Business owners and entrepreneurs in Orange County have another chance to gain insights into the government contract bidding process, thanks to the county's second annual Contracting Academy slated for July 12. The event is poised to offer key strategies and guidance from industry experts on how to navigate the complexities of securing a part of the $700 million in County-managed contracts up for grabs each year.

Last year's academy was a hit, indicating a significant appetite among business circles wanting to get a slice of the 950 term contracts the County issues per year, and now the second run aims to build on that success, providing an array of educational workshops designed to lay out all facets of the contracting process which can be quite challenging, especially for newcomers who aren't yet versed in the requirements and intricacies of working with local government.

For Orange County, this initiative is more than just an informational event; it's a strategy to diversify its pool of contractors and engage more small, minority, and women-owned businesses in the pursuit of these contracts. In a statement obtained by Orange County Government, Carrie Mathes, Orange County Procurement Division Manager, highlighted the importance of inclusion, "There is a need to reach contractors who may not have done business with Orange County before and need more guidance to navigate the process," she said. "This academy is a powerful tool to help maintain a fair, diverse, and competitive bidding process."

With the memory of last year's inaugural event still fresh, which was a sellout, and the Procurement Division's “OpenGov” portal drawing in 200 additional subscribers, the county has a firm grasp on the pulse of local business interest and the undeniable need for such supportive educational programs; the upcoming academy will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options to cater to a wide audience, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those considering participating in the vibrant half-day workshop that will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.