Small Business Development Program

In December 2014, to maximize the economic vitality and robustness of the College’s service area, the Board of Trustees amended ACC Board Policy CF (Local) to establish the Small Business Development Program (SBDP). The SBDP seeks to achieve this objective by encouraging small, local and emerging businesses to participate in all purchasing and contracting opportunities through race– and gender– neutral means.

Register as a Supplier

The following information is intended to help suppliers understand requirements, qualifications, and the application process for SBDP participation.

ACC has developed an online supplier registration for all businesses that are interested in providing goods and services; this list includes certified Small and Local Business Enterprises (SLBE). Visit the Supplier Registration page for instructions.  

Solicitation Goals

At this time, ACC has not associated any specific SLBE participation goals in current projects or contract awards. However, ACC will implement additional measures to achieve the objectives of the SBDP in the future.

Solicitation Scoring

Criteria used to evaluate solicitation responses are outlined in the advertised solicitation. All SBDP requirements associated with a solicitation, including submission of the completed forms, are considered deliverables and failure to submit them by the deadline or to knowingly misrepresent facts could be deemed non-responsive or non-compliant. Any firm found to knowingly misrepresent facts or be non-compliant will be disqualified from consideration.

SLBE Certification Eligibility

A Small and Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) must:

  1. Be an independently owned and controlled for-profit business.
  2. Meet the industry-based size standards* established by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 13 CFR 121.201.
  3. Be headquartered or otherwise located at a fixed, established commercial address located within the ACC taxing district.

*The applicable small business size standards are tied to the industry-based size standards established by the SBA in 13 CFR 121.201, but may be periodically evaluated and adjusted by the college’s administration based upon local market data collected pursuant to the SBDP to better serve the intent and objectives of this policy; (If a business has not existed for 3 years, the gross sales limits described above shall be applied based upon the annual averages over the existence of the business).

Upcoming Events

TBD

Questions and Answers

If you need information to respond to an advertised solicitation, direct your questions to the designated buyer associated with the solicitation.

How do I register as a supplier?

ACC has developed an online supplier registration for all businesses that are interested in providing goods and services, professional services, non-professional services and construction services to the District. This list will also include certified Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) suppliers. Register as a supplier

Supplier registration is a two-step process:

  • Ensure you have a profile in the management system.
  • Complete the ACC-specific supplier registration. ACC encourages all Small Businesses to certify as an SLBE if they meet the guidelines.

How do I choose a commodity code for my online supplier profile?

Start with the tables published by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) or National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) that list all the codes by category or categories that describe what you sell then select the code(s) that best describe the goods and services you provide.

How do I register for the SLBE certification?

Small and Local Businesses Enterprises can start their registration by submitting a completed SLBE Self Certification through the B2G database.

Do state-certified HUBs or small businesses qualify for the SLBE program ?

A state-certified small business may qualify for SLBE certification. All businesses are encouraged to submit the required paperwork for SLBE Certification regardless of previous certifications. Your business does not have to be state-certified to participate in this program.

Is ethnicity or gender verification required for Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE)?

No. However, we are asking firms to identify all contractors and subcontractors working on the project regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.

How long is the SLBE certification valid?

SLBE certification is valid for two years and can be renewed.

How do I find out about bidding opportunities?

All formal bidding opportunities are advertised in local papers and posted on ACC’s website under Advertised Solicitations. Notices regarding construction-related solicitations are also made available to local area Chambers of Commerce.

How can SLBEs be proactive in seeking business opportunities with ACC?

It is important to attend pre-bid meetings, network and market your company to prime contractors, respond to prime contractors’ outreach efforts, check ACC’s website for upcoming bid opportunities, and use services offered by the SBDP and the buyers.

Do I have to be a registered supplier before I can submit a bid?

No. However, you must be a registered supplier with ACC to be awarded any business by ACC.

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