{"id":743,"date":"2024-11-13T12:01:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-13T20:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dhs.lacounty.gov\/contracts-and-grants\/?page_id=743"},"modified":"2026-09-17T09:30:21","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T16:30:21","slug":"our-commitment-to-fair-opportunity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dhs.lacounty.gov\/contracts-and-grants\/home\/our-commitment-to-fair-opportunity\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Commitment to Fair Opportunity"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]At DHS, we are dedicated to fostering a thriving, diverse business environment that\u00a0creates opportunities to\u00a0strengthen\u00a0both our local economy and small business owners. We believe that investing in local businesses\u00a0can\u00a0directly contribute\u00a0to the health and prosperity of LA County.<\/p>\n

Our Diversity Statement underscores our commitment to making diversity a priority in all our solicitations:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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, 23 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

We invite and encourage all qualified vendors including those certified by the Department of Economic Opportunity\u2019s (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.[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion active_section=”1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”DEO\u2019s BUSINESS PREFERENCE CERTIFICATIONS” tab_id=”1729115828308-bd9b14ea-ac89″][vc_column_text css=””]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.<\/p>\n

To learn more about the different types of certifications please visit the webpage: certify.lacounty.gov<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you need assistance or have any questions, please email deo@opportunity.lacounty.gov<\/strong> or call 844-777-2059[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”EXPECTATIONS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS” tab_id=”1729115903814-2322e937-3e8e”][vc_column_text css=””]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.<\/p>\n

DHS has the responsibility to care for LA County\u2019s 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\u2019s vulnerable populations, we expect the following from our vendors:<\/p>\n

Timely Delivery: On-time delivery of services and products is crucial for the stability and efficiency of medical and hospital administrative services.
\nClear 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.
\nNimble 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.<\/p>\n

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.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”CRAFTING WINNING PROPOSALS: VENDOR SUPPORT WEBINARS” tab_id=”1729115913757-8f56035c-748d”][vc_column_text css=””]LA County Health Services hosts vendor support webinars to help vendors successfully navigate the solicitation process. These webinars provide step-by-step guidance on understanding requirements, preparing strong proposal submissions, and avoiding common mistakes. By equipping vendors with practical insights and best practices, LA County Health Services aims to strengthen vendor readiness and enhance competitive participation in LA County contracting opportunities.<\/p>\n

LA County Health Services offers two readiness trainings focused on the types of solicitations we use most frequently: Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Solicitation Qualifications (RFSQs), RFSQs are also known as Master Agreements.<\/p>\n