Bill > A4723

This bill modifies the role of the Chief Diversity Officer (now renamed Chief Supplier Development Officer) and establishes the New Jersey Office of Supplier Development and Business Opportunities within the Department of the Treasury. The bill expands the officer's responsibilities to include monitoring and reporting on the state's public contracting process, with a focus on tracking contracts awarded to certified business enterprises. These certified businesses now include a broader range of enterprises such as small businesses, minority-owned and women-owned businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, LGBTQ+ businesses, and veteran-owned businesses. The new office will support the Chief Supplier Development Officer by reviewing procurement policies, expanding outreach to certified businesses, processing business certifications, monitoring contract awards, providing training to state agencies, and evaluating the implementation of a cloud-based data management system for tracking contract awards. The bill requires state agencies and contracting units to submit detailed reports about their contract awards, develop annual compliance plans, and provide data to support transparency in the public procurement process. The goal is to enhance opportunities for diverse and small businesses in state contracting and improve reporting and accountability in the procurement system.

Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4723