DGS is planning two upcoming webinars for DGS purchasing authority contacts, procurement and contracting officers and advocates for Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises (DVBE).
“These mandatory webinars will provide procurement management and staff with a variety of contracting strategies and best practices to increase SB and DVBE participation,” DGS says in a bulletin issued Thursday. DGS’ goal is to award 25 percent of contracts to small businesses, and 3 percent to businesses owned by disabled veterans.
The webinars will be offered in two windows on Aug. 16 — from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Those required to attend may follow a link on the bulletin page to register. The webinars will cover several topics related to procurement by SB and DVBE:
- Advocates’ role and responsibilities
- Procurement methods to increase SB and DVBE participation
- SB and DVBE procurement data dashboards
- SB and DVBE emergency registry
- SB and DVBE First policy
- Supplier diversity
- Cal eProcure search tips
- Updates in UNSPSC (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code, referring to products and services for use in e-commerce)
- Resources available through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
In its 2022-2023 strategic plan, DGS lays out among its goals a commitment to SB and DVBE: “Develop and implement training and tools specific to procurement and bidding requirements for certified Small Businesses, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and diverse suppliers. DGS’ Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services will develop new training sessions and tools that offer SBs, DVBEs and diverse suppliers specific information about bidding requirements to help increase their chances of securing government contracts.”
DGS’ Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) has more information on its web page.
