Beginning October 1, 2025, a waiver will no longer be necessary when requesting an exception to the UC Small Business First program.

The UC strongly encourages partnerships with certified small and disabled veteran business enterprises, and we are proud of the efforts our campus has made in supporting this community of suppliers. However, we recognize it is not always possible for departments to identify an appropriate SBA or DVBE to buy from. To help streamline our purchasing process going forward, it will no longer be required to complete or attach the Small Business First waiver form to Requisitions when you are unable to use a Small Business or DVBE. We are also working on better tools to help share information about certified SBA and DVBE suppliers with you all.

As a reminder, goods and services between $100,000 and $250,000 can bypass our normal bidding requirements if purchased from a certified SBA or DVBE supplier and at least two quotes from like businesses are provided. And orders under $100,000 typically do not require public bidding. Neither of these processes are changing.

Questions regarding Small Business First or this new process can be directed to smallbusiness@ucdavis.edu or join the Purchasing room during Office Hours.