Henry County updates disparity-study procurement goals, rolls out OpenGov e‑bidding
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Summary
County staff reported progress implementing recommendations from a Griffin & Strong disparity study, including contract‑by‑contract aspirational goals for MBE/WBE participation and a move to OpenGov for electronic solicitation and vendor notifications.
Henry County staff reported to the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25 that the county is implementing recommendations from a comprehensive disparity study and moving solicitations to an electronic platform to increase vendor participation.
The county contracted Griffin and Strong, P.C., to perform a comprehensive disparity study. Staff said the study recommended setting contract‑by‑contract aspirational goals for minority business enterprises (MBEs) and women‑owned business enterprises (WBEs), starting with construction and large‑dollar contracts and expanding as capacity allows. "Griffin and Strong recommended that the county employ aspirational goals on a contract by contract goal setting in the areas of construction related services to begin for large dollar amount contracts and then expand based available resources," a staff presenter said.
Why it matters: the county said its goal is to increase outreach and measurable participation by historically underrepresented vendors while tailoring goals to the scope of each solicitation.
Key details and next steps - County staff described four procurement categories: construction, construction‑related services, non‑construction services and commodities. The disparity study found different levels of availability and subcontracting opportunity across those categories. - Year‑one achievements mentioned by staff included: commodities recommended goal 8% (achieved 23.2%); non‑construction related recommended 8% (achieved 71.1%); construction‑related recommended 21% (achieved 50.9%); construction recommended 31% (achieved 38%). Staff also gave category award totals: commodities $15,056; non‑construction $517,259; construction $1,485,947; construction‑related services $1,736,899. - The county has procured an e‑procurement platform, OpenGov, and the first electronic solicitations went live in February. Staff said OpenGov allows free vendor registration and automated notices for posted opportunities and addenda; the first bid (drainage improvements at Stokes Drive) had 852 project views and 76 downloads at last check; a second bid (dam and drainage design) had 214 views and 32 downloads. - Staff announced a vendor expo on March 27 at the administration building and plans to run vendor outreach twice yearly, plus training courses for local businesses to practice presenting to buyers.
What staff emphasized Staff said contract goals should be set by a team including procurement, finance and the user department, and that goals are aspirational and communicated to prime contractors in solicitations so primes can help the county meet goals. Staff also noted that some solicitations must still be posted on the State of Georgia registry when required (goods or services over $100,000).
End note: staff invited commissioners and the public to the March vendor expo and said additional technical assistance and outreach are planned to help small and minority‑owned firms compete for county contracts.
