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)
