In a typical year, the State of California spends billions of dollars each year on contracts with California businesses, small and large. Although the State faces fiscal challenges, your firm can still be a part of this dynamic marketplace by doing business with state government.

Governor's Executive Order S-02-06 directs that all California state departments meet or exceed established goals that at least 25% of state contracting be awarded to certified Small Businesses (SBs). Additionally, state law mandates that at least 3% of business be directed to certified Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms.

This Executive Order also authorizes the Governor's SB Advocate to coordinate with Department of General Services (DGS) to conduct at least five regional collaboration conferences each year. These conferences focus on both the establishment and growth of SBs and DVBEs and the increased contracting opportunities with state government. The 2010 CALCON Expo is this year's first regional collaboration conference.

DGS Overview

DGS serves as the business manager for California. DGS provides a variety of services to state agencies through innovative procurement and acquisition solutions, creative real estate management and design, state-of-the-art telecommunications, environmentally friendly transportation, and funding for the construction of safe schools. For more information: www.dgs.ca.gov

DGS/Procurement Division

DGS/Procurement Division sets state procurement policies and provides purchasing services to help state departments achieve their missions. It delegates purchasing authority, certifies small/disabled veteran businesses to conduct business with California, sponsors the SB Council, participates in the DVBE Council, and provides innovative purchasing methods that save taxpayer dollars, integrating quality solutions to meet customers' needs. For more information: www.pd.dgs.ca.gov

Selling to the State

For businesses that want to sell products or services to state government
California's SBs and DVBEs represent more than 98% of all California firms which employ over 50% of the workforce. California state agencies purchased over $8 billion worth of goods from SBs and DVBEs in 2008-09.

Learn how California buys products and services as well as how your business can become a supplier to the State of California by going to: www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/sell2state/default.htm

Buying through State Contracts

For state and local agencies looking to purchase products and services
DGS serves as the business agent for California by providing help to state and local agencies to purchase goods, services, and information technology. For more information: www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/Buy/default.htm