Bill > A03518

This bill requires contracting agencies to actively engage with minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) that are listed on a utilization plan, which is a document outlining how a contractor intends to use MWBEs in a project. Specifically, contracting agencies must contact these listed MWBEs after a contract is awarded and ensure that the contractor actually uses them, unless the MWBE cannot perform the work or is no longer certified by the state. The bill also mandates that contractors must execute subcontractor agreements and provide work assignments to listed MWBEs within 45 days of contract award, and pay them within 20 days of receiving their own payment from the agency, with provisions for good faith efforts and dispute resolution. Furthermore, it allows certified minority-owned, women-owned, or dually certified businesses to self-certify and perform work to meet contract goals, and clarifies that these provisions apply to all public contracts where a request for proposals is issued.