California State Matchmaking Summit: From Certification to Connection with State & Utility Buyers

June 10 @ 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
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Come get Certified and Get Connected to State and Utility Buyers!

In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California and communities throughout the state, the Department of General Services (DGS) launched a comprehensive emergency response project to help restore and rebuild. That effort continues—and we’re calling on suppliers like you to take part in the recovery. This is a unique opportunity to contract with the State of CA as small business.

When you attend this event you’ll not only unlock opportunites with the State of California on this initiave but will also have the opportunity to match with SoCalGas and meet with representatives from SoCal Edison!

This event is designed to help you start your certification application process, connect directly with State and utility buyers, and engage in a sponsor appreciation reception to network with agency partners, prime contractors, and fellow businesses in a relaxed setting as well as a matchmaking event directly with buyers.

The Department of General Services (DGS) is actively seeking partnerships with companies like IT, engineering, real estate, environmental services, healthcare sectors, Telecommunications media services, Building and Facility Construction and Maintenance Services, Defense and Law Enforcement and Security and Safety Equipment and Supplies, Electrical Systems and Lighting and Components and Accessories and Supplies, Editorial and Design and Graphic and Fine Art Services—don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

 

REGISTER

 

*Please review the requirements and recommendations below.

 


WHAT TO EXPECT

AGENDA

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Registration 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM: Procurement Panel Discussion

9:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Certification Workshop Led by DGS – Learn how to get certified and procurement-ready

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch (Provided)

1:15 PM – 4:00 PM: BIZMATCH – Business Matchmaking One-on-one meetings with public and private sector buyers (Buyer list and procurement focus areas shared at event)

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Sponsor Appreciation Reception, a networking celebration honoring our sponsors and community partners

Please remember to bring your laptop, uploaded financial documents, copies of your capability statements, and business cards.

Your ticket includes access to the event as well as breakfast and lunch.

*Please note that this event is the in-person portion of a 3-part series which covers:

Session 1 (ONLINE): How To Do Business With The State Of California Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Session 2 (IN -PERSON): California State Matchmaking Summit: From Certification to Connection with State & Utility Buyers | June 10, 2025 | 8:00 AM -6:30 PM | Delta Hotel by Marriott, 2200 E Holt Ave, Ontario CA 91761

Session 3 (ONLINE): I’m Certified. Now What? Wednesday, June 18, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

By registering on this page, you are signing up for the in-person event only. Please visit this link to register for the online sessions at no cost.

 


MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Procurement Panel

  • Marta Alejandrez-Carrera, Certification Branch Manager, Office of Small Business & DVBE Services (OSDS)
  • Anne Muchiri, Supplier Diversity Project Manager, SoCalGas

Certification Workshop Team

  • Marta Alejandrez-Carrera, Certification Branch Manager, Office of Small Business & DVBE Services (OSDS)
  • Cookie Candelario, Certification Officer, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Enterprise Services (OSDS)
  • Norma Curiel, Staff Services Manager I and Certification Trainer, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Enterprise Services (OSDS)
  • Julio Rodriguez, Certification Officer, Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Enterprise Services (OSDS)

 


MEET WITH BIZMATCH FACILITATORS

STATE ADVOCATES

  • Damon Dorn, SB Outreach Coordinator, Agency: CA High-Speed Rail AuthorityDGS
  • Marcus Delfin, EPA, SB/DVBE Advocate, SB Liaison, Agency: CA Military Department DGS
  • Paige Johnson, Advocate, Contracts and Procurement Services, Agency: CA Department of Social Services – DGS
  • Myrna Tanudjaja, Small Business Liaison, Agency: Caltrans District 7 – DGS

SOCAL GAS

  • Anne Muchiri, Supplier Diversity Project Manager

PRIME CONTRACTORS

  • Elizabeth Tene and Albert Tene, Prime Contractors, Company: Access General Contracting, Inc.
  • Priya Pratap, Prime Contractor, Environmental Project Manager, Company: NV5

 


Who should attend? 

All small business owners—whether certified or not—certified SB/DVBE firms, and anyone eager to secure state contracts are welcome to join us.

Recommendations and requirements:

Future Sponsorships

Are you interested in sponsoring a future workshop event or webinar? Please contact Maria M. Solano at mmsolano@nlbwa-ie.org

Want to support our #NLBWAIE mission? Become a volunteer or donate to one of our causes.

Venue

Delta Hotel by Marriott
2200 E Holt Blvd
Ontario, CA 91761