Local Business Enterprise Program

Our Local Business Enterprise Program (LBE) provides small regional construction firms located in the water service territory (Daly City to Hetch Hetchy) eligibility to be certified by the General Services Agency’s Contract Monitoring Division for construction contracting opportunities on SFPUC specified construction projects, as San Francisco based firms.

Established small/micro public works/construction, construction material suppliers, construction equipment rental, trucking, architect/engineering, and professional services firms located in the water service territory (defined by zip codes) are encouraged to apply for the certification program. The following are benefits of the program:

• When bidding as a subcontractor, certified LBEs shall be eligible to meet the subcontracting goal requirements on SFPUC Regional WSIP construction projects located outside of San Francisco County.
• When bidding as a prime, certified LBEs shall be eligible for a 10% bid discount on SFPUC Regional construction projects located outside of San Francisco County.

Small/micro construction, architect/engineering and professional services firms from the regional water service area are eligible to bid on San Francisco construction projects; however, these firms are non-eligible to meet subcontractor goal credit and will not receive the 10% bid discount.

What are the SFPUC-LBE Certification Program requirements?

Under San Francisco Administrative Code Chapter 14B, Section B (5), the SFPUC-LBE Certification Program requires established small public works/construction firms, as well as architect/engineering and professional services firms. (architectural/engineering and professional services only), as defined in 2) above to meet the requirements of Chapter 14B. Section 3 (B) or (C).

Average annual gross receipts and location of the business applying for certification are the key measurements used to determine eligibility. See more information on Chapter 14B.

What happens during the certification process?

Application processing ranges from 14 to 30 business days during which Contract Monitoring Division staff will review the application and documents submitted, and request any additional items needed to complete the file. SFPUC staff will conduct a site visit of the premises and interview employees and/or the owner(s) at the site. Certification Applications should be submitted to:

General Services Agency
Contract Monitoring Division, Attn: Certification Unit
1155 Market Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: 415-581-2310
Email: LBEcert@sfgov.org