Small Business First Program

The Small Business First Program directs $10,000 - $250,000 contracts and procurements that cannot be procured via an existing strategically-source agreement.

Through the Small Business First program, the University of California is committed to creating contracting and procurement opportunities for certified Small Businesses (SBs), Microbusinesses (MBs), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs). This initiative reflects the University's commitment to supporting small and diverse businesses while advancing its sustainability goals and mission. Our goal is to award 25% of our total spending to small, diverse, and local businesses.

How it Works

All non-construction UC contracts and procurements between $10,000 and $250,000, which cannot be fulfilled via existing strategically sourced agreements, should be awarded to SBs or DVBEs whenever practicable. 

We encourage informal quotes from an SB/MB or DVBE—one for purchases up to $99,999 and two for those between $100,000 and $250,000. 

Visit the UC Office of the President's Small First site to learn more about the program, access FAQs, and stay updated.

How Can You Make an Impact?

UC San Diego’s collective commitment through the launch of this program is intended to leverage our purchasing power by creating more performance opportunities keeping small businesses open, where they can operate, and thrive.  You have the power to create jobs, change lives, and bring hope when considering sourcing locally from certified businesses.

SB1 Staff Resources

• Use the State of California CaleProcure Lookup
  • The State of California Cal eProcure Lookup can be used to search for certified California small and veteran businesses.
    
    
• Use Explorer Professional (supplier.io) to search for small business suppliers
  • Use SSO, see UCOP website to learn more on searching for suppliers
  • After identifying and selecting the UC San Diego campus from the drop-down menu, search by criteria of choice.
    
    
• Encourage small businesses to get certified and register
  • Participation in the SB1st program requires expanding awareness of the program and getting potentially eligible businesses to certify.
    
    
• How-to-Search Video Series and trainings
  • Supplier.io How-to-Search Video
  • CaleProcure How-to-Search Video
  • CalUsource How-to-Search Training

What if I can’t find a Small Business or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise?

If you're still unable to identify qualified Small Businesses (SBs) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs) to meet your needs, you’ll need to submit a Waiver through the Small Business First (SB1st) program.

• Submit a SB1st Waiver Request

Need Assistance?

1. Learn about the Small Business First program.
2. Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s).
3. Study the Small Business First Resources.

All Small Busines First services are provided through Services and Support. Select Budget & Finance, Get Help, and Submit a Ticket.

Under *More Specifically… type keyword “Small” for Small Business First, and make one of the following selections:

• Sourcing Assistance
• Waiver Review & Approval
• General Support