About Us
INTRODUCTION
UF Small Business Relations (SBR) is a key component of administrative management at the institution. We support departments and academic units in their engagement with small businesses. We facilitate programs and services that enhance opportunities for small businesses to participate in procurement activities. This department works closely with Procurement, Planning, Design & Construction, Disbursements, and Facilities Services to streamline processes and ensure efficiency.
This chapter outlines standardized procedures for incorporating small businesses in procuring commodities and services essential to university operations. These procedures apply to all purchases made using state appropriations, grants, or auxiliary funds.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to seek out, identify, and promote the use of small businesses that provide services and/or commodities procured by the institution. We ensure equal access to compete for procurement & contracting opportunities with the University. In addition, we offer small business development services to support a competent pol of suppliers to address the University’s procurement expectations.
RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY
The Director of Small Business Relations reports to the Interim Vice President for Business Affairs and is responsible for program development, promotion, implementation, compliance monitoring, and reporting. The Director works closely with university departments, academic units, small businesses, governmental entities, and community-based organizations to expand and strengthen the university’s supplier base.
CONSTRUCTION – COMPETITIVE BIDS
Bidders on construction projects are encouraged to include small business enterprises in their projects. The University is an equal opportunity institution- as such, we advocate that firms have fair and equal opportunity to compete for dollars spent by the University on construction. Competition ensures that prices are competitive and a broad vendor base is available.