On October 3, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) published an “interim final rule” (IFR) eliminating race- and gender-based Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals on federal-aid highway and transit projects. Changes go into effect immediately.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a proposed rule that could significantly affect the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. While the full details are still under review, these changes may impact contractors and subcontractors working on federally funded projects, with implications on state projects.
We are proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 61 (Cortese) into law, UCON-sponsored legislation that establishes a 5% cap on retention for private construction projects in California.
Effective January 1, 2026, the new law will apply to contracts for private works of improvement entered into on or after that date.
Governor Gavin Newsom released his May Revision of the 2025–26 California state budget on May 14, 2025, announcing a projected $12 billion deficit. The Governor proposed a $322 billion spending plan, which includes several key proposals:
The May Revise proposes $17.6 million one-time from the State Highway Account to support the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Game in Los Angeles, including facility development, ongoing planning efforts, and work on the Games Route Network project.
The Cal/OSHA Standards Board approved an indoor heat illness regulation. The new regulation requires indoor workplaces to be cooled below 87 degrees Fahrenheit if feasible when employees are present, and below 82 degrees if feasible in places where workers wear protective clothing that restricts heat removal or work in high radiant heat areas.
The US Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and heat advisories for regions throughout California. Temperatures will be +/-100F degrees. To protect yourself and your employees, make sure you have your Heat Illness Prevention Plan in place. Heat illness can result if precautions are not taken.
If you bid and perform work for the Port of Los Angeles, United Contractors invites you to join us for the next hybrid Industry Liaison Meeting at the Port of LA Headquarters located in San Pedro on January 24, 2024.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 10:00 AM - Hybrid Meeting.
Agenda topics will include:
If you bid and perform work for LA Metro, United Contractors invites you to join us for the next Industry Liaison Meeting at LA Metro Headquarters in Los Angeles on January 17, 2024.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 9:00 AM
LA Metro Headquarters
One Gateway Plaza, Mulholland Room—15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA
Agenda topics will include:
United Contractors is offering a member only benefit webinar on the California Air Resources Board’s new Clean Truck Check (CTC) Program on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 10 AM to 11 AM.
The webinar will include a presentation of the Clean Truck Check and a Question-and-Answer session. This webinar will be recorded and archived to UCON’s education library.
Additional resources from CARB will also be presented such as CARB’s CTC Fact Sheets, FAQ’s, Recorded Webinars and Q&A.”
On February 9, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 114 into law, which requires businesses with 26 or more employees to provide workers with up to 80 hours of COVID paid leave.
February 10, 2022
This week, the state of California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued new Health Guidance for face coverings effective February 16.
COVID-19 Compliance Update
