Certification is not a bond
DBE, SBE, and DVBE are certifications, not bonds. They help you compete for and win public contracts, often through goals and set-asides, but they do not satisfy a bonding requirement. Think of certification as a door opener and the bond as a separate box the contract still makes you check.
- DBE, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Certified through the Caltrans-led California Unified Certification Program.
- SBE, Small Business Enterprise, and DVBE, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise. Certified through the California Department of General Services.
Programs and rules change, so confirm current eligibility and process with the certifying agency.
You still need contract bonds
A certified firm furnishes the same contract bonds as everyone else on a public job.
- A bid bond to submit a bid.
- A performance bond to guarantee the work.
- A payment bond to guarantee your subs and suppliers get paid.
Programs that help you qualify
Certification does not bond you, but two tools help small and emerging certified firms qualify for the bonds they need.
- The SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program. It backs bonds on contracts up to $9,000,000, and up to $14,000,000 on some federal contracts when the contracting officer certifies it is needed.
- Funds control. A neutral third party disburses job funds as work is verified, which lowers the surety's risk and can unlock a bond that credit alone could not.
How we build your program
We take your certifications, your financials, and the job in front of you, then shop the file to the markets most likely to say yes, including the SBA program where it fits. Underwriting still applies and we never promise guaranteed approval, but we work the file. Start with a quote.