Local, Small, & Diverse Business Programs

Local, Small, & Diverse Business Programs

Local and Small Business

The Port of Oakland has a certification process for local, small, and very small businesses that are located and operating in Alameda or Contra Costa County. The Non-Discrimination and Small Local Business Utilization Policy (NDSLBUP) ensures non-discrimination and maximal utilization of small and local businesses in Port public works, goods, and services contracts. The NDSLBUP provides preference points for local, small and very small businesses bidding on Port contracts; set aside contracts for small businesses; and facilitates technical assistance to ensure equitable access to Port contracting opportunities. Additionally, the Port sponsors certain technical assistance and outreach programs in furtherance of this overall goal.

Small and Very Small Business Enterprise (SBE/VSBE)

The Port of Oakland’s Non-Discrimination and Small Local Business Utilization Policy (NDSLBUP) is a geographic based certification that recognizes the impact of local businesses and fosters small business growth through locally funded contracting. Certified small and local businesses are eligible for rating bonuses for projects funded by the Port of Oakland based on their participation. The Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) designations are granted to business entities that do not exceed an average gross revenue of $36,000,000 and $5,000,000, respectively, over the past three (3) consecutive years.

Port of Oakland Certification

The Port of Oakland with its partner agencies in the East Bay Interagency Alliance (EBIA) has established a collaborative Common Application for Certification designed to streamline the certification process for local, small, and very small businesses that are located and operating in Alameda or Contra Costa County.

How to Become Port Certified

Economically independent businesses that perform a commercially useful function and have had a fixed commercial or residential location within Alameda County or Contra Costa County for the preceding 12 months are eligible to apply for a new or renewed Port certification. Apply through the Social Responsibility Certification Application.

Additional Resources

The Port of Oakland is a signatory to the California Unified Certification Program under US Department of Transportation, 49 CFR 23 and 26. Currently, the Port does not certify Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) or Airport Concession Business Enterprises (ACDBEs). To locate a DBE or ACDBE, or to become certified as such, please go to the CUCP database.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT), administers airport improvement and maritime grant funds through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to airports and Maritime Administration (MARAD) to ports. As a recipient of federal grant funds for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and MARAD for port projects, the Port is responsible for all contractual matters, including the administration of grant assurance requirements. One of the grant assurances for FAA-AIP funds is that the Port develop and implement a US DOT approved Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Plan and a 3-Year Goal and Methodology Report in compliance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26 (49 CFR 26). Both documents specifically address how the Port will comply with the regulations and achieve a proposed level of DBE participation for the contracts receiving grant funding. Further, MARAD funds require efforts to increase contracting participation by small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms.

The Port of Oakland is signatory to the California Unified Certification Program (UCP) under the US Department of Transportation, 49 CFR 23 and 26. As such the Port does not certify Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) or Airport Concession Business Enterprises (ACDBEs). The California UCP website provides a statewide DBE/ACDBE database.

Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (ACDBE)

The Port of Oakland is committed to a Program for the participation of Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (“ACDBEs”) in airport concession related contracting opportunities in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 23. It is the policy of the Port to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex or national origin in the award and administration of its concession related contracts. It is the intention of the Port to create a level playing field on which ACDBEs can compete fairly for contracting opportunities relating to the Port’s concession activities.

The Port of Oakland is signatory to the California Unified Certification Program (UCP) under the US Department of Transportation, 49 CFR 23 and 26. As such the Port does not certify Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) or Airport Concession Business Enterprises (ACDBEs). The California UCP website provides a statewide DBE/ACDBE database.

Events

The Port of Oakland equips businesses with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully pursue and perform contracts with the Port through a variety of workshops and events. Below are the upcoming and past events.

Upcoming Events

DateDetailsRegistration Link
Friday, October 18, 2024
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Port of Oakland Harbor Tour

Take a FREE 90-minute narrated harbor tour from Oakland Estuary to the San Francisco Bay on board a Ferryboat. Learn about the Port of Oakland, its operations and economic impact on the region.

Location: Boarding will take place at the Oakland Jack London Terminal (Ferry Dock) at 10 Clay St. (at the corner of Water Street) in Jack London Square, Oakland, California.
Registration Required
Saturday, October 19, 2024
8am - Donut Fun Run
9 am - Donut Eating Contest

The Donut Fun Run

The Donut Fun Run will be a timed, donut-themed 5k race held at Alameda Point's Seaplane Lagoon Promenade. Our first annual event will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The post-run Donut Festival will feature live music, live entertainment featuring The Dancing Donuts, food booths, wine and beer, photo ops, and of course, donuts from Donut Petit!

Location: Alameda Point's Seaplane Lagoon Promenade

Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
12 noon – 4 pm
Oakland Ed Fund: Oakland Grown: Student Art & Music Festival
The joy-filled celebration will feature student performances and visual arts displays, art activities–all culminating in a special hometown concert by Oakland native and internationally acclaimed R&B artist GOAPELE.
Location: Oakland Museum Garden - 1000 Oak Street, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
12 noon – 3 pm
Prospera: Eighth Annual Summit for Latina Entrepreneurs: “Human Libraries: Bridging Stories, Learning and Connection”
The Eighth Annual Summit for Latina Entrepreneurs offers a safe space for healing, unlearning, and inspiration. Participants will gain valuable tools, resources, and connections through panels, activities, and networking sessions to support their personal and professional development. Additionally, a marketplace will showcase products and services from participating entrepreneurs, community organizations, and sponsors, creating opportunities for exposure and collaboration.
Location: Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
Register
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Doors Open at 5:30 pm, Program Starts at 6:30 pm
Oakland Asian Cultural Center: Future>Forward 2024 Gala
The 2024 GALA: FUTURE > FORWARD, will bring together the community to seek OACC’s vision of transformative change for the future. Proceeds from the Gala will support the work of OACC and help them create robust programs and events that serve the AAPI community in Oakland and beyond.
Location: 388 9th St., Suite 290, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, October 19, 2024
6 – 10 pm
Chabot Space and Science Center: Annual Starlight Gala: Visions of Tomorrow
Join the dazzling extravaganza which will include stargazing, a unique auction experience, delicious food, networking with new friends and plenty of surprises.
Show your support for STEM education and the thrilling space age happening right here, right now in Oakland.
Location: 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Doors Open at 5 pm
Lovelife Foundation: Oakland Finest Black Tie Gala & College Scholarship Drive
The Lovelife Foundation presents its 5th annual black tie gala and college scholarship drive. Proceed go to benefit high school graduates who will be attending a 4-year college. There will be food, dancing, entertainment and an awards ceremony.
Location: Downtown Oakland Marriot Hotel – 1000 Broadway, Oakland
Get Tickets
Saturday, November 3, 2024
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Port Sponsored Festival: Unity Council 29th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival

The Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival is a free, outdoor festival that brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos. The Día de los Muertos Festival was inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee as a “Local Legacy.”

Location: International Blvd. at Fruitvale Ave., in Oakland, CA
Web Link
Monday, November 4, 2024
1:00 – 3:00 PM
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport Aviation Stakeholder Advisory Committee

The agenda for the November 4, 2024, meeting, and minutes from the August 12 meeting will be disseminated prior to the meeting and posted online at the “web link” to the right.

Location: (In-person) Lake Merritt Conf. Room, Terminal 1, 2nd Floor; (Virtual) Zoom information will be disseminated closer to the meeting date.
Web Link
Thursday, November 14, 2024
6 – 9 pm
Native American Health Center: 2024 Gala Celebration Strength, Resiliency, Excellence
The Native American Health Center is excited to announce our 2024 Gala Celebration on November 14, 2024! We invite you to gather your colleagues and join us at Bloc 15 in Oakland for an unforgettable evening of celebration and support. Together, we will honor our rich history, celebrate the present, and embrace a future defined by STRENGTH, RESILIENCY, AND EXCELLENCE.
Location: Bloc 15 - 252 2nd Street, Oakland
Web Link
Saturday, November 16, 2024
6 – 8 pm
EBAC Silver Gala
25th Anniversary EBAC Auxiliary SILVER Gala
Location: The Gold Bar, Treasure Island - 1 Avenue of the Palms #167, San Francisco
Web Link
Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
9 am – 2 pm
2024 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference

Join us at the 2024 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference on November 20th to hear from education and workforce development leaders across the state. This year, we are featuring keynote conference speakers California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Division of Apprenticeship Standards Chief Curtis Notsinneh, and Assemblymember Liz Ortega.

It will be an incredible day of networking, collaboration, and connection with industry leaders to discover new opportunities within the Bay Area’s construction workforce.

Location: Cypress Mandela Training Center — 977 66th Ave, Oakland, CA
Register

Date

Event Details

Registration Link

Friday, May 10, 2024
6:45-8:15 PM

Port of Oakland Harbor Tour

Location: Port of Oakland @ Jack London Square Ferry Terminal

Thursday, May 16, 2024
7:00 – 10:00 AM

Bike East Bay – Bike to Wherever Day – Energizer Station

Location: Port of Oakland @ Jack London Square Ferry Terminal

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Starts 11:00AM

Port Sponsored Annual Health and Resource Fair Hosted by Sobrante Park Resident Action Council

Location: Brookfield Park, 9161 Edes Avenue, Oakland, CA 94603

Living Wage Policy & Documents

On March 5, 2002, the voters in the City of Oakland passed Measure I, adding to the City Charter Section 728 (“§728”) entitled “Living Wage and Labor Standards at Port-assisted Businesses.” §728 requires Port Aviation and Maritime businesses that meet specified minimum threshold requirements to pay all nonexempt employees a Living Wage rate established by City Ordinance and adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose area.

The new Living Wage rate as of July 1, 2022 is at least $16.93 with credit given to the employer for the provision to covered employees of health benefits, and $19.44 without credit for the provision of health benefits. Specifically, §728 applies to Port contractors and financial assistance recipients with the Aviation or Maritime divisions that have contracts worth more than $50,000 and that employ more than 20 employees who spend more than 25% of their time on Port-related work. §728 also provides covered employers with incentives to provide health benefits to employees, establishes a worker retention policy, requires covered employers to submit quarterly payroll reports and requires covered employers to allow Port representatives access to payroll records in order to monitor compliance and labor organization representatives access to workforces during non-work time and on non-work sites.

The provisions of §728 are incorporated in Port Ordinance Number 3666 as amended by Ordinance 3719.

Living Wage Forms

If you are going to enter into or amend a contract or lease with the Port, please fill out the forms listed below and return them to the Social Responsibility Division at [email protected].

For access to the complete list of SRD Port Programs and Policies please go HERE.