Requires the department of administration to provide a list of certified minority and women-owned business enterprises to each prospective contractor of a construction project.
Impact
The passage of S2468 would amend existing laws under the 'Minority Business Enterprise' regulations within Rhode Island. By establishing firm quotas for minority and women-owned business participation, the bill aims to create a more inclusive procurement process that ensures these groups have equitable access to state contracting opportunities. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for a disparity study to be conducted every five years to evaluate and enhance participation efforts for these businesses.
Summary
Bill S2468 aims to enhance the participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in state contracts for construction projects. It mandates that all procurements include at least 15% participation from these entities, with specific allocations for businesses owned by minorities and women set at a minimum of 7.5% each. This legislative change is envisioned to promote economic equity and improve opportunities for these businesses in securing government contracts.
Contention
While supporters of S2468 argue that it represents a significant step towards rectifying historical inequities faced by minority and women-owned businesses, some opponents may view the mandated quotas as a form of reverse discrimination. There may be concerns that such regulations could complicate the procurement process or deter contractors from pursuing state projects due to the added requirements. This balance between addressing inequality and maintaining a straightforward contracting process will likely make the bill a subject of debate among legislators.