Bill > HF2097

This bill expands the Metropolitan Council's ability to work with small businesses and veteran-owned businesses in several key ways. The bill allows the Metropolitan Council to directly negotiate contracts for construction or maintenance work under a certain dollar threshold without going through a full competitive bidding process. It also modifies existing small business programs by allowing the council to award preferences to small targeted group businesses and veteran-owned small businesses up to specific percentage thresholds in bidding for goods, services, and construction work. The bill permits the council to set aside contracts specifically for small targeted group or veteran-owned businesses if at least three such businesses are likely to respond to a solicitation. Additionally, the bill allows the council to establish subcontracting goals that require prime contractors to work with small targeted group and veteran-owned businesses, with provisions for financial incentives and penalties. The bill also updates language related to working capital loan guarantees for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, making technical corrections to references and definitions. The changes will apply specifically to the seven-county metropolitan area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties) and become effective immediately after enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2097&ssn=0&y=2025