Supplier Diversity Digest: A newsletter from the Office of Supplier Diversity
October 2018
An Update from Hue Reynolds
Three years ago, I took on the audacious role of Executive Director with the Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) and was excited to take on this responsibility to help small businesses. Since that time, I have learned a great deal about supplier diversity issues and ways to engage the business community in procurement opportunities. At the Department of Management Services (DMS), I have been blessed to be supported by leadership and have been provided all the necessary tools to help reshape OSD into a valuable small business resource. DMS has been and continues to be a steadfast champion in helping small businesses make their mark in public sector contracting.

For those of you who may not know, I also have a technology background and have worked on various projects related to information technology throughout my career. Recently, I was offered an opportunity to spearhead a new role within DMS that utilizes my technical capabilities, and I have accepted. OSD will be in exceptional hands as Marketing Manager Donna Williams will now serve as the Executive Director. She and her team at OSD will continue to help bridge the gap between government and the business community. As Donna and I transition into our new respective roles, please do not hesitate to contact either of us if we can be of assistance. Congratulations to Donna Williams on this exciting journey she will embark upon!
OSD by the Numbers

Did you know that OSD new certifications have increased nearly 58 percent since Fiscal Year 2014-15! OSD invites you to celebrate this achievement and more by reading ou r OSD by the Numbers feature. Click on the image to open the full feature.
Get to Know Enterprise Florida
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), is a public-private partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI’s mission is to expand and diversify the state’s economy through job creation.

EFI provides a variety of services to small businesses that you might not know about. One service includes assistance to Florida businesses in expanding into the international marketplace. International trade is big business in the state, and Enterprise Florida knows what it takes to make it happen. Learn more here about how you can expand your business by exporting. 
Small Business Update
Provided by the Florida SBDC Network
Are you looking for opportunities to grow your business through government contracting? Save time and money by using Bid Match, a complimentary service offered by the Florida SBDC Network and the Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).

Bid Match monitors an extensive database of federal, state, local, and international contracting opportunities. Through our service offering, a procurement specialist will work with you to develop a profile of your firm’s products and services to enter into the system.

Bid Match will, in turn, send targeted leads matching your products or services and deliver them daily to you via email or on a dedicated website.
 Contact the Florida SBDC or Florida PTAC nearest you to learn more about this service .
Provided by the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development (FACSMBD)

During the Aug. 2018 meeting, FACSMBD members welcomed Tom Berger, Director of Real Estate Development and Management (REDM) at DMS. Tom provided an overview of the division’s role in providing real estate services for state government. Under DMS’ purview, REDM manages approximately 12 million square feet of office space throughout Florida. REDM contracts with vendors who build and maintain buildings/properties. The division spends approximately $13 million on maintenance contracts. REDM utilizes MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) and the Vendor Bid System (VBS) to notify vendors of opportunities to work with the state. REDM utilizes continuing contracts for construction, and vendors are prequalified for contracts less than $2 million. For anything more than $2 million, project-specific advertisements are used. More information about REDM, including a link to view design and construction opportunities can be found here .

On Aug. 23, FACSMBD Chair Jay Narang participated in a panel discussion at the Broward Supplier Diversity Day. Chair Narang shared tips and resources with the audience of small business owners.
Thanks to the Veterans Florida online learning platform, courses for active duty military and veterans who want to start their own businesses is just a click away! If you’re a veteran contemplating entrepreneurship, these online courses will teach you the basics of entrepreneurship at your own pace. Every entrepreneurial journey starts with an idea — and Veterans Florida gives you the tools you need to make your idea a reality! Learn more here .
Small Business Snippets
MyFloridaMarketPlace
Are you located in Orlando or Tampa? Join the MFMP team at the MFMP for Vendors Seminar in Orlando on Oct. 15 and in Tampa on Oct. 17. The seminar will provide MFMP vendors information regarding the tools offered through MFMP, how to register in MFMP VIP, and how to find business opportunities with the State of Florida.

Click here to register for the Orlando training.

 Click here to register for the Tampa training.
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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.