Connecticut House Bill HB06638

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/15
• Refer: 1/28/15
• Refer: 3/27/15

Caption

An Act Concerning State-wide Percentage Goals For The Award Of State Procurement Contracts To Women-owned And Minority Business Enterprises.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6638 would significantly amend existing state procurement laws by mandating participation goals that could reshape how contracts are awarded. The bill stipulates that the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management will set these goals every two years, taking into account the availability of qualified minority and women-owned businesses. This aspect indicates a proactive approach towards monitoring and improving participation rates while addressing historical imbalances. Additionally, the bill promotes transparency by requiring regular evaluations of agency compliance and performance related to these goals.

Summary

House Bill 6638 aims to establish state-wide percentage goals for the allocation of state procurement contracts specifically to women-owned and minority business enterprises. The bill seeks to ensure a fair representation and opportunity for these groups in the procurement processes by requiring state agencies to aim for at least 25% of their procurement contract value to be awarded to these businesses. This legislative move is framed as a critical step towards promoting economic empowerment and reducing disparities faced by minority and women entrepreneurs in accessing government contracts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 6638 is largely positive among proponents who view it as a necessary measure to foster inclusivity and drive economic growth among minority and women-owned business sectors. Supporters argue that establishing these procurement goals will not only enhance competition but also aid in the visibility and viability of these businesses within the state economy. Conversely, some critics may argue about the practicality and implementation of such goals, expressing concerns about fairness versus mandated quotas, challenging the feasibility of achieving these targets without impairing overall competitive bidding.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the potential creation of quotas which some opponents perceive as counterproductive to a truly competitive landscape. There is apprehension that strict adherence to participation goals may lead to a tick-box approach rather than genuine engagement with minority and women-owned enterprises. Additionally, debate may arise regarding the effectiveness of the set-aside program, questioning whether specific outreach efforts adequately support the intended businesses or if they merely comply with legislative mandates without meaningful impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.