Public works projects in California operate under strict labor compliance regulations. One component of this compliance process is the DAS 142 form. This form requires contractors to submit when requesting apprentices for state-funded construction projects.
Failing to meet DAS 142 requirements can lead to penalties, project delays, and disqualification from future public works opportunities. It is necessary to understand how this form functions, when to submit it, and the consequences of non-compliance for contractors working on government-funded projects.
The DAS 142 form California acts as an official request for the dispatch of apprentices from approved apprenticeship programs. Since California labor laws mandate a specific apprentice-to-journeyman ratio on public projects, correctly submitting this form guarantees that contractors fulfill their workforce obligations.
However, many contractors struggle with submission deadlines, incorrect documentation, and apprentice availability issues. Without a clear grasp of the DAS 142 process, compliance failures can become a costly problem.
DAS 142 Requirements: What Contractors Need to Know
The DAS 142 form California is legally required for contractors working on public works projects. It is a formal request for apprentices to be dispatched to job sites from approved apprenticeship programs. The purpose of this form is to maintain compliance with California’s prevailing wage laws and apprenticeship standards.
California Labor Code Section 1777.5 requires contractors to hire a specific number of apprentices on public works projects based on the total number of journeyman hours worked. The DAS 142 form proves that a contractor has attempted to hire apprentices through the proper channels. Without submitting this form, contractors may be found non-compliant and face noncompliance penalties.
The state enforces strict rules on apprentice hiring to develop a skilled workforce for the future of the construction industry. The DAS 142 form helps regulate workforce development. It provides apprentices with hands-on training while maintaining compliance with fair labor practices.
How to Submit the DAS 142 Form Correctly
Timely submission of the DAS 142 form in California is necessary for compliance. Contractors must submit the form at least 72 hours (three business days, excluding holidays and weekends) before the apprentice is needed on-site. Ensure you are requesting a date and time you will have an employee of the same craft on site working as apprentices need to be supervised. Even one hour of “unsupervised” work will lead to ratio discrepancies. An unsupervised apprentice will need to be paid as a journeyman for their time working alone and not on site with a journeyman from your team. This is strictly enforced; even a slight delay can cause compliance issues. To avoid processing problems, best practice is to submit the form at least one week in advance and the request is made for a date your employee(s) of the same craft will be onsite working.
A properly completed DAS 142 form must include detailed information, such as:
The contractor’s name, license number, and Public Works Contractor (PWC) registration number
Project details, including the DIR project number, contract number, and worksite location
The number of apprentices requested and the specific craft or trade they will be working in along with the date and time for apprentice dispatch
Contact information for the apprenticeship committee and the contractor’s designated project representative
Failure to provide complete and accurate information can lead to rejections or delays. Contractors must also make sure that they send the DAS 142 form to the correct apprenticeship committees based on the county and trade requirements.
Common DAS 142 Compliance Issues Contractors Face
Many contractors underestimate the importance of the DAS 142 form and the strict regulations surrounding its submission. Below are some of California compliance issues' most frequent DAS 142 and how they impact public works contractors.
Late Submission Violations
The DAS 142 form must be submitted 72 hours before the requested apprentice is needed on-site. This deadline is strictly enforced. Late submissions are a common violation. Contractors who fail to submit the form within this timeframe risk being found non-compliant, facing penalties, and experiencing delays in project timelines.
Best practice dictates that contractors submit the form at least one week in advance to account for any processing delays. Apprenticeship programs may require additional time to allocate apprentices based on availability and scheduling. Last-minute requests create a backlog for these programs, making it harder to fulfill apprentice dispatch requirements.
Even if a project timeline shifts, contractors must promptly resubmit the DAS 142 form to reflect the updated schedule. Failing to do so can lead to disputes regarding compliance when projects undergo labor audits.
Incorrect or Incomplete Information on the DAS 142 Form
Apprenticeship committees carefully review DAS 142 form submissions before dispatching apprentices. Forms that contain missing, incorrect, or inconsistent information often get rejected. Common errors include:
Omitting contractor license numbers or Public Works Contractor (PWC) registration details
Failing to specify the number of apprentices needed for each trade
Providing inaccurate project start dates or job site addresses
Submitting conflicting information between different sections of the form
Any missing or incorrect data causes delays; in some cases, committees may not process the request. This leaves contractors without the required apprentices. Before submission, every detail must be verified for accuracy.
Submitting the DAS 142 Form to the Wrong Apprenticeship Committee
The DAS 142 form must be sent to the correct apprenticeship committee based on the location of the public works project and the specific trade needed. There are apprenticeship program lists available on the DIR website for each trade and county.
There are two key submission rules contractors must follow:
Signatory Contractors: If a contractor is already signatory to an apprenticeship program, the request must go to the specific apprenticeship committee they are affiliated with.
Non-Signatory Contractors: If a contractor is not signatory to an apprenticeship program, the form must be sent to all approved apprenticeship committees in the county where the work is being performed for each craft or trade needed.
Failure to submit the form to the proper committee creates compliance risks. If an apprentice is not dispatched due to misdirected paperwork, the contractor remains responsible for proving they made a valid request.
Failure to Request the Correct Number of Apprentices
California requires contractors to maintain a 1:5 apprentice-to-journeyman ratio on public works projects. For every five journeyman hours worked, at least one apprentice hour must be recorded.
Many contractors fail to calculate the number of apprentices they need accurately. Some mistakenly leave the apprentice count blank or write "TBD" on the DAS 142 form, which is not allowed. The form must state a specific number of apprentices for each trade required.
If a contractor does not meet the 1:5 ratio and has not submitted a valid DAS 142 form, you run the risk of being assessed noncompliance penalties in a project investigation.
What Happens If No Apprentices Are Available?
Contractors who submit a DAS 142 form and do not receive apprentices must document their request correctly. If an apprenticeship program cannot dispatch an apprentice, ensure you have your proof of submission paired with each form to show your due diligence in submitting the request within 72 hours in advance.
Without the proof of submission, contractors may face fines or be accused of failing to meet apprentice hiring requirements. Since California enforces strict labor laws, maintaining detailed records of DAS 142 form submissions and committee responses is key for compliance.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with DAS 142 Requirements
Contractors who fail to meet DAS 142 requirements can face significant consequences:
A fine of $100 per day for failure to request apprentices properly
Disqualification from bidding on future public works contracts
Suspension or cancellation of an existing contract due to compliance failures
California closely monitors contractor compliance with labor laws, and repeated violations can damage a company’s reputation. Agencies that oversee public works projects favor contractors with a strong track record of compliance. Non-compliance leads to fines and can result in missed business opportunities.
How DAS 142 Compliance Affects Public Works Eligibility
Consistently meeting DAS 142 requirements is important for contractors who want to continue securing public works contracts in California. Multiple labor law violations can lead to disqualification from bidding on future projects. It makes compliance a direct factor in long-term business sustainability.
Contractors with compliance issues often face delays in project approvals. Maintaining a strong compliance record with DAS 142 form submissions keeps contractors in good standing. It also allows continued access to government-funded projects.
Using Technology to Simplify DAS 142 Compliance
Managing labor compliance efficiently requires organization and attention to detail. Many contractors now use digital solutions to simplify the DAS 142 form submission process. Compliance management platforms help track submission deadlines, store documentation, and automate reminders to prevent late submissions.
Digital form submission tools also reduce human errors by verifying that all required fields are completed before sending the request. A centralized compliance system guarantees that records are easily accessible in case of audits or disputes. Contractors who use compliance software reduce the risk of fines and improve workforce planning efficiency.
Expert Labor Compliance Consulting for California Public Works Contractors
At Prevailing Wisdom, we specialize in labor compliance consulting for contractors handling California’s public works regulations. Our expertise in DAS 142 requirements helps contractors avoid costly mistakes and streamline their compliance process.
We can produce, submit, or even help train your team on labor compliance documents. From form submissions to apprentice hiring strategies, we help contractors maintain compliance while focusing on successful project execution.
Contractors working on public works projects cannot afford compliance mistakes. Let us handle the challenges of DAS 142 requirements, so you can stay focused on building and growing your business. Schedule a free consultation with us today to stay ahead of California’s public works compliance regulations.