OCII amends small-business rules to match City LBE thresholds

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on March 15 approved an amendment to the agency's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) policy to harmonize OCII thresholds and methodology with the City and County of San Francisco's Small Local Business Enterprise (LBE) program.

Yvonne Karimis, contract compliance specialist, presented the proposed changes, saying the update would increase most size thresholds and shift to a five-year average for gross receipts. Key proposed increases include construction services from $20,000,000 to $24,000,000; suppliers from $10,000,000 to $12,000,000; professional and personal services from $2.5 million to $5 million; and trucking from $3.5 million to $5 million. OCII's threshold for specialty construction contractors would remain at $14,000,000 even though the City recently increased that category to $12,000,000.

Karimis said the agency would update its website and marketing materials and that staff can do targeted mass emails to certified firms and vendors in OCII's database to ensure awareness.

"This change will increase the size thresholds allowing small businesses to not graduate from qualifying as a small business," Karimis said.

Caller Oscar James, a Bayview-Hunters Point resident, offered public comment in support of the program.

Vice Chair Carmen Rosales, who helped draft local business program changes in the past, praised aligning OCII policy with city policy and asked about outreach; staff agreed to mass email certified firms and update materials. Commissioner Frank Scott moved the item; Vice Chair Rosales seconded. The secretary reported three ayes and one absent; the motion carried.

Staff said they would revise SBE agreements and policy documents and begin outreach to certified firms and known vendors.