Supplier Diversity Digest: A newsletter from the Office of Supplier Diversity
August 2019
Here Comes The Sun!
You may have noticed the Office of Supplier Diversity’s (OSD) logo, Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) certificate design, and brand materials have a new look. OSD is a part of the Department of Management Services (DMS), and as of July 1, the agency’s brand has been refreshed. Through the new design and colors, the brand is now more visible, streamlined, and modern, with a focus on customer service.

The sun symbolizes many things: Florida’s nickname is the sunshine state; it conveys warmth and energy and it symbolizes a new day of progress and innovation. The eight rays on the sun represent the eight divisions of DMS, and OSD is part of the Division of State Purchasing. The rays are all pointing outward to demonstrate optimism and progress.

The colors found in the logo are yellow and blue. Yellow is associated with energy, happiness and warmth, while blue evokes feelings of stability, wisdom and trust. The yellow selected is a gold hue, which represents high quality and excellence - values that are exhibited in OSD’s efforts to assist vendors with CBE certifications and navigation through government procurement.

We hope you enjoy our new look and continued dedication to assisting small businesses! Here is a sample the new certificate for businesses certified and recertified by OSD as of July 1, 2019.
Small Business Update
Provided by the Florida SBDC Network

Did you know that the federal government has goals for awarding contracts to certain types of businesses each year? This is a big advantage for Florida-based small businesses because the majority of businesses in the state qualify as being small businesses, as well as other groups that receive preference for certain types of contracts.

These contracts are referred to as “set asides,” of which there are five types: Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, and HUBZone.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that the federal government earned an “A” on the year’s government-wide scorecard, exceeding its federal contracting goal by awarding 25.05 percent of contracts to small businesses for a total of $120.8 billion.

The Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) can assist your business in understanding the certification process to qualify, as well in best positioning your company as a successful government contractor.

For more information, please visit www.fptac.org .
Provided by the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development (FACSMBD)

During the June meeting, the Council had the pleasuring of hearing from Cliff Nilson, Deputy Director, State Purchasing, Department of Management Services. Mr. Nilson informed the Council on how the State of Florida purchases during emergencies, and what businesses can do before an emergency occurs.

Small businesses: make sure you register for the Emergency Supplier Network , market your services, and build relations with agencies that purchase the good and/or services that you have to offer.

Attending OSD’s Supplier Diversity Exchanges are a great opportunity for small businesses to meet directly with representatives from state agencies. These are regional events held annually by OSD to give vendors the opportunity to initiate and build working relations with procurement officers. The next Exchange is the Broward Supplier Diversity Day, August 22, 2019. Visit the OSD Events webpage for more information and to find out about upcoming events.
Provided by Veterans Florida
 
The Veterans Florida Entrepreneurship Program provides resources and mentorship to veterans interested in starting and owning their own business. Workshops, networking events, and facilitated group-based training are available all year and across Florida.
 
Each year participants use their training to compete for funding in a Shark Tank-style Battle of the Pitches. Veterans Florida entrepreneurs have received national attention for their achievements, opened 121 businesses, and generated over $22 Million in revenue.
 
Small Business Snippets
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The content of this newsletter is intended to serve as informational only. It should not be construed as business advice or an endorsement of any particular organization by the Office of Supplier Diversity or the Florida Department of Management Services.