Small Business, Micro, and VBE Registration and Certification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What are the benefits of a Small Business Certification?

Access to the LAUSD preference program: Please visit the preference program link below to view the list of benefits for small businesses certified by LAUSD.
Increased visibility: LAUSD-certified businesses are listed on our website.
Competitive edge in bidding: Large prime contractors often need certified small businesses to meet subcontracting goals.
Access to training and business development resources: LAUSD provides free training, e.g., Small Business Boot Camp, networking events, and technical assistance.
Prompt Payment: Get paid faster.

What is considered a Small Business?

A small business meets the U.S. Small Business Administration guidelines for gross sales receipts (averaged over the past three years) or for the number of employees, based on industry. Please visit their website to find your small-business size standard or the applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.

Small Business Size Standards

Does LAUSD accept certifications from other agencies?

The LAUSD recognizes and accepts SBE, (D)VBE, and Micro SBE certifications from other major public agencies:

If you have an LAUSD Supplier Number, please email [email protected] to submit recognized small-business certifications from our partners.

Do other agencies recognize LAUSD's SBE certification?

The LAUSD SBE Certification is recognized and accepted by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Contractors: How to get Started

Step 1: Login to Ariba SAP - Register & Certify (Required)

Contractors can start the registration process for an LAUSD Supplier number by visiting the self-service registration page. You may also proceed to certify for your Small Business in this portal.

Log In: Ariba SAP

Read more here: Procurement Services.
Registration Steps: Ariba Vendor Registration.
For questions or concerns, or to submit your existing Small Business Enterprise, Veteran Business Enterprise, a/o Micro Business Certifications from other agencies, please contact:

Vendor Services Unit

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (562) 654-9404

Step 2: Prequalification (Required)

All contractors working must undergo the prequalification process to perform facilities work for LAUSD.

Prequalify Now!

Our prequalification process is moving to QualityBidders. Please submit all new applications through the new platform. Our previous application method will be phased out by February 13, 2026.
Subcontractors do not need to be independently prequalified when performing work under a prequalified prime contractor.
For more information on questionnaire types and other requirements of the Prequalification Process, please visit LAUSD Procurement Services Division - Prequalification.
For questions on the prequalification process, please contact:

Prequalification Services Unit

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (213) 241-2651

Step 3: Register for Ariba Discovery (Bidding Opportunities)

Please register for Ariba Discovery, where LAUSD will post district-wide Construction and Non-Construction bidding opportunities. LAUSD will no longer post bidding opportunities on external websites, like LA RAMP.

Bidding Opportunities

If you would like to filter bidding opportunities to align with the services you provide and be notified of bidding opportunities, please register.

Highly Recommended: Attend Small Business Boot Camp (Free)

Non-Construction Vendors

How to do Business with LAUSD

This webpage is primarily intended to assist contractors and vendors supporting contracting work. However, LAUSD does business with various vendors and partners, depending on the District's needs at the whole District or at the school level.

For anyone interested in doing business with LAUSD, please:

Register for a Supplier Number on Ariba SAP.
Once you have a Supplier number, if you have an SBE, VBE, DVBE, or Micro SBE certification from our recognized partners, please email the certifications to [email protected].
Register for our Bidding Opportunities platform, Ariba Discovery.

By registering on these two platforms, you have increased your business's visibility within the District. Based on the services you selected to provide and the District's needs, the District will reach out to you to compete for that bid.

For questions or concerns, please contact:

Vendor Services Unit

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (562) 654-9404

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Small Business, Micro, and VBE Registration and Certification