fiscal Years 2020-2022

For federal fiscal years (FFY) 2019-20 through 2021-22, WCCTA anticipates using the majority of federal funds for the purpose of vehicle replacements (which are not subject to the goal setting process) and related equipment. With no additional contracting opportunities available for Federal Fiscal Years 2019-20 through 2021-22, the Anticipated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal for this triennial period is zero (0) percent. WCCTA will continue to participate in program outreach to DBEs and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) using funds received from sources other than the FTA. However, this goal only details new contracting opportunities planned with FTA funds. The complete DBE Program and triennial DBE goal analysis are available for review at the link below and at the WestCAT administrative office: 601 Walter Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564. Please send comments via mail to DBE Liaison Officer, 601 Walter Ave., Pinole, CA 94564 or via email at mike@westcat.org
DBE Goals 2020-2022 (PDF). DBE Program 2020-2022 (PDF).

Small Business Enterprise Program

Western Contra Costa Transit Authority established and implemented a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) element as one of its race-neutral methods of achieving small business participation, including DBE participation, on particular contracts with subcontracting opportunities. The SBE element applies to all WCCTA contracts, regardless of funding source, where WCCTA employs race-neutral /gender-neutral methods. WCCTA will take all reasonable steps to eliminate obstacles to SBE prime contractor or subcontractor participation in WCCTA procurement activities.

Definition of Small Business Enterprise

To participate as an eligible small business in programs administered by WCCTA, a firm must meet both of the following requirements:

  • A firm (including affiliates) must be an existing small business as defined by Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations, 13 CFR Part 121, under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The firm must hold one of the acceptable certifications listed in Section B below:
  • Even if a firm meets the above requirement, the firm, including affiliates', average annual gross receipts cannot exceed a maximum of $23.98 million (or as adjusted for inflation by the Secretary of U.S. DOT) over the previous three years. SBA size standards vary by industry, and industries may be higher than the $23.98 million cap. For example, the SBA size standard for a general construction contractor is $36.5 million. If a general construction contractor's average annual gross receipts over the previous three-years is $25 million, while it is below $36.5 million and meets the SBA size standard, it would be ineligible to participate as a small business for WCCTA purposes as it exceeds $23.98 million.

DBE/SBE RESOURCE CENTER

For additional information and/or to assist you in furthering your efforts as doing business as a DBE or SBE, please feel free to contact the following resources:

Customer Care

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(510) 724-7993

TTY; including Voice Carryover (VCO) and Hearing Carryover (HCO)
English: (800) 735-2929,
Spanish: (800) 855-3000;

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English: (800) 735-2922,
Spanish: (800) 855-3000;

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601 Walter Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

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