Bill > A4586

This bill establishes the "Minority and Women-Owned Businesses State Contractor Remedies Act" to address historical disparities in state contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. Based on a comprehensive 2024 disparity study, the bill requires state agencies and contracting units to establish specific contract utilization goals for different categories of minority-owned and women-owned businesses, including Black-owned, Asian American-owned, Hispanic-owned, and nonminority women-owned businesses across construction, professional services, and goods and services contracts. The bill mandates that state agencies make good faith efforts to achieve these goals, which range from approximately 5% to nearly 20% depending on the business category and contract type. State agencies must develop annual plans, conduct outreach, use certification registries, and report on their progress. Prime contractors are also required to make good faith efforts to meet subcontractor goals, with potential penalties for non-compliance, including mandatory training, contract award bypassing, and potential debarment from state contracting for up to five years. The legislation aims to create more equitable contracting opportunities by addressing systemic barriers and historical discrimination in state procurement processes.

Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4586