When it comes to California’s public works projects, compliance with apprenticeship laws is non-negotiable. One of the essential compliance documents contractors must file is the das 140 form. This official notice informs apprenticeship committees of your intent to employ apprentices on a public works project.
Accurate completion of the DAS 140 not only ensures legal compliance but also helps avoid costly delays, penalties, and project disruptions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips, step-by-step guidance, and common pitfalls to avoid when filling out the form — so you can get it right the first time.
Understanding the DAS 140 Form
Before we dive into tips, it’s important to understand what the DAS 140 is and why it matters.
What is the DAS 140?
The DAS 140 is a mandatory notification form required under California Labor Code §1777.5. It serves as an “Apprenticeship Agreement” notice to approved apprenticeship programs in your project’s area. Contractors must submit this form within 10 working days of contract award, but before hiring apprentices.
Why is it Important?
Failing to submit an accurate DAS 140 can result in:
- Fines and penalties from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS)
- Loss of bidding eligibility for future public works projects
- Project delays due to compliance issues
Knowing exactly how to complete the form — and doing so accurately — is critical for smooth project execution.
Tip 1: Gather All Required Information Before You Start
One of the biggest mistakes contractors make is starting the DAS 140 without all the necessary details. This leads to incomplete submissions and processing delays.
Information You’ll Need:
- Public works contract number and award date
- Project name and location
- Your contractor license number
- Apprenticeable craft or trade you will employ
- Number of journey-level and apprentice workers you anticipate
- Contact information for your business representative
Having these details ready ensures you can fill out the form in one sitting without errors.
Tip 2: Identify the Correct Apprenticeship Program
The DAS 140 must be sent to all applicable apprenticeship committees in the geographic area where the work will occur. Sending it to the wrong program or leaving out the correct one can put you out of compliance.
How to Find the Right Program:
- Visit the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards website
- Use the Apprenticeship Program Directory to find approved programs by craft/trade and location
- Double-check that the program you select covers your project’s specific trade
If more than one program is available for your trade in the area, you must send a DAS 140 to each of them.
Tip 3: Pay Attention to Deadlines
California law is strict about timing. The DAS 140 must be submitted within 10 working days after you are awarded the contract. Missing this deadline may result in a violation notice.
Pro Timing Tip:
- Set up an internal compliance checklist that triggers immediately after contract award
- Assign a dedicated compliance officer or administrator to ensure the DAS 140 is filed on time
Tip 4: Fill Out the Form Exactly as Required
Even small errors can cause the form to be rejected. Accuracy matters, not just for legal compliance but for maintaining good standing with apprenticeship committees.
Key Sections to Complete Carefully:
Contractor and Project Information
Ensure that your contractor license number, business name, and address exactly match your license records. Any discrepancy could raise red flags.
Craft or Trade
Specify the exact apprenticeable craft or trade you’ll employ (e.g., Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber). Avoid vague terms like “construction worker.”
Estimated Number of Workers
Be realistic when stating how many apprentices and journey-level workers you’ll employ. Overestimating or underestimating can cause scheduling conflicts with apprenticeship programs.
Tip 5: Keep Copies of All Submitted Forms
Always keep a signed copy of the DAS 140 for your records, along with proof of delivery to the apprenticeship committee.
Why This Matters:
- Protects you in case of a compliance audit
- Serves as evidence if an apprenticeship committee claims they didn’t receive your form
Acceptable proof of delivery includes certified mail receipts, email confirmations, or courier tracking.
Tip 6: Follow Up with the Apprenticeship Committee
Filing the DAS 140 is not the end of the process. Following up ensures the committee has acknowledged your notice and can begin arranging apprentices if needed.
Best Practices:
- Call or email the program within a few days of submission
- Keep written records of all correspondence
- Confirm whether any additional paperwork is required
Tip 7: Understand the Difference Between DAS 140 and DAS 142
Many contractors confuse the DAS 140 with the DAS 142 form. While related, they serve different purposes:
- DAS 140 – Notifies apprenticeship committees of your intent to employ apprentices.
- DAS 142 – Requests apprentices from a program for a specific project.
Submitting only one when both are required can put you out of compliance.
Tip 8: Use Digital Tools to Streamline the Process
Technology can help you complete and submit your DAS 140 faster and more accurately.
Helpful Tools:
- Online PDF forms with auto-fill capabilities
- Compliance management software to track deadlines
- E-signature platforms for faster approvals
Some apprenticeship programs even accept online submissions, which can save mailing time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing the DAS 140
Leaving Fields Blank
Every field on the form serves a purpose. Missing information may cause the committee to reject your form.
Using Outdated Forms
Always download the latest DAS 140 from the California DAS website to ensure you’re using the correct version.
Missing Multiple Committees
If multiple apprenticeship programs serve your trade in the project area, you must notify each one — not just your preferred program.
Submitting Late
Late submissions are one of the most common violations and are easily avoidable with proper planning.
Step-by-Step Quick Guide to Completing the DAS 140
- Download the latest DAS 140 from the California DAS website
- Fill in contractor details exactly as on your license
- Enter project details including contract number, name, and location
- Specify the trade or craft for which you’ll hire apprentices
- Estimate workforce numbers accurately
- Sign and date the form
- Send to all relevant apprenticeship committees in the project area within 10 working days of contract award
- Keep proof of submission for your records
- Follow up with the committees if necessary
Conclusion
Completing the DAS 140 form accurately is more than just ticking boxes — it’s about maintaining compliance, protecting your company’s reputation, and ensuring your project runs smoothly. By gathering all required information beforehand, identifying the correct apprenticeship programs, meeting submission deadlines, and double-checking every detail, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of errors and non-compliance.
The DAS 140 is your official handshake with California’s apprenticeship system. Treat it with the same care as you would any legal contract, and you’ll build strong relationships with apprenticeship committees while staying on the right side of state labor laws. Take the time to get it right the first time — your future projects will thank you.
