Our Mission:

It is the policy of The Office of Diversity in Business Practices (ODPB) to provide all persons an equal and fair opportunity to participate in procurement and contracting opportunities sponsored by the District.

Our ultimate goal is to support sustainable growth and economic opportunities for small, women-owned, and minority businesses. School Board Policy 6.143

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR A STRONG PALM BEACH COUNTY

Wikiversity defines Capacity Building as: “the process by which individuals and organizations obtain, improve, and retain the skills, knowledge, tools, equipment and other resources needed to do their jobs competently or to a greater capacity (larger scale, larger audience, larger impact, etc.).” More specifically as it relates to business, capacity building is about ensuring companies can successfully perform larger and potentially more complex projects or assignments.

While building the capacity of a business is primarily the responsibility of the business owner, agencies such as the School District also have a duty to assist businesses in developing their ability to take on more or bigger contracts; assuming that is the will of the business owner. This is not simply an altruistic endeavor on behalf of the District, we need strong, successful businesses, both large and small, to help us fulfill our mission.

Construction Update

There are currently 66 ongoing facility renewal projects (Design & Construction), 69 substantially completed projects, 11 new Facilities Renewal projects recently started.

In the coming 6 months, 33 new projects will be awarded for Architecture and 9 new projects will be awarded for Construction Management. These 42 projects range from an average of more than $5.8 million with an estimated total of $245 million.

All of these projects will have SBE participation requirements, providing millions of dollars of opportunities to certified small businesses.

The first step to taking part in these projects as a SBE and to be counted in the required quote, you must be certified with our office. To gain this important certification, please click the button following this article to learn how to certify your business with us.

Many trades needed in these projects, including:

• Plumbing

• Toilet Accessories

• Water Intrusion

• Electrical

• Mechanical

• Stucco

• HVAC

• Masonry & concrete

• Doors, Windows, wall and ceiling

• Finishes & Painting

• Site Work & Demolition

• Site Cleaning

• Roofing

• Flooring

Learn How to Get Certified

View Current and Upcoming Construction Opportunities

Certified Business Spotlight:

NMS Management

A Company Built On Health, Safety, and Love

NMS Management was founded in 1987 by Elaine Taule out of maternal concern for her sons' potential drug use. Her initial endeavor involved convincing a laboratory to test her sons during a time when workplace drug testing was just emerging. This experience ignited her passion for drug testing and youth well-being, prompting her to establish her own business. Elaine's dedication led to the development of a drug testing program and securing a grant for drug testing in Palm Beach County schools. NMS quickly evolved into a prominent player in the drug testing industry and expanded its services to encompass background checks, including Level II Fingerprinting, with a vision to offer clients a comprehensive "one-stop shop" experience characterized by top-notch service...

Today, NMS Management Services, Inc. stands as a distinguished Third-Party Administrator (TPA), specializing in comprehensive drug and alcohol testing, background checks, and 24/7 on-site collection services on a nationwide scale. Committed to upholding safety, compliance, and workplace integrity, NMS Management Services has earned the trust of businesses spanning various industries including employers, government agencies, and transportation companies. *NMS is a Bid Awarded vendor on the new contract 24C-9Q Mobile Fingerprinting Services for the School District of Palm Beach County.

How Capacity Building Can Shock-Proof Your Organization

Original Article by Mae Angeline

Summarized by ODBP Staff

As a result of several years of change to the landscape of business, operations have become complex and challenging. Demand for goods and services has increased, yet supply chains and funding streams have shrunk dramatically. Therefore, capacity building is more important now than ever. So what is capacity building and why is it important?

Capacity is a business's resilience and strength for persevering through and overcoming difficult times. Without capacity-building initiatives in place, a business has a greater potential for failure, including instability and profit losses.

There are several types of capacity that a business relies upon for success: leadership, resiliency, management, and technical. Looking at your business’s needs for improvement will help you decide where to focus your efforts.

To find out how to select your focus and see some examples to assist you in your capacity building initiatives, click the link below.

Capacity Building Techniques for Small Business Owners

Original Article by iDS staff

Summarized by ODBP Staff

In order for small businesses to survive the ever-changing business landscape of innovation, they must be in the practice of continuing capacity building techniques to keep them on the cutting edge and stay relevant.

Why do small businesses need to engage in capacity building? Here are just a few reasons. First, to develop new resources to perform business activities. Second, to put the available resources to the most effective use. Last but not least, to maximize their strengths in order to achieve their goals. A focus on capacity can help your business not only survive but thrive.

To learn iDS’s five techniques for small business owners who want to build capacity, click the link below.