Please be advised that eligibility requirements may be subject to change. For the most up to date information, contact the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) at bca.certifications@lacity.org. You can also receive information on upcoming events by subscribing to BCA's email distribution list.
Notice to All DBE/ACDBE Firms
Under the new Federal DBE regulations (Interim Final Rule issued October 3, 2025), certifications must now be based on individualized demonstrations of social and economic disadvantage, with no reliance on race- or sex-based presumptions.
Recertification Packets are due by April 16, 2026.
- All currently certified DBE/ACDBE firms are being reevaluated under these standards, and those that do not meet the new criteria may be decertified.
- During the reevaluation period, DBE contract goals and counting DBE participation toward goals is suspended.
- Until reevaluations are complete, existing DBE/ACDBE certifications are not valid for contracting purposes, and DBE/ACDBE participation cannot be counted toward project or contract specific goals.
- All California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) certifying agencies, including the City of Los Angeles, have paused goal setting and awards that include DBE/ACDBE goals.
- No new DBE/ACDBE applications will be accepted or processed until the reevaluation process is completed.
Next Steps for DBE/ACDBE Firms:
- You should have received a letter by your certifying agency advising you how to proceed with submitting your Recertification Packets.
- Recertification Packets are due by April 16, 2026.
- Be prepared to provide a personal narrative, a Personal Net Worth (PNW) statement, and other supporting documents.
- There is no minimum or maximum length required for the narrative. Please do your best to tell your experience as completely and concisely as you are able.
- Please do not submit new certification applications or change requests on existing certifications until further notice.
- If you have a DBE issued by another certifying agency that was recognized on your RAMPLA account, you will need to resubmit that recognition request via your RAMPLA account AFTER that agency has evaluated and reinstated your DBE.
- BCA is not currently hosting any training sessions but highly recommends that you attend one of the information sessions (virtual and in-person) hosted by our partners. You can register for these sessions by visiting their websites:
- CALTRANS
- LA METRO
For questions related to the IFR, please contact your original certifying agency.
The Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) administers the City of Los Angeles’s business certifications, including verification and eligibility requirements. In Los Angeles, certified local businesses are eligible to receive additional bid preferences to enhance their market competitiveness and, in some cases, even apply for local government contracts.
Discover the Benefits
Elevate your business’s profile with the certifications offered by our City's Business Inclusion Program (BIP) and Local Business Preference Program (LBPP). Joining our community of certified businesses not only enhances your reputation but also unlocks a wealth of benefits—including increased visibility, access to exclusive opportunities, and priority consideration for local contracts and projects. Seize the opportunity to advance your business by taking advantage of our tailored support and resources to propel your enterprise forward.
- Subcontractors, or "subs," gain the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with prime contractors, allowing them to jointly pursue larger contracts. This synergy not only encourages prime contractors, or “primes,” to engage with local subcontractors but requires them to do so in accordance with the central intent of BIP.
- Prime contractors also reap certain benefits—particularly under the rewards of LBPP—securing exclusive bid preferences when competing for citywide contracts or projects. This strategic advantage places them at the forefront of contract opportunities as local businesses, giving them a competitive edge over outside competitors.
Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement (RAMPLA)
The Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement (RAMPLA) serves as the central portal for public and private procurement (i.e., contracting) opportunities in the Greater Los Angeles region. On RAMPLA, individuals can access and apply for government contracts—even sign up electronically to receive alerts about potential new contracts in real time. Additionally, companies frequent RAMPLA to apply for business certifications and search for qualified subcontractors.
Locally-Administered Certifications
Ownership Based Certification | Renewal Requirements: 5th Year Program Eligibility Review
Qualifying businesses must submit annual declarations to BCA demonstrating that they continue to adhere to all of the eligibility standards, including size standard limits. Additionally, businesses are obligated to send redacted federal income tax returns from the prior year.
ACDBE was developed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged business owners pursue contracts at airports. It is a federally recognized program available to any airport that receives and accepts federal grant dollars from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which includes Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Certifying Agency
ACDBE certification requests are processed online from either the California Unified Certification Program’s (CUCP’s) website or the City of Los Angeles’s ACDBE/DBE Certification Portal Contract Compliance System. Businesses that apply using the CUCP site will still need to request ACDBE certification from their home CUCP certifying agency. Once a firm is approved for ACDBE certification, the company’s listing will be reflected on the CUCP statewide directory.
Note: A business that qualifies for ACDBE local recognition may also be eligible for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and/or Women Business Enterprise (WBE) status.
Eligibility Requirements
Note: For the full list of eligibility requirements, contact bca.certifications@lacity.org.
- Must be a U.S. citizen (or permanent resident);
- Must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals;
- Must be a business that is either:
- Located on airport property and sells goods or services to the public—excluding taxi, custodial, security services, and aeronautical activities); or,
- Located off-site but functions as a supplier of goods and services to concessionaires—including management, advertising, and web-based contractors.
- Must abide by the following net worth and gross receipts restrictions, including:
- Possess a net worth that is less than $2,047,000 in value (excluding equity from primary residence, retirement accounts, and applicant’s business);
- Have $56.42 million or less in average annual gross receipts for the applicant firm and any affiliated companies over the course of the last five fiscal years.
- Comport with all federal government requirements for small business consideration, such as size standard caps in accordance with their North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code.
Application Process
Businesses submit their online application on either the State of California Unified Certification Program’s (CUCP’s) website or the City of Los Angeles ACDBE/DBE Certification Portal Contract Compliance System. Please have the following documents ready to upload into the system prior to commencing with the application process:
- Five (5) of the most recent years of filed and signed Federal Individual Income Tax Returns (Form 1040); and,
- Five (5) of the most recent years of filed and signed Federal Corporate Income Tax Returns.
Note: The Declaration of Eligibility and the Personal Net Worth Form must be submitted to attest that the business meets the aforementioned gross receipts restrictions. Both of these forms are available using the online portal.
Ownership Based Certification | Renewal Requirements: 5-Year Term
The Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) maintains a certification program for disabled veterans. DVBE: LAWA mirrors the Small Business Administration Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and California’s Disadvantaged Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) programs.
Certifying Agencies
Businesses must be certified by one of the agencies below prior to requesting DVBE:LAWA status on RAMPLA.
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern (SDVOSBC)
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
or
Eligibility Requirements
Note: For the full list of eligibility requirements, contact bca.certifications@lacity.org.
- Must have a business workspace within the State of California; and,
- Must be certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and be located in California; or, be certified by the California Department of General Services as a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise.
Application Packet
Businesses need to apply for DVBE:LAWA certification on RAMPLA. Qualifying businesses must be certified as a Local Business Enterprise (LBE or LBE:CBE). Eligible businesses must also be in possession of a SDVOSB certification by the SBA or a DVBE one from CA-DGS.
Note: If the review confirms that the applicant has submitted the completed, signed, and dated Affidavit on RAMPLA but is not certified as a Local Business Enterprise, they may still be recognized upon proof of location within the State of California.
The certification analyst will request the following documents:
- Possession of the City of Los Angeles’s Business Tax Registration Certificate;
- Proof of business’s location in the State of California;
- Most recent four (4) quarters of DE9Cs to demonstrate quarterly wages; and,
- Current licenses, permits, and/or certificates required to perform scope of work.
Local Business Certification Program | Renewal Requirements: 5-Year Term
Qualifying businesses must submit annual declarations to BCA demonstrating that they continue to adhere to all of the eligibility standards.
LBE status is available to businesses located in either the County or City of Los Angeles. Consistent with the Local Business Preference Program (LBPP), LBEs may be eligible for preferences in the bid process. For the full LBPP Certification Rules and Procedures, click here.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have a workspace and physical presence within Los Angeles County and/or City;
- Must be in compliance with all applicable laws relating to their licensing requirements;
- Must operate within the City and/or County and meet one of the following:
- Have at least 50 full-time employees performing at least 60% of their regular work hours from an office located within the County or City of Los Angeles; or,
- Have at least half of the firm’s total full-time employees performing at least 60% of their regular work hours from an office located within the County or City of Los Angeles; or,
- Have the firm be headquartered in Los Angeles County.
Application Process
To begin the application process, start by creating an account on RAMPLA. Once your account is set up, download the application form, attach it, and submit electronically through RAMPLA.
Local Business Preference Certification | Renewal Requirements: 5-Year Term, with annual reviews
Qualifying businesses must submit an annual affidavit to BCA demonstrating that they continue to adhere to all of the eligibility standards, including size standard restrictions.
Consistent with the intent of the Local Business Preference Program (LBPP), Local Small Businesses (LSBs) have the potential to garner additional percentage points when juxtaposed with Local Business Enterprises (LBEs).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have a workspace and physical presence within the City and/or County of Los Angeles consistent with the LBE certification requirements;
- Must have gross receipts of less than $6,000,000 based on the previous year’s tax filings;
- Must be certified as a Local Business Enterprise (LBE) with the City of Los Angeles;
- Must have a City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate; and,
- Must be in compliance with all applicable laws and not delinquent on any taxes.
Application Process
To begin the application process, start by creating an account on RAMPLA. Once your account is set up, download the application form, attach it, and submit electronically through RAMPLA.
Ownership and Size-Based | Renewal Requirements: 5 Year Term
Qualifying businesses must submit an annual affidavit to BCA demonstrating that they continue to adhere to all of the eligibility standards.
Local Transitional Employers (LTEs) offer wage-paying employment opportunities aimed at assisting transitional workers in overcoming barriers to employment. LTE certification is available to non- and for-profit entities. To be recognized as an LTE, a for-profit business must be certified as an LBE.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have a workspace and physical presence within Los Angeles County or City;
- Must meet Local Business Enterprise (LBE) eligibility requirements;
- Must be able to show that they have provided transitional jobs for program participants within the most recent 12-months;
- Must meet the definition of transitional as defined in the City of Los Angeles’s Rules and Procedures Manual; and,
- Must have at least 10 full time transitional employees, or a number of transitional employees that represents 10% of their full time employees.
Application Packet
To apply, create an account on RAMPLA. The application can be downloaded and, once completed, should be attached and submitted electronically on RAMPLA.
Ownership-Based | Renewal Requirements: Verify Expiration Date with Certifying Agency
The MBE Certification cultivates a vibrant and inclusive procurement landscape, mirroring the rich tapestry of Los Angeles's diverse business ecosystem. Companies meeting the eligibility criteria stand poised to reap significant advantages when seeking government and private contracts.
Certifying Agencies
If a business is certified by one of these agencies, they can proceed directly to RAMPLA.
- Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC);
- Supplier Clearinghouse; or,
- California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) agency.
Eligibility Requirements
- Qualifying owner(s) must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
- Business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by members of the following groups: Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific, or Subcontinent Asian; and,
- Firms must meet licensing requirements in compliance with Federal NAICS Codes.
Application Process
Companies must print out the application and mail it to the attention of the Bureau of Contract Administration at 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Ownership-Based | Renewal Requirements: Verify Expiration Date with Certifying Agency
WBE-certified firms not only gain increased exposure to prime contractors and government agencies but also open doors to unique advantages for women-owned businesses.
Note: WBE certification follows the same guidelines as stipulated under 49 CFR, Part 26. To qualify, a firm must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by women.
Certifying Agencies
- Women-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise; or,
- Supplier Clearinghouse;
- Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman;
- Must be a for-profit and independent business;
- Qualifying owner(s) must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and,
- Firm must meet licensing requirements in compliance with Federal NAICS Codes.
Application Packet
Companies must print out the application and mail it to the attention of the Bureau of Contract Administration at 1149 S. Broadway, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Locally Recognized Certifications
Size-Based Certification | Renewal Requirements: Determined by Issuing Agency
The EBE certification is designed to assist qualifying businesses compete against larger companies for City contracts. If a business is certified as Small Business Micro (SB:Micro) from the California Department of General Services, they can request EBE recognition on RAMPLA.
Ownership-Based Certification | Renewal Requirements: Determined by Issuing Agency
The LGBTE certification creates a diverse supply chain that is inclusive of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Businesses apply via the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Once certified as an LGBTE, businesses can request recognition from the City of Los Angeles on RAMPLA.
Utilized by City of Los Angeles’s Proprietary Departments: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Port of Los Angeles (POLA), and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Size Based Certification | Renewal Requirements: 5-Year Term
Qualifying businesses must submit annual declarations to BCA demonstrating that they continue to adhere to all of the eligibility standards, including any income restrictions.
SBE:Proprietary certifications open doors to lucrative contract opportunities within the City's proprietary departments—offering a pathway to exclusive projects and partnerships.
Certifying Agencies
If a business is certified from one of the agencies below, they may request SBE:Proprietary recognition directly on RAMPLA.