Ask Jenine is the central hub for questions related to procurement equity. Submit your own questions by clicking on the Ask Jenine button below and filling out the form.

A Penny for Your Thoughts?

Hey, Jenine,

What can you tell me about small business loans? My business is ready to expand, and I didn’t know there were options besides my blood, sweat, and tears. Can you point me in the right direction?

Respectfully,

Needa C. Note

Dear Needa C. Note,

Thank you for being penny-wise and having the cents to reach out! Not asking about the business unknowns can be a real cash-astrophe! As a striving business, it can feel like money talks, but only says, “goodbye.” A microloan can help you invest in your business goals, and support your interest in change-ing and improving your business services.

• Microloan: Minimum $5,000, maximum $50,000
• Use of funds: Cannot refinance debt or pay to the owners of the business. 
• Requirements: No special requirement is needed to qualify for this loan. It can support both new and existing businesses. Typically, these are used for working capital and equipment purchases, but can be useful in a variety of needs. 

You can find a high-level overview of the SBA microloan program on the U.S. Small Business Administration website.

Your local small business administration can also answer questions and point you to individual microlenders in your area. They are so helpful you can bank on it!

Building your business is a deal to buy into.

That’s my two cents!

Jenine

The next Oregon Small Business Summit is coming to Coos Bay on Wednesday, March 19^th at the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this summit is the perfect chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and discover technical support for small business programs. Additionally, four Oregon Construction Contractor’s Board (CCB) continuing education credits will be offered to those attending the event. Registration is free, but space is limited. 

What you can expect:

• What to know when starting a business, workforce development, and exploring state and federal contracts
• Collaboration with local, state and federal partners
• Information on technical assistance, small business programs and state contracting opportunities

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
• Time: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Location: Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center

1988 Newmark Ave, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

• Cost: Free (Registration required)
• Includes: Refreshments, presentations, lunch and workshops

Registration for Oregon Small Business Summits is open. Use the link below to register now!

On Jan. 20, 2025, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I had the opportunity to visit the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument in Jackson, Mississippi. This simple home at 2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Dr, is a testament to the courage and dedication of Medgar Evers, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. As the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi, Evers tirelessly fought against racial injustice until his assassination in the carport of his home on June 12, 1963. This tragic event galvanized the nation and significantly influenced the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

During my visit, I also explored the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which offers a comprehensive understanding of the struggle for civil rights in the state. The museum exhibits depict the systemic challenges faced by African Americans and honor the relentless efforts of activists like Medgar Evers. The narratives presented underscore the interconnectedness of Evers' work with that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., both of whom championed the cause of equality and justice.

To deepen my understanding, I delved into Maryanne Vollers' Ghosts of Mississippi: The Murder of Medgar Evers, the Trials of Byron De La Beckwith, and the Haunting of the New South. Vollers' research sheds light on the prolonged quest for justice following Evers' assassination, highlighting the persistent racial tensions and the eventual conviction of his murderer decades later.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the ongoing efforts in our own state of Oregon to address equity and inclusion. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services' Office of Procurement Equity is committed to ensuring that all businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, and veterans, have equitable opportunities to compete for state contracts. This initiative aims to expand economic prospects for historically underrepresented businesses, mirroring the broader goals of the Civil Rights Movement to dismantle systemic barriers.

In previous newsletters, we've discussed the importance of acknowledging our history to inform present actions. My visit to these historic sites reinforced the significance of understanding the sacrifices made by civil rights leaders and the imperative to continue their legacy through proactive measures in our communities.

As we honor the memories of Medgar Evers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us remain steadfast in our commitment to equity and justice, ensuring that the ideals they fought for are reflected in our policies and practices today.

-Prof Chris Wilson

Negotiation can be a critical component of procurement, yet its definition can vary. While it is mentioned in statute and defined in administrative rule, the full breadth of the term is found outside them both.

ORS 279C.340 references negotiation, allowing agencies to engage with the lowest bidder when all bids surpass cost estimates, focusing on elements of the definition like value and cost-savings while emphasizing preservation of scope.

OAR 125-246-0110 goes a bit further and defines competitive negotiation (formal bidding) as opposed to non-competitive negotiation (sole source) as methods of requesting vendor participation in procurements through the bidding process. Yet, this also falls short of the spirit of the word as many understand it out in the general public.

The closest definition that bridges the gap can be found in the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Global Best Practices, where it is defined as: “A process of planning, reviewing, analyzing, and conferring used by two or more parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement in a contracting relationship.”

For procurement professionals and vendors alike, recognizing these distinctions is crucial to align our efforts with regulatory expectations while effectively negotiating to benefit both our businesses and Oregonians.