Our Commitment to Diversity
At DHS, we are dedicated to fostering a thriving, diverse business environment that creates opportunities to strengthen both our local economy and small business owners. We believe that investing in local businesses can directly contribute to the health and prosperity of LA County.
Our Diversity Statement underscores our commitment to making diversity a priority in all our solicitations:
“The Department of Health Services (“DHS”) of the County of Los Angeles (“County”) is an integrated health system that provides health care throughout Los Angeles County (“LA County”) communities at four acute care hospitals, 26 health centers, County jails and juvenile systems. DHS is the second-largest municipal health system in the nation serving the largest and vastly diverse county. Recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in our business practices, DHS is committed to fostering partnerships that reflect our dedication to equity and opportunity. We, therefore, invite and encourage all qualified vendors, including those from minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and small business enterprises, to respond to this solicitation for an opportunity to bring their unique perspectives and capabilities to the services solicited hereunder. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for the communities we serve.”
We invite and encourage all qualified vendors including those certified by the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) business preference program, to apply for our solicitations. This includes vendors with the DEO Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Social Enterprise (SE), and Community Business Enterprise (CBE) certifications. By contributing your unique perspectives and capabilities, we can collaborate to build a stronger, more inclusive future for the communities we serve.
The DEO offers a business preference certification program to encourage business owners who are minorities, women, disadvantaged or disabled veterans to capitalize on opportunities in government and private-sector procurement programs.
DHS encourages all eligible vendors to obtain all applicable preference certifications, a list of certifications is below:
Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) Preference Program
The LSBE Preference Program boosts contracting opportunities for small businesses in LA County. Certified LSBEs receive payment within 15 days of receipt of an undisputed invoice for goods or services with the use of the Prompt Payment Stamp.
Social Enterprise (SE) Preference Program
The SE Preference Program was designed to increase contracting opportunities for enterprises whose primary purpose is to enhance Los Angeles County through economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Preference Program
The DVBE Preference Program is designed to enhance purchasing and contracting opportunities for businesses owned by disabled veterans.
*The LSBE, DVBE and SE preference programs have a bid preference where the eligible enterprise will receive up to 15% bid price reduction or ‘preference’ when bidding on certain goods and services solicited by Los Angeles County
Community Business Enterprise (CBE) Program
The CBE program includes designations as a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and LGBTQQ owned businesses. This program allows participating businesses to capitalize on opportunities in government and private-sector procurement. These businesses will be included in the County’s CBE listing. Many County departments, public agencies, private-sector prime and subcontractors use the CBE listing to meet subcontracting goals.
15-Day Prompt Payment
Eligibility for simplified acquisition process
15% bid price preference up to $150,000
When ready to get your business preference certification, please visit: certify.lacounty.gov
For technical assistance you may email DHSVendorConnect@dhs.lacounty.gov.
To keep the nation’s second-largest healthcare system- serving over 800,000 patients annually- operating at its best, we seek suppliers who are committed to delivering high-quality services and supplies with reliability and timeliness.
DHS has the responsibility to care for LA County’s most vulnerable residents which includes some without health insurance, undocumented, experiencing homelessness, and/or facing significant medical traumas and circumstances. As the safety net for LA County’s vulnerable populations, we expect the following from our vendors:
Timely Delivery: On-time delivery of services and products is crucial for the stability and efficiency of medical and hospital administrative services.
Clear and Transparent Communication: Effective communication is essential. We expect our suppliers to provide timely status updates and ensure clarity in every partnership. Quick response times are critical to meeting urgent needs/deadlines.
Nimble Adaptability: Medical services and hospital administrative needs are always evolving and change without notice. It is imperative that our contractors and suppliers demonstrate agility and adaptability in responding to these demand shifts to ensure seamless continuity of care.
We are committed to providing the highest level of care to our patients, and we expect our vendors to share that commitment. Your role is vital to our mission, and together, we can make a significant impact on the community we serve.
DHS is actively seeking community partners for collaboration. We invite all Chambers of Commerce and small business support organizations to reach out to us to promote our contracting opportunities and to participate in your events.
We would love to share information on how to contract with the County and discuss equity initiatives at DHS. Additionally, please share your upcoming event opportunities so we can help raise awareness of the vital support services you provide.
We look forward to working together!
If interested in collaborating, please contact us at DHSVendorConnect@dhs.lacounty.gov.
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