Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Welcome to the Public Works Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Title VI web page!

All public contracting opportunities must meet certain Federal and State laws regarding individual’s civil rights as contained in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as other Federal and State Regulations. To learn more about your federal civil rights, please visit the Federal Department of Transportation's (DOT) civil rights web site DOT Discrimination Policy.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." Pub. L. 88–352, title VI, § 601, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 252

For Napa County Public Work’s policy on disability and ADA information, please see the ADA Information page.

Transportation Capital Improvement Projects

The Engineering Manager for Transportation Capital Improvement Projects is Napa County’s DBE Liaison officer for Caltrans projects.

It is the policy of Napa County 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 policy:

  1. To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT – assisted contracts;
  2. To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;
  3. To ensure that the DBE Plan is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law; and
  4. To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs.

In order to receive federal funds, Napa County will comply with 49 CFR Part 26 and its policy stated above. The Department of Public Works must make work available to DBEs in its contracting and consulting opportunities.  Bids and Requests for Proposals have work items that are consistent with available DBE consultants, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and truckers. Napa County Public Works has created a Title VI DBE Plan for Caltrans (left). For information on the Caltrans DBE Program please follow the link below.

File a Complaint

If a DBE feels that they may have been discriminated against, they may file a complaint with Napa County, Caltrans or with the Federal Government.