Free Training Available for Small Businesses on Federal Construction Contracting

The City of San Carlos as well as other local agencies throughout the nation will soon be advertising for bids for construction projects intended to stimulate the local economy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The City of San Carlos’ project consists of curb ramps (also known as wheelchair ramps) at various locations around the City on walking routes to schools and transit as well as enhanced crosswalk painting in the vicinity of schools. San Carlos will receive $469,000 of ARRA funding. All of these local agencies are required to take affirmative steps to achieve as much Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation as possible.

To help small businesses, especially DBEs, to compete for this work, the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), through the California Construction Contracting Program (CCCP), is offering free training, counseling and resources to assist small businesses to be successful in bidding and winning Caltrans and local agency construction contracts. Locally, the training is offered through the Alameda County Small Business Development Center, whose website is:

http://acsbdc.org/