Supplier Diversity Certification
Empowering California’s Diverse Contractors and Vendors
Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is dedicated to supporting California contractors and vendors in obtaining Supplier Diversity Certification. This certification, administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), is part of the Utility Supplier Diversity Program, which aims to increase procurement from women-owned, minority-owned, disabled veteran-owned, and LGBT-owned business enterprises. The program also requires utilities to submit annual reports detailing their progress and plans for advancing supplier diversity.
While RCEA, as a public agency, is unable to provide preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected classes under Proposition 209, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable energy-sector supply chain.
Benefits of Supplier Diversity Certification
- Official recognition of your women-, minority-, disabled veteran-, disabled person-, or LGBT-owned business enterprise status
- Promotion and visibility to the CPUC and 16 major utility companies
- Inclusion in pertinent marketing and bid announcement events
- Faster contracting process with privately owned utilities
- Certification is free
How to Apply for Supplier Diversity Certification
- To be eligible for certification, your business must be at least 51% owned by a person or people who fall under the diverse business criteria: minority, woman, disabled, disabled veteran, disabled person, or LGBT. Management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more of those people.
- Apply on the CPUC Supplier Clearinghouse’s Supplier Diversity application page. Application is reviewed within 4 weeks of submission
- Certification must be renewed every 3 years
Learn more about the Utility Supplier Diversity Program
Check out the steps you need to take to get certified!
Materials needed for the certification application.
Need Help?
For more information or assistance with Supplier Diversity Certification, email supplierdiversity@redwoodenergy.org or call (707) 269-1700.
RCEA Supplier Diversity Reports
Norcal Apex Accelerator
Government Contracting Assistance
Looking for guidance on how to navigate government contracting—including bidding on opportunities from RCEA? The Norcal Apex Accelerator (formerly Norcal PTAC) is a government-funded nonprofit formed to help small businesses find, bid, win, and perform on contracts with federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. Norcal Apex Accelerator offers free client services, including one-on-one counseling, custom bid matching, and networking opportunities. Headquartered on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus, Norcal Apex Accelerator serves Humboldt County as well as 14 surrounding counties in Northern California.
