Small Business First Program for UC Suppliers
Small Business First Program
Faster, Easier, Simpler...
The Small Business First (SB1st) program calls for non-construction contracts and procurements between $10,000 and $250,000 to be awarded to certified Small Businesses (SBs) and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs), wherever applicable (see exempted categories below).
No RFPs, only quotes...
SB1st uses a streamlined quotation process to increase procurement opportunities for SBs and DVBEs. Our direct 'quote-to-award' ability speeds up and simplifies the procurement process and opens doors to larger opportunities.
Only one (1) quote is required for purchases below $100,000, and only two (2) quotes are required for purchases between $100,000 – $250,000. (Programs may vary slightly among campuses.)
Most small business opportunities are at the campus level...
Make these connections to get started
Get certified as an SB/DVBE
Register with SupplierOne
Register with CalUsource
Find Opportunities
Contact Campus Small Business Officers
Visit UC Location Procurement Websites
There are resources to help.
Familiarize yourself with University of California business policies governing the purchase of goods and services.
Check out UC's SB Vendor/Contractor Insurance option – only $750
Tap into California State resources for more opportunities
- Participate in ongoing small/diverse business events sponsored by the State of California Procurement Dept
- Reciprocity Partners listing: Cities, counties, agencies, or special districts that honor the state of California’s SB/DVBE certification as acceptance into their individual business enterprise programs.
- SB/DVBE Advocates listing: Advocates help SB/DVBEs pursue contract opportunities by working closely with buyers in their departments to include SB/DVBEs in state procurement.
Working together, we can help each other thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Small Business is an independently owned and operated concern certified, or certifiable, as a small business by the Federal Small Business Administration (SBA), by the State of California Department of General Services Office of Small Business & Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and any other recognized certifying agencies or councils.
See this short list of accepted certifying agencies for our Small Business First program.
The University does not maintain its own certification program for small or diverse businesses but there are hundreds of certification programs nationwide. Please refer to the certification resources listed in Question #1.
For starters, please visit: How to Do Business With Us.
To participate in bidding activities with UC, suppliers must register with CalUsource – our sourcing-to-contract e-procurement platform. Registering in CalUsource offers you the opportunity to participate in systemwide, multi-campus or campus-specific bidding activities.
Also, register with SupplierOne - a supplier search platform used by the University.
Please also explore UC's 'Small Business First' program for additional guidance and resources.
To view University of California bidding opportunities, visit our Public Bid Site. All UC systemwide and individual campus bid opportunities are posted here.
Please also reach out to the Supplier Diversity Coordinator or Small Business Officer (pdf) at the UC campus closest to your location.
Also, visit individual UC Campus Procurement websites for specific information about campus procurement operations.
Among the many resources available to small, local and diverse businesses are government outreach programs and coalitions of business leaders, community organizations and other advocate groups. Here are a few to get started:
- California Department of General Services Office of Small Business & Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
- Reciprocity Partners listing: Cities, counties, agencies, or special districts that honor CA state's SB/DVBE certification as acceptance into their individual business enterprise programs.
- SB/DVBE Advocates listing: Advocates help SB/DVBEs pursue contract opportunities by working closely with buyers in their department to include SB/DVBEs in CA state procurement.
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- The California Small Business Development Center
Please contact your closest Supplier Diversity Coordinator or Small Business Officer.
*Exempted purchase/contract categories:
- Purchases that are sole source, unique professional services, or emergency in nature
- Purchases through existing strategically-sourced agreements
- Federally funded purchases
- Design and construction (governed by UC Facilities Manual and associated policies)
- Interagency agreements
- Federal/local government agreements
- Research sub-awards
- Higher education institution agreements
- Concessions
- Revenue/reimbursement contracts
- Medical and patient care contracts
- Statutorily-exempt, policy-exempt, emergency, proprietary, and/or local assistance/subvention procurements