City of L.A. Procurement Reform – New Online Certification System
What is it?
Here is a quick video tutorial:
The City of Los Angeles’s new certification system will enable small businesses to apply to be certified for any number of certifications they qualify for — and track the status of those applications, receive requests for revisions and be approved or denied — all online.
Who is it for?
The certification system has two audiences:
- Small business owners. The process by which they apply to be certified has been completely transformed and remade with their needs as a top priority.
- Government agencies and any certifying bodies. The system makes it easier for these organizations to implement a faster, more efficient process that saves time and expedites certifications while serving as the critical first step towards a more connected, centralized procurement experience.
Why Does it Matter/What Will It Change?
The certifications tool will improve gender and racial equity by reducing barriers to entry for businesses that want to do business with the City and transforming the way the City does business by harnessing new technology and innovative ideas. The design of the certification tool is not merely an online form, it minimizes the amount of data entry required by the business while connecting the business to potential programs and allowing the city to collect much-needed data.
In short, this new certifications tool marks the shift from a fragmented, institution first model — to a connected, business-friendly network that fosters inclusivity, diversity, empowerment, trust, and measurable economic growth.