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.
The bill requires the Rhode Island Department of Administration to provide a certified list of minority and women-owned business enterprises to contractors for all construction projects. This move is expected to streamline the process for contractors in identifying qualified business partners and ensuring compliance with the new participation mandates. Additionally, the legislation prohibits the issuance of any waivers regarding these requirements unless the contractors have received assistance from the department, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting minority and women-owned businesses.
House Bill 5684 focuses on enhancing the participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises in state contracting processes, particularly in construction projects. This legislation mandates that minority business enterprises be included in all procurements and ensures that a minimum of 15% of the total project value be awarded to such entities. Specifically, this includes a requirement that at least half of this share is set aside for businesses owned by minorities and the other half for those owned by women, aiming to promote equity in state contracts.
One notable aspect of the bill is the inclusion of a disparity study aimed at assessing and addressing potential barriers faced by these enterprises in participating in state contracts. This study will be conducted every five years, beginning in fiscal year 2025, and is intended to inform future policy decisions related to minority and women-owned business participation in state contracting. The bill's stipulation that provisions cannot be waived during emergencies adds an additional layer of security for these businesses, ensuring their participation is upheld regardless of external circumstances.