State Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Contracting and Procurement Training

Class Full Description: 
Gain greater insight into the basic workings of the state procurement system, along with tactics to build better relationships with buyers.  This session will present a rounded approach to marketing your business to California state departments by understanding Why, What and Where to Market.  

Pre-requisites: 
Register your business on Cal eProcure

• Go to www.caleprocure.ca.gov and register your business.
• Watch these video instructions or read this step-by-step guide.
• Make sure you are setup to receive notifications for bid solicitations and add the right codes to your profile with the UNSPSC video and guide. 
  
  

Apply for certification

• Go to www.caleprocure.ca.gov and log in to your account.
• Read the eligibility requirements for the Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certifications.
• Review the SB and DVBE required documents.
• Be prepared to add Keywords and UNSPSCs in the application with this video and guide (Guía en español).
• For application instructions, watch these video instructions or read this guide.
  
  

Date/Time

November 6, 2025  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Register to Attend

Class Full Description: 
Gain greater insight into the basic workings of the state procurement system, along with tactics to build better relationships with buyers. This session will emphasize marketing strategies proven successful with state agency buyers including tools created by DGS to make marketing research effective for the small business owner. 

Pre-requisite:
Solving the Marketing Mystery: The Procurement Journey Session 1

Date/Time                 

Class Full Description:
This session provides an introduction to Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) in the context of California state procurements, specifically from the perspective of small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises. The primary learning objectives are:

1. To gain an overview of EPP

2. To understand the criteria that define environmentally preferable purchases

3. To recognize the importance of documenting and verifying EPP claims

Pre-requisite:

Please review the 4 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) videos
 Video 1: https://youtu.be/yNlZ1l2Fy2Q 
 Video 2: https://youtu.be/snunECJfGLg 
 Video 3: https://youtu.be/VzORmyvJexE 
 Video 4: https://youtu.be/ICVUXzOOtq4 

Date/Time                

November 20, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Class Full Description: 

Compliance with Commercially Useful Function (CUF) requirements is essential and assures that DGS Small Business preferences and DVBE incentives are awarded to appropriate businesses. Understanding CUF requires understanding the California Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program. Future contracting success will depend greatly on your ability to comprehend this program and how it benefits the small company sector. SBs and DVBEs will understand what counts as legitimate participation versus being a "pass-through" entity, which is prohibited. 

Pre-requisite:
Please review the 4-minute CUF video on YouTube

Date/Time

December 11, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Resource email and website
Email: sb.dvbecompliance@dgs.ca.gov
Website: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD-CUF

Class Full Description:
Understanding common acquisition methods is essential when contracting with the State of California. Small Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises seeking contract opportunities will receive guidance and strategies for success in the state's competitive bid process. This session will provide an overview of Leveraged Procurement Agreements (LPAs), their purpose, and how they are utilized. Additionally, we will explore the key differences between LPAs and departmental acquisitions.

 
Date/Time

January 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Class Full Description:
Learn how Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) can get on a Department of General Services (DGS) Leveraged Procurement Agreement (LPA) by showcasing their capabilities and understanding their obligations. This session will provide an in-depth look at the various types of state LPAs and guide you through the process of getting started on the path of an LPA. 

Date/Time

January 22, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Class Full Description:
This training delves into state agency procurement, specifically focusing on two streamlined options for smaller businesses: the SB/DVBE Option and the Fair & Reasonable Option. We'll explore their similarities and differences, from value ranges and requirements to evaluation criteria. Whether you're a certified Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), this training equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the SB/DVBE Option solicitation process. Learn how to prepare for quick turnarounds, effectively receive and reviewing a solicitation, and confidently respond to solicitations. We'll even guide you through the final steps of invoicing and getting paid.

Date/Time

February 5, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Here's what you'll gain:

A smoother and faster application process

Get step-by-step guidance on the CMAS application process

The confidence to compete effectively in the state of California’s market

Our CMAS training is perfect for:

Businesses interested in selling to the government without a bidding process as the pricing is already established

Government contractors seeking to expand their offerings

The California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) unit issues CMAS agreements that are a type of leveraged procurement agreement. These agreements are available to state agencies and local governments to procure various goods and services. This does not involve competitive bidding or negotiation. Instead, it requires a business to apply for a CMAS agreement using a Federal GSA schedule created and maintained by the federal government.

The GSA schedule allows multiple vendors to compete under a single contract, creating a pool of suppliers for state solicitations. The GSA schedule sets the maximum pricing, but if businesses can offer lower rates, this competitive pricing may be advantageous for the business. 

Active CMAS agreements are listed on the CMAS portal, and a copy of the agreement can be found on the Cal eProcure website. The use of CMAS is optional and is available to state and local government agencies. 

Date/Time

February 19, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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Class Full Description:
This class covers Departmental Contracting and was created to help California Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) navigate the process of securing departmental contracts. During this training, you'll gain a clearer understanding of acquisition planning, master various procurement methods, and learn to navigate the solicitation process.

Date/Time

March 5, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Register to Attend

Class Full Description:
This class covers Departmental Contracting, and was created to help California Small Businesses (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) navigate the process of securing departmental contracts. During this training, you'll gain a clearer understanding of acquisition planning, master various procurement methods, and learn to navigate the solicitation process.

Date/Time

March 12, 2026  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Register to Attend