Who Needs to File the DAS 142 Form in California

Introduction

If you’re involved in public works construction in California, compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. One key compliance requirement that often catches contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers off guard is the das 142 form. This form plays a critical role in ensuring proper apprentice employment on public works projects, as mandated by California law. Unfortunately, many in the construction industry don’t fully understand who needs to file the DAS 142 or when to do it, which can lead to costly penalties or project delays.

This guide will break down exactly what the DAS 142 form is, why it matters, and—most importantly—who must file it, so you can avoid compliance missteps and keep your projects moving forward.

What is the DAS 142 Form?

The DAS 142 form, officially titled the “Public Works Contract Award Information” form, is a notification document required by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). It’s used to inform approved apprenticeship programs of your intent to hire apprentices on a public works project.

This form ensures that:

• The proper number of apprentices are dispatched to the project.
• The employer is fulfilling apprenticeship employment requirements set forth under California Labor Code Section 1777.5.
• The state maintains oversight of apprentice utilization on public works jobs.

Filing the DAS 142 is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement for certain employers on specific projects.

Why the DAS 142 Form is Required

California law mandates that a certain percentage of work hours on public works projects be performed by registered apprentices. The DAS 142 form serves as your official request for apprentices and is critical for:

1. Compliance with State Law – Ensures you meet apprenticeship utilization requirements.
2. Proof of Good Faith Effort – Demonstrates you requested apprentices in a timely manner, protecting you if apprentices are unavailable.
3. Avoiding Penalties – Failing to file the DAS 142 can lead to fines or withholding of contract payments.

Simply put, this form is your ticket to staying in good standing with the state while avoiding unnecessary legal or financial headaches.

Who Needs to File the DAS 142 Form?

The question every contractor asks is: “Does this requirement apply to me?” The answer depends on your role and the project type.

1. Prime Contractors on Public Works Projects

If you are the prime contractor awarded a public works contract in California, you are directly responsible for ensuring compliance with apprentice hiring requirements. Filing the DAS 142 is part of that responsibility, especially if you are self-performing work that involves trades with registered apprenticeship programs.

2. Subcontractors Working on Public Works

Subcontractors who employ trades covered by apprenticeship standards are also required to file the DAS 142 form. Even if the prime contractor has filed for their portion of the work, each subcontractor must file separately for their own scope.

Key Point: The requirement is individual—your filing does not cover other companies on the job, and theirs does not cover you.

3. Employers Performing Covered Trades

If your scope of work includes trades recognized under California’s apprenticeship system (e.g., electricians, carpenters, plumbers, operating engineers), you must file the DAS 142 to request apprentices for that trade.

When to File the DAS 142 Form

Timing is crucial. California requires that the DAS 142 be sent:

• At least 72 hours before the date apprentices are needed (excluding weekends and holidays).
• Early enough to allow the apprenticeship committee to respond and dispatch qualified apprentices.

Failing to file on time could result in non-compliance, even if you eventually hire apprentices later.

How to File the DAS 142 Form

Step 1: Identify the Correct Apprenticeship Committee

You must send the DAS 142 form to each apprenticeship committee that covers the work you’ll be performing in the project’s geographic area.

Step 2: Complete the Form

The DAS 142 requires information such as:

• Project name and location
• Awarding body and contract number
• Your company details
• Craft or trade you are requesting apprentices for
• Dates and times apprentices are needed

Step 3: Submit and Keep Proof

Send the form to the committee(s) via a verifiable method (e.g., certified mail, email with read receipt). Keep copies and proof of submission for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming the Prime Contractor’s Filing Covers You

Each contractor and subcontractor is independently responsible for their own filing. Don’t assume you’re covered by someone else’s paperwork.

2. Filing Too Late

Waiting until the last minute to request apprentices often results in non-compliance. Always submit the DAS 142 well in advance.

3. Sending to the Wrong Committee

Different trades and regions are covered by different committees. Filing to the wrong one is the same as not filing at all.

The Consequences of Not Filing

Failing to properly file the DAS 142 can result in:

• Monetary penalties imposed by the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
• Withholding of contract payments
• Damage to your company’s reputation with awarding agencies
• Possible disqualification from future public works bids

For contractors and subcontractors who depend on public works contracts, these consequences can be devastating.

Best Practices for DAS 142 Compliance

Maintain a Filing Calendar

Set reminders for each project to ensure your DAS 142 is filed well before the deadline.

Use a Standardized Process

Have a clear internal procedure for completing and sending the form, including a checklist of required details.

Keep Detailed Records

Always keep proof of submission, responses from apprenticeship committees, and any follow-up correspondence.

DAS 142 and Apprentice Ratios

Beyond filing the form, contractors must also comply with apprentice-to-journeyman ratios. Filing the DAS 142 is your first step, but you must also ensure the correct ratio of apprentices is present on the jobsite according to the applicable trade’s standards.

Failing to meet the ratio—even if you filed the form—can still put you in violation.

Conclusion

The DAS 142 form may seem like a small piece of paperwork, but it holds significant weight in California’s public works compliance landscape. Prime contractors, subcontractors, and employers in covered trades must file this form to request apprentices in accordance with state law. Filing on time, to the correct apprenticeship committees, and keeping records of your submission is not only a best practice—it’s a legal safeguard. By making the DAS 142 filing process a consistent part of your project management routine, you protect your company from costly penalties, ensure you meet apprenticeship utilization requirements, and maintain a strong reputation in the competitive public works market. Compliance starts with awareness—and now you know exactly who needs to file the DAS 142 and how to do it right.