If your business is headquartered in California, and you live in California, there are specific state certifications that can give you an upper hand when it comes to obtaining state & local contracts.
Business headquartered in California have access to a variety of state, local and educational sector certifications available to them. California is one of the few states to offer a race/gender-neutral small business certification, available to all small businesses in the state.
The California SB Certification is available to all California-based companies that have a revenue under $16 million. This is the largest certification offered and used in the state, responsible for 25% of all state contracting dollars.
The CA SB certification allows cities, counties, schools, colleges, hospitals, and state agencies to contract directly with a certified vendor, without posting a public, competitive bid, for any purchases between $5,000 – $249,999. Additionally, prime contractors are incentivized, and sometimes required, to utilize certified SB’s as subcontractors on their government projects.
This certification is a must-have for any business who is looking to tap into state & local government contracting.
The CA DVBE is offered to California-based companies who are owned (51%+) by disabled-veterans. This certification can be used in combination with the SB certification, and comes with similar benefits, but allows a business to gain access to an additional 5% of state contracting budgets.
The DVBE is also utilized more when it comes to subcontracting, as the state often requires a DVBE subcontracting goals on larger government contracts,
DBE Certifications are offered in all states by their Department of Transportation. This certification has limited use, so it’s not for everyone.
DBE certification usually have utilization goals with shipping ports, airports, county public transit programs, and all major highway, street, tunnel and bridge construction. If your products or services are used in any of these industries, the DBE certification could be the best certification for your company, as the DOT has huge spending goals when it comes to DBE utilization on subcontracting.
DBE certification can be obtained by minority-owned businesses and female-owned businesses.
If your business offerings have a better fit in the business-to-business space, there are certification aimed for private-sector growth as opposed to government contracts.
govCERTS offers the two main certifications in this space – the WBENC WBE and NMSDC MBE. Both of these certifications have a national coverage, and carry similar benefits. Almost all Fortune 500 companies have Supplier Diversity programs, and spending goals with WBE or MBEvendors comes along with that.
If you have an interest in contracting with big-name companies, these certifications are the easiest way to get you there.
Reach out to us to schedule your eligibility call and get pricing information to see how your business can benefit from a California certification.
Or give us a call at (813) 593-6226
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.
