Reference Publications and Forms

1. Apply for certification as a Small Business or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
   • Small Business and DVBE Benefits:
     • Of their annual contracting dollars, state agencies are to award at least 25% to certified Small Business and 3% to certified DVBEs
     • The State gives an incentive to certified Small Businesses and DVBEs in the formal bid process
     • Agencies use our Certified Firm database to find suppliers
     • Government Code Section 14838.5 allows state agencies to spend up to $100,000 (or $120,000 for construction) if they get price quotes from at least two certified Small Businesses or DVBEs and award to one of them
   • For all SB/DVBE information and applications go to: www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/smbus or call 916-375-4940
     
2. Use the California State Contracts Register
   • Agencies post their solicitations, RFPs, etc. on this Web site when they go out to bid 
   • Subcontractors can find opportunities to work with potential prime contractors
   • Sign up with the Subscription Outreach Service (SOS) to receive automatic e-mailed or faxed notices of solicitations
   • For more information go to www.cscr.dgs.ca.gov or call 916-375-4582
     
3. Look into becoming a CMAS contractor
   • Agencies can buy directly from CMAS contractors after getting three price quotes
   • The administrative fee is waived when agencies purchase from a certified Small Business CMAS contractor
   • Local government and educational institutions also use CMAS contractors
   • For more information go to www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/cmas, or call 916-375-4363
     
4. Market your company to state agencies
   • Contact the agencies' Small Business/DVBE Advocates for marketing information www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/smbus/advocate
   • Find a list of agencies with purchasing authorization on our Web site at www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/deleg, click on Purchasing Authority, then Departments with Approved Purchasing Authority 
   • Use the State Phone Book (CA Online Directory) at www.cold.ca.gov
   • Reciprocity -- maximize your State certification by contacting our local government and industry partners that honor the State's certification -- www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/recipro

Businesses can learn about all the programs mentioned here—and more—on our Web site at www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/smbus

News and Events Page—For SB/DVBE events go to: www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/recipro/events