California DVBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 02/03/2023. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The California Department of General Services (DGS) operates a certification program for Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises (DVBEs). To be eligible, a prospective DVBE's owner must have a "service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or more", along with meeting other ownership provisions. Once certified, DVBEs are eligible for the DVBE Participation Program, through which a goal for 3 percent DVBE participation is set on all state contract dollars taken as a whole. 

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Application for California DVBE certification is made solely to the DGS.

Does this certification expire? The term of certification for DVBEs is two years. After that, certification must be renewed.

Does this program require bidders attempt to make a good-faith effort to meet participation goals? Yes. The State has a goal of spending 3 percent of the state's overall annual contract dollars with DVBEs.

How do I get re-certified? Returning applicants are provided with specific procedures for recertification by DGS.

Get Certified

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