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Sponsor seeks higher MBE/WBE targets and mandatory outreach; advocates press capacity building, contractors urge caution
Summary
Reps. introduced bills increasing minority/women‑owned business contracting goals and requiring DOA to give prime bidders a list of certified MBEs/WBEs; supporters called for increased transparency and capacity funding while builders and contractors warned of capacity constraints and urged phased steps.
The committee took testimony on House bills 5683 and 5684, companion measures aimed at increasing minority and women‑owned business (MBE/WBE) participation in state contracting and strengthening the Department of Administration’s obligation to make certified vendor lists available to prospective prime contractors.
Sponsor testimony cited the 2021 disparity study commissioned by the state, which the sponsor said showed that minority‑owned firms—particularly Black and Hispanic firms—receive a disproportionately small share of contracts designated for MBEs/WBEs. The sponsor said the bills would increase the…
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