Connecticut Senate Bill SB00792

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/17
• Refer: 2/9/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Contracting And Procurement Relief.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to streamline the contracting process for municipalities and quasi-public agencies by enforcing set-aside provisions that target minority and small business enterprises. As municipalities receive state funding for public works contracts, they will be mandated to comply with these revised regulations. The proposed changes signal a commitment to foster economic opportunity for small businesses, particularly those owned by minority groups, which can help in addressing systemic inequities in state contracting practices.

Summary

SB00792, known as the Act Concerning Contracting And Procurement Relief, proposes significant changes to public contracting laws in the state. The bill aims to revise the definitions and requirements surrounding municipal public works contracts and quasi-public agency projects. Specifically, it amends existing statutes to clarify that a percentage of contracts should be set aside for small and minority business enterprises, thereby promoting diversity and inclusion in state contracts. This adjustment is seen as a necessary step towards ensuring equitable access to state-funded projects for smaller, often underrepresented contractors.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB00792 may focus on the effectiveness of set-aside requirements and their potential impact on the competitiveness of public contracts. Proponents argue that the bill creates fair opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses, which have historically faced barriers in obtaining state contracts. Critics, however, may express concerns regarding the ability of smaller contractors to fulfill large contracts or the impact of such mandates on overall project costs and delivery timelines. The tension between fostering diversity in contracts and maintaining a competitive procurement environment could be a significant point of discussion during legislative reviews.