L&L Industries
Orange County SBDC – CCCP Client

L&L Industries was started by Don Lopez as a business specializing in customized solutions to solve any solvent, paint, or hazardous waste situation. Don's wife has worked with her husband for many years and most recently the daughter of this couple, Rebecca Lopez, has joined the family business. Don and Rebecca came to the Orange County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) after Don received his federal 8(a) certification. At this point, they wanted to learn about other certification programs and how best to pursue public sector contracts.

The clients worked with the assigned consultants for the California Construction Contracting Program (CCCP) to learn about the available certification programs and specifically about the Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) certification. The assigned consultants worked closely with the clients to ensure their DBE certification package was completed correctly prior to submittal. The package was submitted and the client is awaiting notification that they have been certified.

In addition to the DBE application, the clients have registered with the Caltrans Emergency Work program because the firm is one of the few that has access to the special formulation of paint used for striping highways and roads. The clients have also taken advantage of the free training offered by the California Construction Contracting Program.

Based on the guidance and information the clients received through CCCP, the clients were able to successfully bid on a contract (#C80180) from the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) to supply the maintenance paint for three bus fleets located in Orange County. The client is also planning on teaming with one of his existing clients to pursue the contract for the actual painting of the buses, which is estimated to be approximately $245,000. This was the client's first public sector contract and although it is small ($6,000), they feel that they were able to get their foot in the door of a major public agency and now are very optimistic about receiving future contracts.

Don Lopez
L&L Industries
32086 White Spruce Court
Wildomar. CA 92595
760.212.2504
www.landlind.com

OzNet Systems Inc. opened for business in 1996 under the name Ozo Bros Computers.  The company held a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification under the previous company name. 

After hearing the buzz about a new specialized government contracting program offered by the SBDC hosted at College of the Canyon, Regina Thomas from OzNet Systems, Inc. decided to attend the local California Construction Contracting Program (CCCP) orientation. Excited about what she learned, Regina scheduled an appointment with the CCCP consultant.

During the first meeting, the consultant gave her the DBE application and reviewed it with her. With enthusiasm, Regina returned for a second session a week later and submitted the application. Since the company had a previous MBE certification, the CCCP consultant was able to help her navigate through the process at a more rapid rate. With this free assistance, OzNet Systems Inc. received their DBE certification.

Since becoming certified, OzNet Systems Inc. attended two pre-bid meetings and submitted one proposal for a project. They are currently working on a proposal that they will be submitting to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

Regina Thomas states, "I really appreciate the SBDC and the CCCP and am grateful that Caltrans decided to fund this program. I am also thankful that I was able to utilize such a high caliber of consultants that the SBDC provides."

Pacific Ink is a supplier of Printer Ink. With over 200 brands of High Quality Printer Ink Cartridges at prices up to 70% less than printer manufacturer charges and an easy ordering process, direct to door delivery, and no hassle return policy, Pacific Ink is one of the Internet's fastest growing ink cartridge providers.

Pacific Ink has sought cost management, sales growth and funding assistance from the CCCP/SBDC. The CCCP/SBDC consultants have provided 22.5 hours of counseling to Pacific Ink since October 2007. The client is presently working on obtaining DBE certification.

By implementing the advice and strategies developed with the CCCP/SBDC, Pacific Ink will realize cost savings and improved profits of $47,000 over the next twelve months. At the March 2008 Caltrans District XI Procurement Fair Pacific Ink obtained orders totaling $23,000. Pacific Ink obtained a $35,000 Commercial Bank Loan. All these outcomes have helped Pacific Ink retain 6 jobs.

Pacific Ink
Jaime Mautz
10531 4S Commons Drive, Suite 166-415
San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: (800) 718-7311
Pacificink.com

California Construction Contracting Program (CCCP) client, Teresa Roberts, owns a small business firm specializing in construction paving. The client owns 60% of the company and her husband owns 40%. Since our first session, Teresa has become certified as a small business through the Department of General Services (DGS) and has submitted her application with all back-up documentation to become certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

Teresa has come into the office on six different occasions to obtain information provided through CCCP counseling. In addition to obtaining her small business certification and applying for DBE certification, she has expanded her search for contracting opportunities by taking the time and the initiative to learn how use the tools available to her. For example, Teresa has learned how to find sub-contracting opportunities by reviewing the items of work in major construction projects and identifying prime contractors who are plan holders on those jobs. In addition, she has signed up with the Contractor Interest Registry to make herself available for emergency work.