Supplier Diversity Program

Supplier Diversity Program

Our Commitment

Overview

Golden State Water Company is dedicated to providing equal opportunity to all potential business partners. It is the policy of Golden State Water to encourage and afford opportunities to diverse suppliers including, but not limited to, Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs), while simultaneously ensuring the best combination of quality, service and price is provided in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards.

Overview of Our Supplier Diversity Program

Golden State Water Company recognizes the value of Supplier Diversity as a strategic business decision and is committed to seek and identify diverse suppliers and offer them equitable opportunities to compete for contracts to supply materials and services to Golden State Water.

Our program is established on the principles of fair, equitable, and ethical business practices. The aim of the Golden State Water-Supplier relationship is that of a mutually beneficial partnership based on integrity and consistent with the agreed-upon terms. The business will be conducted within generally accepted professional codes of conduct. 

During the sourcing process, Golden State Water Company employees will not offer to or accept from suppliers; entertainment, gifts, or other gratuities. We acknowledge that a robust Supplier Diversity initiative broadens the supplier base, stimulates competition, and ensures that Golden State Water receives the highest quality materials and services at the best available prices.

As a California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) regulated water utility, Golden State Water Company’s supplier diversity goal is to procure 21.5% of its total procurement from certified WBEs, MBEs, and DVBEs. Specifically, the goals are as follows:

  • 15% with MBEs
  • 5% with WBEs
  • 1.5% with DVBEs

Golden State Water Company is also a member of the California Water Association (CWA), a trade association of investor-owned water utilities providing high-quality water utility services to nearly 6 million people throughout California.

Vision Statement

Golden State Water Company’s Supplier Diversity Program will reflect the integrity and ethics necessary to ensure that internal procurement practices as well as external collaboration with diverse organizations, provide equal and equitable platforms to include diverse business enterprises, as appropriate, in opportunities to compete for and potentially win contract awards. 

Value Statement

Golden State Water Company places high Value on efficiency and efficacy in the execution of Supplier Diversity Program approaches to introduce, support, and develop diverse business enterprises that will enrich our current supply chain.  We recognize the value of Supplier Diversity as a strategic business decision.    This approach will increase bid competition, innovation, and the creation of new and sustainable business partnerships.

Connections and Resources

Golden State Water partners with and/or participates in the following organizations:

Additional Associations with varying diverse organizations through CWA Supplier Diversity Utility Program.

Certification Requirements

MBE, WBE and DVBE suppliers must be certified as a diverse business to participate in our Supplier Diversity Program. We require our MBE and WBE suppliers to be certified through The Supplier Clearinghouse. DVBE suppliers must be certified through State of California’s Department of General Services.

Supplier Clearinghouse Certification

The business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by WBEs and/or MBEs. Please go to The Supplier Clearing House for full details including eligibility criteria, instructions, and access to application forms. There is no cost to apply for this certification.

DVBE Certification

The business must be at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Please go to www.getcertified.dgs.ca.gov for full details, including eligibility criteria, instructions and access to the application form. There is no cost to apply for this certification.

Once you are certified, contact Golden State Water Company and we will provide additional information required from you to add you to our supplier database.

What We Require From You

A potential supplier may be instructed to provide some or all of the following types of information for Golden State Water’s evaluation:

  • Audited financial statements/records (balance sheet, income statement)
  • Dunn & Bradstreet number (if applicable)
  • Appropriate business or trade license
  • Appropriate insurance coverage

Contact information: Michael.Moss@gswater.com

Upcoming Events

Please check back at a later date for more information on upcoming events. 

Previous Events

Meet the Buyers – Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (Sept. 28, 2021)

CWA and Southern California Minority Development Council – Doing Business with Water Utilities (June 30, 2021)

CWA-American Indian Chamber Procurement Summit (June 3, 2021)

California Public Utilities Spring Expo (April 28, 2021)

Asian Business Association of Los Angeles – Annual Women’s Symposium (May 27, 2021)

National Association of Minority Contractors Utility Outreach (March 11, 2021)

CPUC and Joint Utilities Virtual Business Expo (Dec. 1-2)

WBEC West Water Utility Forum (Dec. 7)