Bill > A02321

This bill aims to increase participation by certified minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in state contracts and subcontracts. The key provisions include: - Requiring contracting agencies to report quarterly on MWBE participation, including the number of contracts awarded to MWBEs, the total dollar amounts, and any waivers granted from MWBE participation goals. Agencies that fail to report could face an independent audit. - Expanding the director's powers to promote MWBE participation, including by maintaining a central registry of MWBEs, conducting outreach and training programs, and establishing mentorship opportunities. - Requiring MWBE utilization plans to be submitted with bids, rather than after bid openings, and allowing for swifter remedies for noncompliance. - Increasing penalties for violations, including fines and potential bans on future state contracting for repeat offenders. - Adjusting the thresholds for when performance and payment bonds can be waived for smaller state contracts and state-assisted projects. The overall goal is to enhance accountability and increase opportunities for certified minority and women-owned businesses to participate in state procurement.