DATE:
August 27, 2024
22
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
ENHANCING EQUITY AND COMMUNITY STRENGTH THROUGH PROCUREMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMSTitle(DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego (County) recognizes the important role that small businesses, including non-profits, play in our local economy and community fabric. However, barriers such as limited access to contracting opportunities and resources often hinder their full participation in the County's procurement process. Small businesses, particularly those from historically under resourced communities face significant challenges in navigating a somewhat complex government procurement process.
In fact, the County has seen a downward trend in the participation of local small businesses in contracting with the County, from 11.3% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 to 8.3% in FY 2022-23. The County can encourage local small businesses to participate in the County's procurement process by improving its outreach efforts, providing technical assistance, increasing bond assistance, and increasing the County's "local business preference" from 5% to 15%. Doing so could help the County achieve a goal of 25% of annual procurement spending with local small businesses. Having such a lofty goal will encourage the County to really focus on ensuring that more County contracts are accessible to the local small business community and in turn help stimulate economic growth in our region.
Expanding opportunities for local small businesses in County contracts will strengthen our local economy, enhance the inclusivity of our procurement processes, and foster a more dynamic and competitive local marketplace. Local small businesses contribute more directly to the community through job creation and spending compared to out-of-county vendors. Other counties and cities in California have successfully improved their procurement processes and boosted participation by local small businesses. The County can...
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