Grand Rapids staff propose pilot to raise MLBE bid-discount cap to boost local contractor participation

Summary

City staff outlined proposed changes to the Equal Business Opportunity (MLBE) program, including a three-year pilot to raise the bid-discount cap from 5%/$100,000 to 10% up to $200,000 aimed at expanding subcontractor use, plus tightened MLBE certification rules and targeted supports for small prime contractors.

City staff on the commission dais presented proposed updates to the citys equal-business-opportunity programs designed to increase use of certified micro and local business enterprises.

Mister Davis of the Office of Equity and Engagement introduced the briefing and said staff intend the updates to align city commission policy language (policy 600-12 and 600-15) with administrative policy 04-01 (MLBE certification). "Wewant to be more in alignment with neighborhoods of focus and current census-tract data," Davis said.

Alvin Hills, who led the policy details, said the package includes two new bid-discount categories for construction and for goods/services: a 2% maximum discount for externally certified employee-owned businesses (2% Kent County; 1% state-level) and a 1% discount for participants in the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks urban/community forestry program. Hills said an administrative-guideline…

Grand Rapids staff propose pilot to raise MLBE bid-discount cap to boost local contractor participation

Summary

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