Happy new year! As we embrace 2024, I am excited to preview some of what is to come in the new year. 

• First, I am pleased to share that DGS has added another significant building project to our portfolio. The construction of the May Lee State Office Complex located on Richards Boulevard in Sacramento is underway and is expected to be completed later this year. This addition reflects our commitment to a sustainable building portfolio that supports our state workforce in service to the people of California.
• Second, in the spirit of innovation, DGS has taken a pioneering step in partnership with the California Department of Technology and the Government Operations Agency to pursue generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) solutions on behalf of the administration. This effort positions us at the forefront of technological advancements. We take pride in embracing innovation, ensuring our operations are efficient and forward-thinking.
• Lastly, DGS' Office of Small Business and DVBE Services turns 50 this year! To make state government contracting more accessible to small businesses, the Office of Small Business Procurements and Contracts was established in 1974. Its name was changed several times, eventually becoming the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) to acknowledge California’s disabled veterans for their sacrifice and service. Today there are over 18,000 small and disabled veteran owned businesses certified with the state of California. 

Additionally, to kick of 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced his 2024-25 state budget proposal last week. With a projected budget shortfall, DGS is balancing priority services and taking a thoughtful, sustainable approach to recent fluctuations in state revenues. This is not the first time we have faced such challenges, and history has shown that DGS remains resilient. Despite budget uncertainty, there are promising proposals for DGS. If you would like to view DGS’ complete budget details, visit the Department of Finance’s eBudget website here. 

As always, thank you for continued partnership and we look forward to continuing our efforts into the new year.

With gratitude,
Ana M. Lasso

The California Supplier Diversity Symposium is a great opportunity for small and diverse business owners to discover new procurement and contracting opportunities across various industries such as insurance, healthcare, utilities, and transportation, spanning private, state, and federal sectors.

Registration will open soon – reserve your spot for this free event!

📅 Date: March 14, 2024
🏢 Location: West Sacramento

The breakout sessions at the symposium will include:

• Doing business with utilities
• Access to capital
• Contracting opportunities with the insurance and healthcare sectors
• Diverse business panel: Navigating Challenges & Achieving Contracting Success
• Government panel: Scaling for Growth
• State and federal government certifications
• And more! 

Stay tuned for more information.