To better support departments and enhance operational efficiency, we’re introducing improvements to simplify the Small Business First compliance process in Gateway.
As a reminder, University policy requires departments to utilize a certified Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) for purchases between $10,000 and $250,000, unless the purchase qualifies for an exemption. If it does not, departments must submit a Small Business First waiver for an exception.
What’s Changed?
In response to feedback about the complexity of the current process, we’ve identified several commonly excluded purchase types, including: software/license subscriptions, Confirming POs, Contract Amendments, and Vendor Blanket Revisions. For these purchases, departments will no longer need to upload or attach a waiver document to their requisition. Instead, campus-wide waivers have been created and are already on file. When submitting these requisitions, simply select the appropriate Small Business First exemption category from the dropdown menu. That’s it — no additional documentation required.
These improvements are just the beginning! We're committed to reducing the administrative burden to make it easier for departments to meet policy requirements. We’ll continue making process enhancements to support efficient and compliant purchasing across campus, so stay tuned for additional improvements coming soon.
If you have any questions, please contact Jen Bowser, Small Business Officer, at jbowser@ucsb.edu.
