Bill > HB29

This bill establishes the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program in Pennsylvania to increase opportunities for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone businesses in state government contracting. The program requires executive and independent agencies to set contract-specific goals for HUB zone business participation: 20% for contracts between $100,000 and $750,000, and 25% for contracts over $750,000. The Department of General Services will administer the program, including developing policies, providing training and assistance to HUB zone businesses, soliciting these businesses for appropriate procurements, and monitoring contract compliance. Bidders can request waivers from these participation goals by demonstrating "good faith efforts" to include HUB zone businesses, which will be evaluated based on their documented attempts to meet the goals. The program expands the definition of "diverse and disadvantaged businesses" to explicitly include HUB zone businesses, and requires agencies to maintain source lists of verified diverse and disadvantaged businesses. HUB zone businesses are defined as for-profit businesses located in a designated underutilized business zone that meet specific federal qualification criteria. The program aims to promote economic opportunities for businesses in economically challenged areas by increasing their participation in government procurement. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Business and Industry

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=29