Mission Statement:
It is the intent of Alameda County to develop and promote economic growth for the community in which it serves. The County desires to foster the growth of small, local and emerging businesses. The County will provide the community information about its procurement and contracting process. Additionally, the County will provide accurate and accessible information on available vendor/contract opportunities. The County will ensure that the process is inclusive for all residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability or any other factor that is prohibited when making business decisions.Intent:
The Small local and Emerging Business (SLEB) program is a race and gender neutral program designed to assure that all local businesses are given an opportunity to contract with the County and will promote the economic growth of the community. This program is a comprehensive countywide process that will be applied to the procurement of County goods and services. There are eight components to the SLEB program which are outlined below.The County’s current construction program, authorized by public contracting code 2000, will remain intact. The County will measure the success of the SLEB program as it pertains to goods and services then examine how it can apply this program or components of this program to construction contracts.
Program Components:
- Small and Emerging Bid Preferences
- Local Bid Preference (already in existence)
- Certification Process
- Departmental/Agency Goals for Contracts under $25,000
- Subcontracting/ Joint Venture Program
- Outreach and Training
- Surety Bond and Insurance Program
- First Source Work Agreement
The components listed above are specifically detailed in the remainder of this document. SLEB was developed within the parameters of all applicable local and state laws including Proposition 209.
Administration of Program:
The SLEB program is centralized within the General Services Agency (GSA) as the Office for Small Local and Emerging Business (OSLEB). You can find additional information on GSA by visiting its web-site at http://www.co.alameda.ca.us/gsa/.
An annual report will be prepared which shall include: 1) a statistical report on participation by Small, Local and Emerging businesses for each agency and department; 2) a listing of any obstacles encountered in administering the program during the prior fiscal year; and 3) recommended solutions to remedy any obstacles or impediments found during the fiscal year.
The SLEB program requires monitoring, contract compliance, data base maintenance, outreach, information and training, technical assistance and certification of businesses. Successful development and operation of the program will require coordinated monitoring in the procurement of supply and service contracts. In addition, activities and goals will also be monitored. This program will require complete automation of contracts, available vendors, and opportunities. The County contracts out over one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in services and commodities in a fiscal year.
