Office of Small Business and DVBE Services

At the Office of Small Business and DVBE Services we’re dedicated to helping businesses navigate the procurement landscape. Many small businesses may not realize that the state employs a range of acquisition methods beyond the traditional RFP to purchase goods and services. Understanding these methods can open opportunities for your business to engage in state contracting. ? Here are some of the acquisition methods we use: ? Competitive Bidding: A standard approach where contracts are awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, ensuring fairness and value. ? Request for Proposals (RFPs): Ideal for complex projects, RFPs allow businesses to showcase their innovative solutions and capabilities. ? Request for Qualifications (RFQs): Used to assess the qualifications of potential vendors before inviting bids, ensuring the right expertise is on board. ? Direct Purchases: For specific needs, this method allows state agencies to buy goods and services directly, streamlining the process. ? Small Business Preference: California encourages participation from small businesses by offering preference points in the bidding process. ? California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS): This streamlined procurement method allows state agencies to purchase from pre-approved vendors, facilitating quicker access to needed goods and services. ? Leveraged Procurement Agreements (LPAs): LPAs allow agencies to leverage collective purchasing power, ensuring cost-effective solutions while fostering collaboration across jurisdictions. ? Fair & Reasonable: The Fair & Reasonable acquisition method is a procurement approach that ensures contracts are awarded based on competitive pricing and value, while maintaining transparency and fairness in the selection process. Stay informed and seize the opportunities available! Learn more about contracting with the State here:?https://lnkd.in/gNbqXNV Follow us and stay connected for more tips and support! Our “Essential Tuesday” posts offer tips, how-to, resources and advice to help #SmallBusiness and #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise firms gain an edge in state contracting. To reach OSDS call us at (916) 375-4940 or email?[email protected]. #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting #GovernmentContracts #CMAS #LPA

The day has finally arrived! Tomorrow we celebrate 50 years! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with knowledgeable advocates and learn how you can do business with the state. Click the link below for free sign up and further details. Come helps us celebrate! https://lnkd.in/g6Vd5ivg #OSDS50 #SmallBusiness #DVBE #MeetYourAdvocates #Workshops #ProcurementOpportunities #OSDSOutreach

Is your small business prepared to serve the state and your community during disasters or emergencies? We invite you to join the “Emergency and Disaster Contract Opportunities Conference” hosted by Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to proactively register your services for critical disaster response efforts.? ?? Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and meet with the Statewide Emergency Resource Support/Vendor Engagement & Emergency Procurement Outreach Office. They will provide assistance on registering on the California “SB/DVBE?Emergency Registry” portal and answer questions on how #SmallBusiness and #DVBE firms can become emergency contract ready.?? ?? Don’t wait for a crisis to take action—step up and make a difference!??? ?Secure your spot today and empower your business to contribute when it matters most.??? ?? “Emergency and Disaster Contract Opportunities Conference"? Date: Thursday, November 7, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.??? Register: https://lnkd.in/gPFSrbAr? ?? #SmallBusiness #DisasterResponse #CommunitySupport #EmergencyPreparedness #MakeADifference??

The Office of Small Business and DVBE Services is thrilled to once again participate in the “2024 Latina BizCon” with our partner National Latina Business Women Association - Inland Empire! This year’s event celebrates and empowers Latina entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and building family legacies.? Join us as we honor the resilience and creativity of Latinas and Women of Color in the business world. Expect to be inspired by motivational keynote speakers and success stories from trailblazing Latina entrepreneurs.?? We’ll provide on-site technical assistance for Women-Owned and Small Businesses to complete Certification applications. Don’t forget to bring your laptops with financial documents ready! Plus, take advantage of “Latina BizMatch” – a fantastic opportunity to connect with potential clients and fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking to network, collaborate, or market your business, there’s something for everyone! Join us to unlock new possibilities, achieve your ambitious goals, and propel your business forward. Let’s dream big and dare to break through barriers together! “Latina BizCon”? Date: Thursday, October 31, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.? Registration: https://lnkd.in/eQKQRXkp ? #LatinaBizCon #WomenEntrepreneurs #BusinessGrowth #Networking #Empowerment #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement?

“How to do Business with the State” hosted by IE APEX Accelerator? Date: Wednesday, October 9, from 11 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/gxrF-ydN “Supplier Diversity Business Training Series” hosted by Northern California SBDC Date: Thursday, October 10, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gXeHt8zM "Norcal Procurement Fair” hosted by SBA Sacramento District Office Date: Wednesday, October 16, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/grceMggN “Prepare for the Fair” hosted by Caltrans District 1, Caltrans District 2, Caltrans District 3 Date: Wednesday, October 16, from 10 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/gVVj6ruK “OSDS 50th Anniversary” hosted by California Department of General Services Date: Wednesday, October 16, from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gSH3ptbi “MetWorks Water Infrastructure Talk” hosted by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Date: Wednesday, October 17, from 8 a.m. - noon Registration: https://lnkd.in/g4KpWa5T “Your Next Client: The State of California” hosted by San Francisco Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Date: Tuesday, October 22, from 3 – 4 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gVxa3fkX “3rd Annual Small Business Diversity & Resource Fair“ hosted by California High-Speed Rail Authority Date: Wednesday, October 23, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/ghVD4cpQ “The Connecting Point” hosted by Sacramento Public Agency Consortium Date: Thursday, October 24, from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gpyU5vff “Small Business Expo III” hosted by San Diego, Orange, Imperial APEX Accelerator Date: Thursday, October 24, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/ggxzhDGA “13th Annual Veteran and Small Business Trade Show” hosted by SOUTHWEST VETERANS' BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER Date: Thursday, October 24, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gv3sAAkj “Access to Capital - Emerging Latina Entrepreneurial & Leadership” hosted by National Latina Business Women Association - Inland Empire Date: Thursday, October 24, from 5 – 7 p.m. Registration: https://lnkd.in/gnj4PZem #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #WednesdayWatchlist?

Attention nonprofit organizations! Consider becoming state certified. The Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) recognizes the vital role nonprofits play in our communities. We encourage all eligible nonprofits to explore the nonprofit certification available on #CalEProcure, the state procurement marketplace. Your hard work deserves timely recognition and support! While nonprofits may not receive all the same benefits as certified #SmallBusinesses, they are eligible for some key advantages under the state’s Prompt Payment Act. This program is designed to streamline the invoice payment process for recognized nonprofits, ensuring you get paid more quickly for your valuable services. Here are a few benefits to consider:? ? Prompt Payment Benefits: Nonprofits can take advantage of expedited payments when contracts are awarded.?? ? Higher Interest Penalties: If the state fails to pay a properly submitted and undisputed invoice within 45 days, recognized nonprofits benefit from higher interest penalties.? ? For more information on eligibility requirements and how to register on #CaleProcure, visit https://lnkd.in/gn7w8DhR Follow us and stay connected for more tips and support! Our “Essential Tuesday” posts offer tips, how-to, resources and advice to help #SmallBusiness and #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise firms gain an edge in state contracting. To reach OSDS call us at (916) 375-4940 or [email protected] #Nonprofit #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement #GovernmentContracting?

Don’t miss a unique opportunity to sit down for a 15 minutes 1:1 meeting with a state advocate. “Meet the Advocates” is one of the several breakout sessions offered at Office of Small Business and DVBE Services 50th Anniversary Expo on October 16th. Places are going fast so register today! https://lnkd.in/g6Vd5ivg #OSDS50 #SmallBusiness #DVBE #MeetYourAdvocates #ElevatorPitch #Networking #BusinessGrowth

Following their work on the U.S. Latino GDP Report, the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting California Lutheran University released the inaugural U.S. Latina GDP Report in August at the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce 45th Annual Statewide Convention.? This groundbreaking research highlights the significant and rapidly growing economic impact of Hispanic women in the U.S., with their GDP growing at 2.7 times the rate of their non-Hispanic peers from 2010 to 2021. Latinas contributed an astounding $1.3 trillion to the GDP in 2021, showcasing over 50% growth in just a decade.? Key findings include:? ? Economic Output: The Latina GDP is larger than the entire economy of Florida!? ? Labor Force Participation: Latinas accounted for 30.2% of U.S. labor force growth since 2010.? ? Educational Attainment: The number of Latinas with a bachelor’s degree or higher skyrocketed by 103%.? ? Real Income: Latina incomes grew by 46%, compared to just 18.5% for non-Hispanic females. As we celebrate these contributions, we recognize that Latinas are driving economic vitality across California and the nation. This report acknowledges their role in shaping our economy and community. To explore the full report, visit: https://lnkd.in/gmz5c3XA ?? #LatinaGDP #EconomicGrowth #Diversity #Inclusion #SmallBusiness #DVBE #WomenInBusiness #LatinasInBusiness #OSDSBusinessOutreach #SmallBusiness #DisabledVeteranBusinessEnterprise #Procurement? #NLBWAIE ?

Planning on attending the “13th Annual Veterans & Small Business Trade Show” hosted by our partner, SOUTHWEST VETERANS' BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER? Register now to lock in your place at the Office of Small Business and DVBE Services "Cal eProcure Clinic" held during the Trade Show. The Cal eProcure clinic is open to state certified firms. Ensure your #CalEProcure profile is well positioned to find contracting opportunities and selected by state departments looking for DVBEs and small businesses. Seating is limited! ?Use the QR code in the flyer or this link to register now. https://lnkd.in/gfWdvYwP #OSDSOutreach #StateContracting #Procurement #StateProcurement

Looking to hone your 60-second pitch to make those connections with state departments? Ready to level up your state contracting skills? Or get certified. Plan to attend our 50th Anniversary Expo. Register today and come help us celebrate! https://lnkd.in/g6Vd5ivg #OSDSOutreach #StateProcurement #50thAnniversary #StateContracting #GetStateCertified #CAStateCertification