Supplier Diversity

Make these connections to get started

Supplier Resources

Get certified as an SB/DVBE

by the State of California – it's easy and free, and offers multiple benefits!
SupplierOne platform will identify small/DVBE/diverse business to UC buyers

Register with SupplierOne

Supplier search platform that will identify you as a small/DVBE/diverse business to UC buyers
Register to be a Supplier

Register with CalUsource

UC's eSourcing and public bid site allows you to participate in bid events across the UC system
Search for Business Opportunities

Find Opportunities

After registering, search for sourcing events and bidding opportunities

There are resources to help.

Refer to the Small Business First (SB1st) Program webpage for more detailed advice and resources.

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

UC Small Business Utilization Report

Review UC’s annual reporting on Small Business Utilization. Under Legislative Reports, select the year in which you are interested and view the Small Business Utilization report posted for that year.

Most opportunities are at the campus level:

Build relationships with UC Campus Small Business Officers/Supplier Diversity Coordinators

Visit local UC campus procurement websites and build relationships with UC campus procurement teams and university department buyers

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:

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