Don’t know where to begin with bidding on Los Angeles government contracts? This article will help navigate you through your contracting process through the LABAVN. Specifically, if you are a small or diverse business, you are eligible for LA’s BIP Outreach.
Please visit the GovShop Small Business Resource Center to find more information regarding how to find opportunities and become eligible with the State of California.
Being able to navigate the city’s procurement website is important when doing business with Los Angeles. This blog will discuss how to win LA contracts, with emphasis on:
- LA’s BAVN procurement system advantages
- The LABAVN registration process
- The BIP Outreach
- GovShop LA bid opportunities
Advantages of Registering With the Los Angeles Procurement Website
LA’s BAVN procurement system is a free service provided by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the City of LA. The city uses a Business Assistance Virtual Network (BAVN) to work with them and display procurement opportunities. The advantage to registering for LABAVN is access to bidding and business opportunities with the city of Los Angeles. Also, you will be able to:
- Download and view information regarding contractual opportunities in one location
- Have access to and find updated certified subcontractors that complement your bid and help you
- Be notified of posted opportunities
- Perform the online Business Inclusion Program (BIP)
Procurement Registration Process Through BAVN
To register with the Los Angeles BAVN, click here and then hit the “Register” tab at the top of the screen. Next, you will have to verify that your company is not already registered or exists on BAVN. To do so, you must have the following information before clicking “Check”:
- Company name
- Sole proprietor (Yes/No)
- Email address
- Company location
- Company tax ID
If you are not already registered, it will prompt you to a screen where you can click “Register A New Company Account”. Here you will enter your company information including the company address, city, state, zip code, country, phone number, description (optional), registration type (Prime, Prime-Sub or Subcontractor), and BTRC number (if appropriate).
Next you will be prompted to select the NAICS code that best matches your Company’s activities. Click the link here to confirm which is the best fit for your business. This code will keep expanding until it reaches 5 or 6 digits and then you simply click the listed activities that best match your company’s. Lastly, you will be asked for your Company Licenses and Certifications, to set up your personal user information, and verify. Then, your registration is complete and you can now bid on Los Angeles contracts!
However, if you are not interested in registering quite yet, you are still able to glance at the contract opportunities from LA. Also, for more information on how to submit bids electronically, visit the Public Spend Forum website.
Small and Diverse Business Opportunities
Los Angeles has a city policy to provide equal opportunities for participation in city contracts for:
- Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs)
- Woman-owned Business Enterprises (WBEs)
- Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)
- Emerging Business Enterprises (EBEs)
- Disabled Veteran-Business Enterprises (DVBEs)
- Other Business Enterprises (OBEs)
If your business falls under one of those categories, you should complete the Business Outreach Inclusion Program (BIP) requirement online. This can be done after registering for LABAVN and is evaluated with a pass/fail score. To complete the BIP Outreach requirement, here are some suggestions from the Los Angeles procurement website:
- Learn about the RFB/RFP/RFQ
- Identify potential subcontractors and subcontracting opportunities
- Conduct Outreach or Written Notices to Subcontractors
- Negotiate with Good Faith
For more information on this, look at the LABAVN’s BIP Outreach PDF.
GovShop LA Bid Opportunities
GovShop’s matching tools can also help connect you with government contracting opportunities and government buyers right in your inbox! They track government opportunities based on your commodity codes and offer deep market insights to accelerate your digital capability growth. By creating a free account on GovShop, suppliers can apply to Los Angeles procurement opportunities and many others. What are you waiting for? Create your free account and search opportunities today!
To find out more about becoming eligible for government contracts in the city of Los Angeles, as well as how to find opportunities, visit the GovShop Small Business Resource Center.
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