Statewide Advocacy Support Section
About Us
The Statewide Advocacy Support Section (SASS) helps Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Advocates work with certified businesses to find and secure contract opportunities. We provide guidance and support to Advocates so they can effectively assist certified firms and streamline the contracting process. By improving communication, providing resources and maintaining oversight, we build strong partnerships and support successful outcomes for the state of California.
ADVOCACY RESOURCES
Find resources that support state agencies in their advocacy, outreach and contract participation with certified SBs and DVBEs at Government Codes and Directives.
Broadcast Bulletins provide updates from DGS on policies, events, contracts, and FI$Cal. Visit the Broadcast Bulletins page to subscribe for email notifications or to view past bulletins.
SB/DVBE Advocate Information
SB/DVBE Advocates work to help SBs and DVBEs pursue contract opportunities with their department and work closely with the buyers in their departments. To find SB/DVBE Advocates or update advocate information, visit our SB/DVBE Advocate Directory webpage.Subscribe to the SB/DVBE Advocates List Serve Forum Join the SB/DVBE Advocates List Serve Forum.
The California SB/DVBE Atlas Mapping Tool (CalSAT) is an interactive map that shows where certified SBs and DVBEs are located and how they participate in state contracting. For more information visit the SB DVBE Atlas Tool CalSAT page or email Certification@dgs.ca.gov.
Statewide Procurement Data Dashboards (Intake and Analysis Unit Dashboards) show department spend compared to noncertified firms, highlights frequently purchased goods and services and links to certified suppliers associated with United Nations Standard Products and Services Codes (UNSPSC).
The SB/DVBE Quarterly Advocate Meetings are periodic, closed-door gatherings designed exclusively for state agency SB/DVBE Advocates and program managers to coordinate efforts and strengthen the SB and DVBE programs in California. If you have any questions regarding the agenda, please email Advocate@dgs.ca.gov or DVBE@CalVet.ca.gov.
- Next meeting - May 26, 2026 (Q4)
- To request a copy of the previous Quarterly Advocate meeting minutes, email advocate@dgs.ca.gov.
- Fiscal Year 2026-27 Quarterly Advocate Meeting
- Quarter 1 - Aug 27
- Quarter 2 - Nov 19
- Quarter 3 - Feb 25
- Quarter 4 - May 27
The Quarterly Advocate Meetings are planned and facilitated by the SB/DVBE Advocate Steering Council. Join the Steering Council by submitting the Steering Council Application.
The OSDS Reporting team prepares the following reports for DGS.
- Consolidated Annual Report (CAR) – Consolidates state departments’ award statistics each year regarding the SB and DVBE participation goals. For more information, visit the Consolidated Annual Report for State Contracting webpage.
- DVBE Subcontracting (DGS PD 810D) – Consolidates data regarding all payments received by DVBE subcontractors from prime contractors on contracts completed during the fiscal year. For more information, visit the File DVBE Subcontracting Report webpage.
- Late Payment Penalty Paid Report (LPPPR) – Consolidates data regarding all paid late payment penalties under the California Prompt Payment Act by state departments. For departments looking for assistance filing the required, visit the File Penalty Paid Report for Late Payments to Businesses webpage.
- Biennial Escalation Analysis - Evaluates whether gross annual receipt (GAR) levels should be adjusted for SB certifications based on the California Consumer Price Index, as required by Government Code Section 14837 (d)(3).
For more information, email us at OSDSReports@dgs.ca.gov.
The SB/DVBE Advocate Bulletin is a publication from SASS is designed to keep state department SB/DVBE Advocates informed with program updates, resources, and success stories. Each issue is crafted to support and empower advocates in their work connecting small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises to state contracting opportunities.
OSDS hosts and participates in events throughout the state of California to support SBs and DVBEs in state contracting. The Business Outreach team partners with state agencies and other organizations to reach business communities throughout the state. At events, they participate in exhibiting, business matchmaking, workshops, panel presentations and speaking engagements.
The Outreach team is committed to expanding statewide outreach efforts for the SB and DVBE community. For networking and contracting opportunities with California state government, please visit the OSDS Business Outreach webpage, or email BusinessOutreach@dgs.ca.gov.
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) assists DVBEs with participating in state agency contracting and procurement activities through targeted outreach efforts. These efforts seek out and encourage DVBEs to offer their services as either prime or subcontractors on state procurements. CalVet also provides other methods to ensure DVBEs are aware of opportunities provided by awarding departments. Visit the CalVet Veteran Services Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program to reach the DVBE State Advocate for DVBE participation support or send an email to DVBE@calvet.ca.gov.
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) supports SB Liaisons by providing information, resources and opportunities for California's small businesses, startups and nonprofits. Visit the CalOSBA website for more information, Doing Business with the State | CalOSBA.
The State Agency Recognition Awards (SARA) celebrates state departments and SB and DVBE Advocates for outstanding achievements in SB/DVBE advocacy and contracting. Visit our SARA webpage, State Agency Recognition Awards.
If you would like more information about SARA, please email us at DGSSARA@dgs.ca.gov.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Training Webinar on Consolidated Annual Report For Fi$Cal Reporting Departments
May 7, 2026
Review the Broadcast Bulletin - BB. No. E-01-26.
Contact
Procurement Division
707 Third Street, Second Floor
West Sacramento , CA 95605
Email: Advocate@dgs.ca.gov
Schedule a Virtual Consultation
Advocacy Helpful Contacts
OSDSReports@dgs.ca.gov
Certification - Administers and oversees SB,SB-PW, and DVBE certifications and Nonprofit Recognition.
Certification@dgs.ca.gov
SB/DVBE Compliance - Program abuse, DVBE Substitution Requests, Commercially UsefulFunction (CUF) related services
SB.DVBECompliance@dgs.ca.gov
California Veteran Affairs - Provides DVBE participation support
DVBE@calvet.ca.gov
California Office of the Small Business Advocate - Provides SB liaison participation support
CalOSBA.ca.gov