Senate Minority Business Enterprises, Women Owned Businesses, and Veteran Owned Businesses in State Contracting Study Committee; create
Impact
If implemented, SR286 could significantly alter the landscape of state contracting by mandating the study of current contracting practices and policies. The committee would be tasked with identifying barriers that hinder minority and women business enterprises and veteran-owned businesses from successfully obtaining state contracts. This study may result in recommendations for legislative changes or new policies aimed at promoting equity in state procurement processes, potentially leading to increased economic development for these underrepresented groups.
Summary
Bill SR286 proposes the establishment of a Senate Minority Business Enterprises, Women Owned Businesses, and Veteran Owned Businesses in State Contracting Study Committee. The intent of this committee is to enhance participation by minority and women-owned businesses, as well as veteran-owned enterprises, in state contracting processes. This initiative aims to address existing disparities and provide these businesses with greater access to government contracts and procurement opportunities, ultimately fostering a more inclusive economic environment within the state.
Contention
The bill has been met with both support and skepticism among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that forming this committee is a critical step in closing the disparities faced by minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in securing state contracts. They see this initiative as long overdue and necessary for fair representation in government contracting. However, some critics may question the effectiveness of another study and whether it will lead to meaningful changes or simply serve as a bureaucratic process without real impact on improving contract accessibility for these businesses.
Increases the minimum required awarded to minority business enterprises from 15% to 20% and of that, requires a minimum of 10% be awarded to minority owned businesses and a minimum of 10% be awarded to women owned businesses.
Establishes Division of Minority and Women Business Development and State Chief Disparity Officer to monitor efforts to promote participation by minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State contracting.
Establishes minority youth-owned business enterprises in the state of New York and the city of New York; creates certain contracting opportunities for members of minority youth-owned business enterprises; establishes an implementation program and oversight committee for minority youth-owned business enterprises.
Requires that certain contracts let by the office of general services be reserved for small businesses, including minority-owned business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises.
In diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.
In diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.