January 2025 Newsletter: Providing Excellence in the New Year!

Our Mission:

It is the policy of The Office of Diversity in Business Practices (ODPB) to provide all persons an equal and fair opportunity to participate in procurement and contracting opportunities sponsored by the District.

Our ultimate goal is to support sustainable growth and economic opportunities for small, women-owned, and minority businesses. School Board Policy 6.143

New Horizons: Small Business Opportunities from the

½ Cent Sales Surtax Referendum

As we welcome 2025, the School District of Palm Beach County is preparing for an exciting new chapter following the passage of our ½ Cent Sales Surtax Referendum. Beginning in 2026, this initiative will generate approximately $2 billion for critical improvements to our facilities, technology, school buses, and more. These funds, restricted to capital expenses—defined as items lasting five years or more—will create significant opportunities for local small businesses.

Certified small businesses will find direct and subcontracting opportunities in areas such as painting, fencing, signage, furniture, and beyond. We strongly encourage vendors to get certified with the school district and, if appropriate, prequalified with prime contractors. Additionally, understanding the trades that currently lack adequate bid coverage on construction projects will be key to positioning your business for success.

New! The School District of Palm Beach County's Online Bidding Platform for 2025

We, along with the Purchasing Department of the School District of Palm Beach County, are excited to announce our brand-new bidding platform active on January 1, 2025. For more information, see the full flyer here.

Click on the video to learn how to register for your free Bidnet Direct account and then click the link below to complete registration.

Your All-in-One Guide for Growing Your Business with the SDPBC

Unlock opportunities for your business by understanding the unique processes involved in partnering with the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC). The Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Guide provides step-by-step certification guidance, highlights commonly procured goods and services, and connects you with essential resources in our Office of Diversity in Business Practices, Purchasing, and Facilities teams. Learn how to navigate district-specific procedures and position your business for success. Your journey to growth and collaboration with SDPBC starts here—don’t miss out!

View the SBE Guide

Since last reporting, the total value of contracts awarded increased by $15,127,496, reaching $1,225,409,680. During the same period, SBE Prime Contracts awarded rose by $785,000, totaling $449,634,496, reflecting continued growth in opportunities for small business enterprises.

Exciting progress: The number of SBE prime contract winners and SBE subcontractors securing work with the District has steadily increased in dollar amount, reflecting our commitment to fostering opportunities for diverse businesses. With numerous projects slated for 2025, we anticipate even greater growth and success for our SBE community in the year ahead!

View the Complete Data

Construction Update

There are currently 56 ongoing facility renewal projects (Design & Construction), 88 substantially completed projects, and 5 new Facilities Renewal projects recently started.

In the coming 6 months, 50 new projects will be awarded for Architecture and 26 new projects will be awarded for Construction Management. These 76 projects range from an average of more than $2.5 million with an estimated total of $192 million.

All of these projects will have SBE participation requirements, providing millions of dollars of opportunities to certified small businesses.

The first step to taking part in these projects as a SBE and to be counted in the required quote, you must be certified with our office. To gain this important certification, please click the button following this article to learn how to certify your business with us.

Many trades are needed for these projects, including:

Communications
Conveying Equipment
Doors, windows, Wall and Ceiling
Earth Work
Electrical
Electronic Safety & Security
Equipment
Exterior Improvements
Finishes & Painting
Fire Suppression
Flooring
Furnishings
HVAC
Integrated Automation

Masonry & Concrete
Mechanical
Metals
Openings
Plumbing
Roofing
Site Cleaning
Site Work & Demolition
Specialties
Special Construction
Stucco
Thermal and Moisture Protection
Toilet Accessories
Utilities
Woods, Plastics & Composites

Learn How to Get Certified

View Current and Upcoming Construction Opportunities

Purchasing Director, Darci Garbacz and manager, Genell McMann discuss upcoming solicitations with vendors.

Office of Diversity in Business Practices Celebrates the Success of the Goods and Services Summit 2024

The 2024 Goods and Services Summit was a resounding success, with 175 attendees—up from 150 in 2023—gathering to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation. Read more about this incredible event

New Goods and Services Solicitations

SDPBC Commonly Procured Commodities

Expanding Opportunities for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses:

Reflecting on a Successful Year

As 2024 draws to a close and we begin the new year, the Office of Diversity in Business Practices is proud to highlight the progress we've made in increasing opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Our mid-year data shows we are on track to surpass the number of Primes offering subcontractors bid access to SDPBC projects. We’re also seeing more small business owners engaging with our certification process, taking full advantage of the benefits available to them.

When looking at our large event data, we’re excited to report a 17% increase in attendance for our Goods & Services Summit and a remarkable 50% increase for our Architects & Engineers Summit. These gains reflect our ongoing commitment to helping small business owners connect with those who need their products and services, creating more opportunities for them to secure work.

Meet the Primes Construction Outreach

We know your time is valuable, so we’re delivering three opportunities in one! Discover SDPBC Projects with LEGO Construction Co, Verdex Construction, and Wharton-Smith, Inc .

Join us on

Tuesday, January 21, 2025
10:00-11:30AM
via ZOOM

Don’t miss this chance to expand your network, gain insights into upcoming opportunities, and position your business for success in the new year!

Click the flyer to view the list of trades needed

SDPBC Construction Summit: Save the Date

The SDPBC Construction Summit is coming in April! Mark April 9, 2025 on your calendar and stay tuned for more information. Get ready to build strong connections and unlock new opportunities.

If you are Interested in sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to ODBP Manager for training, events, and outreach, Maricel De Leon, for more information: maricel.deleon@palmbeachschools.org

Click the flyer to view more information

Ready to Grow Your Business in 2025?

Attention General Contractors, Subcontractors and Goods & Services Vendors! The School District of Palm Beach County is here to help you thrive. Gain your SBE certification and unlock benefits designed to help you secure contracts with prime contractors or directly with SDPBC.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how certification can pave the way for business growth in 2025. Let’s make this your breakthrough year! Register today.

SCORE mentors share insights on the free SCORE mentorship program, financial management, marketing and customer acquisition, optimizing business processes, human capital management, and innovation and change.

SDPBC Goods & Services Summit: Fostering Mentorship, Building Connections, and Driving Growth

On November 13, 2024, the School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC) held its Goods & Services Summit, bringing together small business owners, SDPBC Purchasing representatives, and SCORE mentors to explore business growth strategies and networking opportunities.

Future Entrepreneurs Gain Real-World Insights at the SDPBC Goods & Services Summit

Students from the Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and International Business academies at Park Vista, Royal Palm, Palm Beach Gardens, and Spanish River High Schools recently experienced an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world business dynamics at the SDPBC Goods & Services Summit. This event offered a unique platform to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application in the world of business.