We Build Partnerships That Build Communities
Land & Sea is committed to maximizing opportunities for small businesses — including SBE, DBE, MBE, WBE, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) certified firms — at every tier of our operations. Small business participation isn't a checkbox. It's how we build a stronger industry.
Active outreach. Genuine access.
We don't wait for small businesses to find us. We go looking for them.
Direct Outreach
We actively solicit small businesses for every subcontracting opportunity through direct outreach, industry events, and this vendor portal — not as an afterthought, but as a core part of how we procure.
Feasible Scopes
We structure our work to create economically feasible scopes for small business participation — breaking contracts into packages that allow SBE firms to compete without being overwhelmed by scale.
Good Faith Negotiation
We provide timely information about our requirements, negotiate in good faith, and never reject qualified small businesses without sound business reasons. We assist SBE firms in obtaining required bonding, lines of credit, insurance, equipment, and materials where needed.
Who qualifies as a small business?
Multiple certification pathways can open opportunities with Land & Sea. Here's what we track and how each is defined.
SBE — Small Business Enterprise
Average annual gross receipts under $31.84M over the prior three fiscal years, per 49 CFR Section 26.5. This is the foundational threshold for small business status.
DBE — Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Federal certification for businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Required on DOT-funded projects.
MBE / WBE
Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise certifications, verified through NMSDC (MBE) and WBENC (WBE). We actively seek MBE and WBE participation across all project categories.
SDVOSB / Veteran-Owned
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and veteran-owned firms certified through NaVOBA or VA verification. We honor the businesses built by those who served.
HUBZone & 8(a)
SBA-administered programs for businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones and those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Both programs create set-aside and sole-source opportunities.
You get paid in 30 days. Full stop.
Land & Sea pays subcontractors within 30 days of receiving payment from our clients. We believe prompt payment isn't just a federal requirement — it's how you build trust with the businesses that make your operations work.
30-Day Standard
Payment issued within 30 days of client receipt — no games, no delays.
Federal Compliance
Our prompt payment policy meets or exceeds federal flow-down requirements on all funded contracts.
No Retainage Surprises
Any retainage terms are disclosed upfront in your subcontract — nothing withheld without prior written agreement.
Not yet certified? Here's where to start.
These are the authoritative sources for each certification type. Getting certified opens doors — including ours.
California Unified Certification Program — the statewide DBE certification authority for DOT-funded projects.
DBERegister your small business profile and connect with federal prime contractors looking for SBE partners.
SBENine-year business development program for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.
8(a)Certification for businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones, providing set-aside and sole-source contracting benefits.
HUBZoneNational Minority Supplier Development Council — the leading MBE certification body, recognized by major corporations and government agencies alike.
MBEWomen's Business Enterprise National Council — the gold standard for WBE certification, accepted by corporations and government agencies nationwide.
WBENational Veteran-Owned Business Association — certification for veteran and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in the corporate marketplace.
Veteran-OwnedSystem for Award Management — federal registration required to work on government-funded contracts. Register here to receive federal contract awards and payments.
Federal RegistrationReady to partner with us?
Register as a vendor and we'll match you with opportunities that fit your capabilities. Registration takes 10–15 minutes.
Register as a Vendor