Bill > S2503

This bill, titled "Relative to equity in public contracting in honor of Bruce C. Bolling," aims to promote greater diversity in state contracting by requiring the Commonwealth to set minority business enterprise (MBE) and women business enterprise (WBE) contracting goals that mirror the state's diverse population. MBEs are businesses owned by individuals from minority racial or ethnic groups, and WBEs are businesses owned by women. The bill also expands the definition of "responsible" for bidders on public contracts to include consideration of their past compliance with workforce inclusion and MBE/WBE employment commitments. Furthermore, it mandates that the supplier diversity office establish a data collection program to track progress towards these contracting and workforce participation goals, with a focus on ensuring meaningful participation by MBEs, WBEs, and veteran-owned businesses, and requires regular reporting on this progress to legislative leaders. Finally, the bill clarifies that joint ventures, where at least two businesses collaborate with one being an MBE or WBE, will be recognized as a way to achieve these diversity goals.