The state of California sets annual procurement goals to expand opportunities for small and veteran-owned businesses across California. This year, the Department of FISCal (FI$Cal) is pleased to announce that we have exceeded the state’s Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE) procurement goals.
The statewide goal for each department is 25 percent for SB participation and 3 percent for DVBEs. For the latest reporting period, Fiscal Year 2025/26, FI$Cal reported 51.84 percent of their contracting dollars to SBs and 4.28 percent to DVBEs.
Investing in SB and DVBEs has both an economic and human impact. The Department of General Services’ 2024 Economic Impact Study of SB/DVBEs found that investment in SB/DVBEs produced an additional $5.9 billion in economic activity for SBs and $1.2 billion for DVBEs on average each year. Additionally, these investments create local jobs and support the lives of veterans as they return to civilian life.
Procurements section chief, Rudy Jimenez, attributes the department’s procurement success to the work of FI$Cal’s SB/DVBE advocates, Ruben Arocan and David Moore, “Our department’s SB/DVBE Advocates play a key role in advancing the department’s commitment to supplier diversity and equitable contracting,” said Rudy.
The day-to-day work of SB/DVBE advocates includes guiding procurement staff; promoting SB/DVBE-focused practices throughout the department; identifying potential SB/DVBE contractors or subcontractors and potential contracting opportunities; and making information about solicitations available to, and considering offers from, certified SB and DVBE firms.
To strengthen this work, the SB/DVBE advocates prioritize SB/DVBE suppliers and work to expand the department’s supplier pool. Said Rudy, “FI$Cal’s SB/DVBE advocates work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure FI$Cal’s purchasing needs are met through state‑certified SB/DVBE suppliers.”
The department is proud to maintain a history of alignment with the statewide procurement goals. Congratulations to the procurement team!