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Orange County advances SBE policy debate after hours of public comment over thresholds and enforcement
Summary
After extensive public comment and commissioner debate, staff will return next month with refinements to a proposed Small Business Enterprise policy that sets gross‑receipts limits and participation goals; commissioners asked for higher thresholds, clearer local‑headquarter rules and stronger compliance measures.
Orange County commissioners heard more than an hour of public comment and an extended presentation on Friday as staff sought final direction on a proposed Small Business Enterprise (SBE) policy intended to replace the county's suspended minority‑business program.
Business Development Manager Sheena Ferguson presented the policy and procedures manual the administration recommends, including certification rules, three‑year gross‑receipt calculations and proposed size caps: $13.1 million for construction firms, $7.0 million for professional services, $7.0 million for goods and $5.7 million for services. The manual would set an aspirational SBE participation goal of 15 percent and make direct awards to certified SBEs for procurements up to $190,000.
Ferguson said the draft followed a year of outreach — 21 webinars, two town halls in English and Spanish and…
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