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CBI and procurement unveil draft MWSBE master utilization plan to increase contractor participation on CIP projects
Summary
City procurement and the Charlotte Business Inclusion office presented a draft MWSBE (minority‑, women‑ and small‑business) master utilization plan on Feb. 3 to guide more proactive outreach, early engagement in projects and barrier reduction. The plan calls for improved goal‑setting, targeted outreach and technical assistance and proposes metrics
Charlotte’s procurement division and the Charlotte Business Inclusion (CBI) office presented a draft Master Utilization Plan for MWSBE (minority, women and small business enterprise) participation in capital investment projects to the Strategy & Budget Committee on Feb. 3.
CBI procurement staff, led by Steven Coker with support from Monica Allen (City Manager’s Office), said the plan grew from a policy referral and workshops with community groups including minority and women contractor associations and local small‑business groups. The plan sets four strategic objectives: (1) early engagement of CBI in project planning; (2) project development that maximizes MWSBE opportunities including unbundling larger projects; (3) targeted outreach and priority solicitation of certified MWSBEs; and (4) removing barriers by expanding bid‑preparation, bonding assistance, quick‑pay pilots and 1:1 technical support.
Procurement staff said they will track outcomes such as percent of contract goals met, total MWSBE spend, number of MWSBEs awarded prime contracts, number of outreach events and number of businesses receiving technical assistance. The plan proposes a mix of adjustments to project delivery, pre‑bid communications and partnership with a contractor‑development consultant and community groups to expand certification and capacity.
Committee members welcomed the draft and asked that outreach include Asian‑American and other under‑represented business groups. Staff noted an existing quick‑pay pilot to address cash‑flow barriers, and signaled intent to work with finance, asset managers and the CBI advisory committee to implement the plan. Staff said they will return with a refined plan and seek committee approval in April 2025.
