Business News
SACRAMENTO – Caltrans announced that the Federal Highway Administration approved a significantly increased Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, or DBE, Annual Overall Participation Goal of 17.6 percent on federally funded transportation projects in California, a 5.1 percent increase over the previous goal.
“This is great news for Caltrans and the numerous partners we work with daily,” said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. “DBE contractors, consultants, truckers, suppliers and others interested in benefitting from increased contracting opportunities will now have more opportunity to do so, right here in California.”
Requirements set forth under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s DBE Program are intended to ensure non-discrimination and allow women- and minority-owned businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded contracts.
As recipients of this federal funding, Caltrans must set an overall annual goal, every three years.
The new goal will apply to federally funded contracts entered between the federal fiscal years of 2019 to 2021.
Over the last six years there has been a 30 percent increase in DBE participation on department contracts and Caltrans is taking steps to ensure this upward trend continues.
In addition, SB 1 funding will provide $54 billion dollars over the next decade for repairing both state and local roads. Caltrans wants to see the benefits of these increased resources reach many groups, including the diverse businesses operating in the state.
As it gears up to expand contracting under SB 1, new efforts must be made. Caltrans’ Office of Business & Economic Opportunity has plans to build upon its existing success by increasing training and certifying more DBEs over the next year.
Caltrans also plans on engaging with the DBE community further to explain the potential benefits of such a significant increase in contracting dollars.
Caltrans is dedicated to increasing DBE participation on federally funded contracts as well as increasing participation by Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms both on state contracts and other procurement opportunities.
For more information on certification, training or outreach for these programs visit www.dot.ca.gov/obeo.
“This is great news for Caltrans and the numerous partners we work with daily,” said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. “DBE contractors, consultants, truckers, suppliers and others interested in benefitting from increased contracting opportunities will now have more opportunity to do so, right here in California.”
Requirements set forth under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s DBE Program are intended to ensure non-discrimination and allow women- and minority-owned businesses have a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded contracts.
As recipients of this federal funding, Caltrans must set an overall annual goal, every three years.
The new goal will apply to federally funded contracts entered between the federal fiscal years of 2019 to 2021.
Over the last six years there has been a 30 percent increase in DBE participation on department contracts and Caltrans is taking steps to ensure this upward trend continues.
In addition, SB 1 funding will provide $54 billion dollars over the next decade for repairing both state and local roads. Caltrans wants to see the benefits of these increased resources reach many groups, including the diverse businesses operating in the state.
As it gears up to expand contracting under SB 1, new efforts must be made. Caltrans’ Office of Business & Economic Opportunity has plans to build upon its existing success by increasing training and certifying more DBEs over the next year.
Caltrans also plans on engaging with the DBE community further to explain the potential benefits of such a significant increase in contracting dollars.
Caltrans is dedicated to increasing DBE participation on federally funded contracts as well as increasing participation by Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms both on state contracts and other procurement opportunities.
For more information on certification, training or outreach for these programs visit www.dot.ca.gov/obeo.
- Details
- Written by: Caltrans
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Golden State Water Co. announced a new optional service program with HomeServe USA to provide its homeowner customers with the opportunity to purchase coverage for exterior water and sewer service lines as well as in-home plumbing.
HomeServe will be mailing information to Golden State Water customers detailing the service plans designed to cover unanticipated costs and minimize inconvenience associated with piping system repairs.
This program is optional, offered as a courtesy, and customers are under no obligation to make any purchases.
“Many homeowners are unaware that they are responsible for maintenance associated with the underground service line that connects their property to the water system, and they may not be prepared to cover repair costs if the service line is damaged,” said Robert Sprowls, president and CEO of Golden State Water. “As a courtesy to our valued customers, Golden State Water has selected HomeServe to offer optional coverage options that may help schedule and make repairs to their service lines. Customers are under no obligation, but HomeServe repair plans may provide peace of mind in the event that unexpected repairs are needed.”
A homeowner’s line of defense
Water (and sewer) lines from a home to the water provider’s meter are the responsibility of the property owner. Repairs to these pipes may not be covered by basic homeowners’ insurance.
As a result, property owners may have difficulty coordinating and covering the cost for emergency repairs. HomeServe’s plans serve as a line of defense, ensuring that in the event of an unexpected repair the burden on homeowners is minimized or eliminated.
The HomeServe repair process is seamless, and repairs are made by licensed and approved local contractors.
HomeServe coverage includes access to a 24/7/365 Repair Hotline as well as local, licensed, and insured contractors who provide timely repair services. Exterior water service line coverage will be available for $6.99 per month.
HomeServe will also offer a combined exterior sewer and septic line coverage for a total of $11.49 per month. An interior plumbing and drainage plan to cover in-home plumbing is available for $16.99 per month.
Golden State Water customers enrolling in the optional plans will have convenient payment options directly through HomeServe.
“Our service plans cover the cost of the repair and provide homeowners with reputable, local contractors who will do the best possible job,” said John Kitzie, CEO of HomeServe USA. “We’re thrilled to partner with Golden State Water and look forward to the opportunity to provide coverage to help homeowners should they be faced with a repair emergency.”
Golden State Water customers can visit www.homeserveusa.com or call 1-833-492-3884 for more information.
HomeServe will be mailing information to Golden State Water customers detailing the service plans designed to cover unanticipated costs and minimize inconvenience associated with piping system repairs.
This program is optional, offered as a courtesy, and customers are under no obligation to make any purchases.
“Many homeowners are unaware that they are responsible for maintenance associated with the underground service line that connects their property to the water system, and they may not be prepared to cover repair costs if the service line is damaged,” said Robert Sprowls, president and CEO of Golden State Water. “As a courtesy to our valued customers, Golden State Water has selected HomeServe to offer optional coverage options that may help schedule and make repairs to their service lines. Customers are under no obligation, but HomeServe repair plans may provide peace of mind in the event that unexpected repairs are needed.”
A homeowner’s line of defense
Water (and sewer) lines from a home to the water provider’s meter are the responsibility of the property owner. Repairs to these pipes may not be covered by basic homeowners’ insurance.
As a result, property owners may have difficulty coordinating and covering the cost for emergency repairs. HomeServe’s plans serve as a line of defense, ensuring that in the event of an unexpected repair the burden on homeowners is minimized or eliminated.
The HomeServe repair process is seamless, and repairs are made by licensed and approved local contractors.
HomeServe coverage includes access to a 24/7/365 Repair Hotline as well as local, licensed, and insured contractors who provide timely repair services. Exterior water service line coverage will be available for $6.99 per month.
HomeServe will also offer a combined exterior sewer and septic line coverage for a total of $11.49 per month. An interior plumbing and drainage plan to cover in-home plumbing is available for $16.99 per month.
Golden State Water customers enrolling in the optional plans will have convenient payment options directly through HomeServe.
“Our service plans cover the cost of the repair and provide homeowners with reputable, local contractors who will do the best possible job,” said John Kitzie, CEO of HomeServe USA. “We’re thrilled to partner with Golden State Water and look forward to the opportunity to provide coverage to help homeowners should they be faced with a repair emergency.”
Golden State Water customers can visit www.homeserveusa.com or call 1-833-492-3884 for more information.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson





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