Beyond the statewide certifications offered, California breaks down into more local and lucrative certifications depending on your goals as a vendor. If you are looking to maximize your exposure, and ensure your subject to diverse spending goals with all levels of government, browse below to find out what else is out there for you.
We know certifications. We know California.
Statewide SB / SB-PW / DVBE
Statewide, California remains race-gender neutral with their purchasing policies. However, there are still certification to be obtained. All California-based small businesses can obtain an SB certification (small business), or if in the trades & construction industries, an SB-PW certification. Furthermore, they give even more preference to disabled veterans who have businesses located in the state.
Statewide MBE / WBE / DVBE / LGBTBE
CPUC requires California electrical corporations, gas corporations, water corporations, wireless telecommunications service providers, electric service providers, and telephone corporations with gross annual California revenues exceeding $15,000,000, but not more than $25,000,000 to meet certain spending goals through both prime contracts and subcontracts with minority vendors, women vendors and even LGBT owned vendors.
Statewide DBE
California’s DBE certification provides contractors with the easiest way to get into contracting highway, street and bridge construction projects, as well as county transit jobs. Caltrans does also have spending goals for state DGS certified SB and DVBE vendors.
Citywide LBE
For businesses whose sales coverage is more local, or if your looking to increase exposure across more agencies in California, the San Francisco Local Business Enterprise is the way to go. All certified firms receive 10% preference on city & county contracts, and micro firms get access to exclusive opportunities not available to other vendors. As always, subcontracting goals and incentives to follow.
(Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties)
COUNTYwide LBE (local) / SBE
Gain a competitive edge when bidding contracts in these listed counties. 2% preference for micro business enterprises, and 5% for local business enterprises. Also plenty of subcontracting goals, so this is a great tool for those looking to start their contracting journey as a subcontractor.
REGIONAL LSBE (local small)/ DVBE (disabled vet)
Orange County local vendors gain 5-8% preference on county purchasing, and when a bid review comes down to a normal vendor or a certified vendor, the county will give the certified vendor to match the competitors price for final award.
CITYWIDE LSBE (local-small) / MBE / WBE
Los Angeles city-based vendors can receive certifications at both a city and county level. If you want to maximize exposure to opportunity across all levels of government, this is where to start.
REGIONAL CBE (for minority, woman, disabled vet, disadvantaged)
County departments and public agencies use the CBE listing to meet their prime and subcontracting goals when participating on county projects. This is a great tool for LA-based vendors to gain a competitive edge when pursuing local contracting opportunities.
Citywide SLBE (small-local)
It is the City of San Diego’s policy to encourage greater availability, capacity development and contract participation by Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs) in City contracts
Gov Certs is a state, local and educational (SLED) market certifications processing company. We strive to deliver products that ensure your company has the competitive edge when pursuing contracts in the state & local government sector.
