LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this week increased the county's bid preference from 5 percent to 8 percent for certified, local small businesses which bid on county contracts.The change goes into effect Nov. 1. Local small businesses are currently eligible for a bid price reduction or 'preference' on the cost component of their submission. The county is required to select the lowest responsible and responsive bid for projects and services. The board's action this week lowers the bid of a small business by 8 percent. This preference is used only to determine the lowest bid during evaluation and does not change the amount of the contract award. "During these challenging times, when jobs are absolutely critical, we know that two out of three jobs in this county are created by small businesses," said Supervisor Don Knabe. "Our action...will help small vendors who want to do business with the county and we're going to see them get more contracts." Other county incentives for small businesses include a 15-day prompt pay turnaround on invoices for certified vendors. Also, county buyers are authorized - on a spot purchases basis - to acquire up to $5,000 in goods or services without getting the required three quotes only if purchased directly from a certified local small business.

********** Published: September 15, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 22