Assembly Bill 2405. Recognized by the California Chamber of Commerce as one of the major pieces of business friendly legislation to pass out of the legislature this session, AB 2405 will designate a small business advocate within each state contracting agency. This person will serve as a single point of contact to assist with contracting questions, bid procedures, and payment information. The state's bureaucratic purchasing system leaves many small businesses lost in a maze of agency requirements.
Most agencies have multiple individuals and offices handling different portions of one contract.
Leach emphasized that the advocate position created by the new law is done within the agency's existing budget. Beginning in January, small businesses will be better able to do business with the state as a result of this new law.