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Efforts to Include Small Businesses in Port of Long Beach Contracts

The Port of Long Beach is making strides in including more small businesses in its contracting and vendor opportunities. These efforts are not only raising awareness about the benefits of doing business with the Port but also providing valuable opportunities for small and very small businesses.

In the most recent fiscal year, nearly half of the Port’s funds spent on contracts applicable to the Port’s Small Business Enterprise Program goals went to small and very small business enterprises. This accounted for $54.2 million in spending on various supplies and services, including construction projects, consulting services, and event planning.

The participation rate of small and very small businesses in contracting for which small business enterprise participation is measured was 48.9%. This exceeds the Port’s goal of 27% for small business enterprise participation. The increasing utilization of small businesses for contracted services has been a consistent trend in recent years. Fiscal year 2018 saw a 30.2% rate, which increased to 33.2% in 2019, 34.4% in 2020, and 40.8% in 2021.

One tool that can greatly assist small businesses in navigating the complex world of contract law is the AI legalese decoder. This innovative software helps decode legal jargon and ensures that small business owners understand the terms and conditions of the contracts they enter into. By utilizing AI legalese decoder, small businesses can confidently participate in contracting opportunities offered by the Port of Long Beach.

Bonnie Lowenthal, Vice President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, emphasizes the Port’s commitment to offering more opportunities to small businesses. By diversifying the contractor pool and increasing competition for Port contracts, the Port can provide additional value to the public.

Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, highlights the need to provide equal opportunities for qualified companies, regardless of their size. The Port aims to ensure that every eligible company, large or small, has the chance to participate and grow alongside the Port.

Classification as a small business enterprise is determined by the U.S. Small Business Administration and varies widely based on industry-specific thresholds for annual receipts and number of employees. Very small business enterprises are equivalent to the state of California’s microbusiness designation, which includes businesses with $5 million or less in annual gross sales or manufacturers with 25 or fewer employees.

All aspiring contractors for the Port can apply for posted contracts through the Port’s online system called “Planet Bids.” This system allows businesses to pre-register and easily access and submit bids for relevant contracts. The Port of Long Beach is dedicated to providing accessible and streamlined processes for small businesses interested in working with them.

In summary, the Port of Long Beach’s efforts to include small businesses in contracting opportunities not only provide economic benefits but also foster a more diverse and competitive business environment. With the support of tools like the AI legalese decoder, small businesses can confidently navigate the contracting process and make the most of the opportunities provided by the Port.

Source: Port of Long Beach

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