Sheltered Bidding

About the Program

The President of the University and Regents have set a goal of 25% Small Business Enterprise (SBE) / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation for Design and Construction spending by 2025.

The UCSF Sheltered Bidding Program (SBP) is a program where a portion of contracts are designated, before solicitation of qualifications or proposals, for submission from Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE).     

The program applies to projects not advertised: 

  • Sheltered Bidding - Construction Cost <$640k  
  • Sheltered Applicant Pool - Design Professional/Consultant <$100k  

The UCSF SBP will designate contracts for limited competition between certified Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE). The SBP allows negotiated and informal form projects from $0 - $640,000 to be awarded to program participants.

The goals of the program are to:  

  • Increase SBE/DVBE participation by 2025 (25% of UCSF's yearly spend). 
  • Provide greater opportunities for small business enterprises in UC capital programs.   
  • Build capacity of small firms.  

Learn more: sheltered Bidding Program Orientation

Minimum Standards and Responsibilities for Participation 

  • Firms must maintain SBE/DVBE Certification with UCOP approved agencies. 
  • Firms participating in SBP opportunities must perform the full percentage of work that would be normal under industry standards and practices, typically at least 50%.  
  • Firms must participate in UCSF training opportunities related to project specific technical or performance issues.  
  • All firms entering the SBP must attend an introductory orientation session to the program.  

Application Process 

A firm qualifies as a SBP firm once it completes the application process and has been notified and identified by UCSF as a SBP participant.   

Ensuring Competition  

  • All SBP procurements will be published on the UCSF RE Website and sent to all UCSF certified SBEs and DVBEs.  
  • UCSF will recruit vendors for the SBP in and on SBE/DVBE publications and websites and leverage our community partner relationships and internal DEI Business Partners for potential vendors for the program.     
  • All firms will be encouraged to create an account in BuildingConnected.