BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Recently, Mayor Bob Buckhorn introduced major changes that will impact women and minority businesses. The initiatives introduced are in three components.

The changes came about after the City adopted the Equal Business Opportunity Ordinance No. 2008-09. The five industry categories outlined in the ordinance are construction, construction-related services, professional services, non-professional services, and goods.

Gregory Hart, Manager of the Small Business/ Minority Business Development Office said, “The Ordinance was adopted after the City completed its Disparity Study. Subsequent to passing the ordinance, we developed new methodologies.”

He stated that under the new guidelines, the City was required to obtain 4 to 5 years of information under the Data Management Information System. “It allows us to have a complete breakdown of all monies spent.”

Hart further stated the first initiative is the expansion of the sheltered market procurement. This allows Black-owned businesses to be evaluated on a 5% bid preference that is not to exceed $20,000. This will all the inclusion of underutilized WMBEs and SLBEs.

The second initiative pertains to the sheltered market for formal and informal contracts. The initiative will allow goal setting for underutilized WMBEs and SLBEs who apply for subcontracting. The selected task or trade can be represented by either a WMBE or a SLBE, the City can set a goal of inclusion, and require good faith effort compliance.

The third initiative increases the rating points given to prime W/MBE companies from 5 to 10 points for RFPs and RFQs.

Hart said, “The rating is usually on a 100 point scale. Now that we have identified the underutilized businesses, they can receive 10 points in the evaluation process. … Those points can make all of the difference.”

The changes are significant in that under the current disbursement of funds none of the goals for African Americans were met in the Sub-Contracting Category.
In the Formal Contracts, one goal was met for African Americans and two were met for Hispanics.

In the Informal Contracts Category, only one goal was met for African Americans. He further stated that the initiatives are based on the current laws and guidelines.

The initiative will be presented to City Council. If approved and after having public meetings, the initiatives can be implemented as early as the fall of 2012.

For more information about the proposed changes, contact Hart at (813) 274-5522.