Business Inclusion Program

On January 12, 2011, Mayor Villaraigosa signed Executive Directive 14, launching the Business Inclusion Program. This initiative improves city contracting opportunities for all businesses.

For the first time in Los Angeles, City departments are provided with concrete goals to increase the number of small, women, minority, and disabled veteran-owned businesses that participate in City contracting. Each quarter, City departments are required to report updates regarding compliance with the Business Inclusion Program.

Using the Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (BAVN), the City’s electronic procurement marketplace, as a platform, the program focuses on three components: access, outreach, and accountability as a means to increase opportunities for small businesses.

Access

The Business Inclusion Program will boost small business participation in City contracts and increase participation of women and minority owned businesses in City contracting. The Mayor's Office of Economic and Business Policy worked with members of the Bureau of Contract Administration to develop the operative language in the Business Inclusion Program Executive Directive. The Mayor's Office developed an approach that increases access to contract information, improves the quality and quantity of outreach, and creates more guaranteed opportunities for small businesses.

Outreach

The Business Assistance Virtual Network (BAVN) allows businesses to view and download information about all bid opportunities offered by the City of Los Angeles in one convenient location. Businesses can also find up-to-date certified sub-contractors to complement the project bid. The Business Inclusion Program requires all City departments and businesses wishing to contract with the City to utilize BAVN.

Accountability

The Business Inclusion Program addresses longstanding issues raised by minority, women, and small business owners seeking to contract with the City. The program holds each City department accountable for achieving greater rates of contracting with MBE/WBE businesses.

In an effort for the City to be transparent, General Managers of all 40 City departments are required to provide quarterly updates regarding compliance with the Business Inclusion Program which are posted below. These quarterly reports detail the dollar amounts awarded to MBE/WBE businesses by that specific department.

 

Executive Directive 14

Articles About the Business Inclusion Program