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Get Ready for the 20th Annual Procurement and Resource Fair

UC San Diego will participate in the 20th Annual Procurement and Resource Fair, hosted by Caltrans District 11, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event offers small businesses an excellent opportunity to connect with over 70 public agencies and organizations, including UC San Diego.

The fair will occur at the District 11 Courtyard, 4050 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110. Attendees will also have the chance to network with Caltrans purchasers, construction primes, and architectural and engineering firms! 

Register for the Procurement and Resource Fair.

Take advantage of this opportunity to connect and explore potential small and diverse business opportunities!

Prepare for the Fair Webinar

To help you prepare, a virtual "Prepare for the Fair" Webinar will be held on July 30, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Panelists from various organizations will provide guidance on government contracting. We encourage all interested suppliers to register for this valuable networking event.


SBDC team photo

San Diego Small Business Administration Award

Empowering Excellence

BKM OfficeWorks has been honored with the prestigious Jill Andrews Award for "Staying Power," recognizing businesses that demonstrate remarkable resilience and dedication. Nominated by the UC San Diego Small Business Development Office, BKM OfficeWorks was celebrated for its exceptional ability to navigate challenges and maintain superior customer service. Despite the pandemic's unprecedented challenges, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, BKM OfficeWorks remained steadfast, implementing innovative strategies to ensure timely project installations and deliveries. Their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and adaptability shone through, exceeding client expectations. "We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with BKM OfficeWorks," said Anthony Singleton, Chief Small Business Officer of UC San Diego.


UC San Diego Procurement Spotlight

Small Business Success Stories

The Strategic Procurement and Small Business Development Teams are committed to supporting the UC-wide Small Business First Program by showcasing sixteen UC San Diego small business partners and their stories, across four presentation sessions.  

These Small Business Success Stories will cover a diverse range of industries, including coffee carts, life sciences, IT solutions, and even plumbing. During these sessions, we will delve into the backgrounds of our supplier partners, their history with UC San Diego, growth opportunities, and valuable lessons learned - essential for sustaining success with small businesses. 

Expect to read more about these businesses in future IPPS Quarterly newsletters and Blink. By utilizing these sources, you too can help us leverage our purchasing power to achieve 25% Economically and Socially Responsible (EaSR) spending on small and diverse-owned businesses. 


Local Gems: Pacific Plumbing Specialties 

Supporting Sustainability and Community in San Diego

The UC San Diego community thrives thanks to the diverse tapestry of businesses woven into the fabric of our surrounding neighborhood. Today, we celebrate Pacific Plumbing Specialties, a local gem that has been proudly serving San Diego since 1987. 

Pacific Plumbing Specialties started as a humble operation, specializing in hard-to-find plumbing parts from a simple garage. Over the years, they've blossomed into a nationally recognized supplier, catering to the commercial and institutional markets. 

But what truly sets them apart? They prioritize personalized service, building strong relationships, and tailoring their offerings to each client's unique needs. Their long-standing partnerships with manufacturers and expertise in supply chain management guarantee quick and reliable delivery. As leaders in the water industry, they champion sustainability, providing a comprehensive range of water-saving solutions, from low-flow fixtures to sensor-activated technologies. 

Choosing Pacific Plumbing Specialties isn't just about top-quality products and exceptional service; it's about supporting the lifeblood of our community. They create jobs, foster a sense of belonging, and contribute to the vibrant spirit of San Diego.

Find Pacific Plumbing Specialties on the Advanced Search platform as a hosted catalog supplier in Oracle Procurement.


Triton Statue in front of Price Center at UC San Diego

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