Government contracting in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo starts with SAM.gov and Cal eProcure, and GERC handles both for you. The southern Central Coast is defined by Vandenberg Space Force Base, the West Coast’s main launch site, and by two major public universities. Launch activity has brought a growing base of aerospace primes and subcontractors to Lompoc and Santa Maria, while counties, cities and school districts buy construction and professional services throughout the region.
GERC helps Central Coast firms register, certify and write the proposals that win space, defense and local agency work.
Who buys on the southern Central Coast
Public buyers in the area include:
- Vandenberg Space Force Base and the launch and aerospace primes operating there
- Camp Roberts and the California National Guard
- Caltrans District 5, headquartered in San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County and the cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc and San Luis Obispo
- UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Allan Hancock College and Cuesta College
Government contracting help for businesses in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties
- SAM.gov registration and UEI and entity validation, so you are eligible for federal contracts, grants and set-asides
- Cal eProcure registration, so state solicitations for your UNSPSC codes reach you
- California Small Business (SB), Micro Business and SB-PW certification, with the 5% bid preference on state contracts
- DVBE certification for firms owned by disabled veterans
- Local vendor registration with cities, counties, school districts, transit agencies and special districts
- Bid and proposal writing for RFPs, RFQs and IFBs, and capability statements
- Grant writing for nonprofits, tribes, small businesses and public agencies
Cities we serve in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties
Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton, Solvang and Guadalupe in Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach and Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County.
Government contracting in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties: frequently asked questions
How does a small business get onto space and launch contracts?
Most small firms start as subcontractors to the primes. Primes look for firms that are registered in SAM.gov, hold small business status for the right NAICS codes and can show relevant capability. A clear capability statement and an up-to-date DSBS profile help them find you.
Does it cost anything to register or certify?
No. SAM.gov, Cal eProcure, and California SB, SB-PW and DVBE certification are all free to apply for and hold. You pay GERC only for preparation, troubleshooting and ongoing management.
Economic consulting in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties
GERC is also an economic consulting firm. For cities, counties, special districts, developers, nonprofits and businesses in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, we prepare economic impact analysis, fiscal impact analysis, benefit-cost analysis for grants, feasibility studies and market research.
Studies are delivered remotely, and we present findings to councils and boards in person or by video. See all of our economic consulting services.
Related services
- Procurement support for cities and public agencies
- Teaming partners for prime contractors
- Infrastructure grant writing
- Caltrans SB 1 grant support
Schedule a consultation
- Call (909) 454-7076. This is the fastest route, Monday to Friday.
- Book a consultation at a time that suits you.
- Email us about Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The message opens with the subject already filled in.