BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes - Exceeding Expectations of Small Businesses and Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises

According to the California Department of General Services (DGS), there are approximately 19,945 certified Small Businesses and 1,913 Disabled Veteran Businesses in the state of California. But did you know, that Sac State is a leader in sponsoring these businesses?

During the 2001-2002 state legislative sessions, SB 1045 was passed and signed into law, which “requires state agencies to submit annual DVBE contract and procurement activity reports to the Governor & Legislature.” Additionally, the state established requirements that a certain percentage of all expenditures must come from SB or DVBE sources, those being 25% and 3% annually, respectively.

How does Sacramento State meet these requirements?

For one, it takes the hard work from the staff of Procurement & Contract Services to consistently find and recommend SB/DVBEs to potential Sacramento State clients. The chart below has a breakdown of the last three fiscal years:

How has Sacramento State been so successful?

In no small part to the efforts from Kimberly Holmberg and Dale Clack within Procurement & Contract Services. They are largely responsible for ensuring that Sac State meets its SB/DVBE goals. “Our continued success is largely driven by the use of qualified, responsive, and competitive SB/MB (micro-business) suppliers for this fiscal year,” said Procurement Management Specialist, Dale Clack, in a recent email. “The SB/DVBE option for public works projects and information technology assisted with meeting our goals.”

In order to keep growing, Ms. Holmberg and Mr. Clack regularly attend vendor trade shows, showcasing different small and disabled veteran businesses. “It was brand new for me when I started,” describes Procurement Specialist, Kimberly Holmberg. “I enjoy the trade shows, going out to see the vendors, etc.” Ms. Holmberg also explained the leadership role of John Guion, director of Procurement & Contract Services, “John is supportive of our efforts. He’s flexible on schedules so we can attend tradeshows together.”

What does it take to be a small business?

In part, a business qualifies if it has fewer than 100 employees and a three-year revenue total of less than $14 million. Once a SB/DVBE receives certification, they can be tapped for purchases of goods or services, and can place bids on projects. But getting noticed in a crowded market isn’t easy. “The biggest obstacle for SB/DVBE is introducing a new vendor, giving them a chance,” said Ms. Holmberg. This is why Mr. Clack stresses the importance of competency, responsiveness and competitive pricing as being some of the biggest keys to a successful SB/DVBE.

Ms. Holmberg is responsible for compiling an annual report for the California Department of General Services, which tracks the University's performance in relation to it's SB/DCBE goals. Ms. Holmberg has only been performing these duties for a few years, and her efforts seek to continue the growth of business to SB/DVBE vendors. “If our goals are not met, we have to prepare a report on how we will fix it,” said Ms. Holmberg. “I haven’t’ had to do one yet.”

According to Ms. Holmberg, there are approximately 10 new potential vendors every week that qualify as SM/DVBE. “Go with the SB/DVBE first. It helps keep the business in California,” she stressed. She also mentioned how our business helps a group of business owners who find it “difficult to get back into the workforce with the struggles they have.” If you are interested in finding a SB/DVBE vendor for your next office expense, visit the list of vendors on the Procurement & Contract Services website, or contact Kimberly Holmberg at 916-278-7403. Just a few of the available categories for SB/DVBE vendors include: appliances, awards, promotional items, furniture, and office supplies.