About PACE Procurement

PACE Procurement provides extensive business training and direct technical assistance (TA), specialized procurement assistance and partnership resources including business expansion support tools: financing, insurance, and bonding for businesses focusing on capacity building to foster and secure new opportunities in Southern California.

What we provide:

• One on One Counseling
• Identifying Contracting Opportunities
• Guidance on Public Agencies Bidding Process
• Create Marketing Strategies and Connect with Local, State, and Federal Agencies
• Registration Instructions for Government & Private Sector Supplier Vendor Portal System
• Contract Sourcing, RFP & RSOQ Review & Analysis
• Bid Proposal & Budget Development Assistance
• Small Business Certifications Assistance
• Access to capital/funding Networking & Matchmaking Events
• Various Workshops on Government & Private Sector Contracting

Various languages

PACE provides services in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and other languages.

Recent Workshops

• Check out www.pacelabdc.org/calendar for the latest events and workshops!
• Click here for E Library then go to Procurement Table

Contact Our Procurement Team

Program Director: Diana Chung

Diana Chung holds an MBA with a background in business administration and marketing. She assists small businesses with a variety of business needs, including cash flow management and government contracting. Diana worked with a diverse array of clients, from local “mom & pop” shops to major corporations. She has successfully guided businesses through all stages of government contracting. In her role, she facilitates the growth of small businesses, the development of government contracts, relationships management, sourcing contract opportunities/deals, educating businesses on the benefits of strategic growth alternatives, and promoting the interest of businesses. Diana is also appointed to sit on the Caltrans District #7 Alternate Small Business Advisory Council representing Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Contact: DChung@pacela.org

Procurement Relationship Manager: Andrew Barrera

Andrew Barrera is a dedicated economic development professional with 30 years of government, private sector and Community Development Corporation (CDC) experience. While working for the California State Assembly Transportation Committee, he was responsible for coordinating disaster relief efforts for the State Assembly District Office during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, including the monitoring of FEMA emergency housing, SBA small business disaster loans and freeway reconstruction with Caltrans, as well as acting as the point of contact for inter-political office holder relief coordination. Andrew currently sits as a collaborating resource partner on the US Commercial Services’ “Local to Global Initiative” and also has been appointed to sit on the Caltrans District #7 Small Business Advisory Council representing Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Contact: ABarrera@pacela.org

Loan Counselor II, CFA: Jennifer Whelan

Jennifer Whelan, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA® charterholder- CFA Institute) has extensive experience in consulting, access to capital, small-to-mid size business merger and acquisition M&A execution experience. She will provide pre and post borrowing technical assistance to businesses to secure financing, capital and bonding through one-on-one assistance, webinars, etc. She will participate in various conferences (virtual and non-virtual), training workshops, networking events, etc.

Contact: JWhelan@pacela.org

Procurement Manager: Cristina Espiritu

Cristina Espiritu, a distinguished professional with a dual JD/MBA degree from Penn State University, brings over two decades of experience in finance, strategic consulting, contract negotiation, and business and asset valuation. She has offered her expertise to organizations ranging from startups up to publicly-traded companies, helping them develop and identify strategies to propel growth and maximize value. She has also been an entrepreneur and sold her first business in college. Since then, she has founded several companies and organizations in diverse sectors including technology, marketing, and health and wellness. She has served and held leadership roles, on the board of director positions in non-profit organizations, as well as served as a mentor for incubator programs in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Cristina is also a trained mediator, certified by the Orange Human Relations Mediation Program.

Contact: CEspiritu@pacela.org

 

List of Agencies and Corporations we worked with:

• City of Los Angeles
• Los Angeles County
• Metro
• SBA
• Caltrans
• SoCalGas
• Southern California Edison
• AT&T
• Frontier Communications
• PCL Construction
• Clark Construction
• Burns McDonnell
• California Public Utilities Commission
• Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
• Comerica Bank
• Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce
• Supplier Clearinghouse
• Metropolitan Water District
• Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs
• Los Angeles County Public Works
• Metrolink
• CA Department of General Services
• Los Angeles World Airports
• City of Los Angeles Housing Authority
• Merriwether & Williams
• Korean Consulate of Los Angeles
• Golden State Water Company
• Kheir Clinic
• and many, many more!

 

1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90017

(213) 353-9400 / pacelabdc.org