Bill > SB781

This bill aims to support small businesses by establishing a Small Business Utilization Program (SBUP) that local agencies can implement to increase small business participation in local procurement opportunities. The bill requires local agencies that choose to establish an SBUP to create a certification process for small businesses, set a minimum goal of 25% procurement participation for small businesses, and develop strategies to help small businesses compete for contracts. The program includes provisions like unbundling larger contracts, reducing experience requirements, streamlining bidding processes, and providing preferences and incentives for small businesses. Local agencies would be authorized to submit their small business procurement participation data to the Office of Small Business Advocate, which would be required to issue annual data calls starting in November 2027 and prepare an annual report summarizing the findings, best practices, and progress. Additionally, the bill modifies eligibility criteria for the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program grants for fiscal years 2025-26 through 2027-28, providing some flexibility for applicants who may have experienced changes in their federal funding contracts. The overall goal is to support small businesses by creating more opportunities for them to participate in local government contracts and promoting economic growth.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Education, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB781