Small Business First Program
Fast. Easy. Empowering...
About Small Business First
Small Business First is a ‘set-aside’ program that increases contracting and procurement opportunities for certified Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) by using a streamlined quotation process. The quotation-to-award process is designed to make the procurement process easier to encourage your participation.
As part of our continued commitment to increase performance opportunities in our Supply Chain-led activities, we have activated the UC-wide Small Business First program at UC San Diego.
How the Program Works
Small Business First calls for all UC contracts and procurements between $10,000 and $250,000 to be awarded to an SB or DVBE, wherever applicable. To make an award, only one quote is required for purchases below $100,000, and only two quotes are required for procurements above $100,000 up to $250,000.
Certified small businesses are welcome to participate in the program.
How to Participate
- Visit the University of California's website to learn more about the program
- Get certified as a Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) with your local certifying agency – a sample list of SB/DVBE accepted certifications is available on UC’s Small Business First webpage
- Familiarize yourself with UC's Terms & Conditions to ensure you can meet them
- Subscribe to stay up-to-date with the latest information:
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- UC Small Business First program
- UC San Diego Small Business Development
Other ways to improve your business’s visibility with UC:
- Register with CalUsource to participate in bidding opportunities across the UC system
- Register with SupplierOne to improve your visibility with UC buyers (takes under 3 minutes)
UC San Diego is committed to encouraging small, local, and disadvantaged business participation in our Supply Chain activities.
For questions or concerns, contact the UC San Diego Small Business Development Office at sbdo@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-7236.