HB97 Bill Summary

• Establishes preference for geographically disadvantaged business enterprises (GDBEs) in state, county, and municipal contracts, awarding to GDBE bidders within 3% of the lowest responsible bid, excluding federally-funded contracts.

• Defines GDBEs as entities certified as HUBZone Small Business Concerns, with principal place of business in Alabama qualified opportunity zones, or with majority employees residing/working in such zones.

• Requires Department of Finance to adopt procurement policies establishing goal that 3% or more of expenditures by fiscal year 2022-2023 go to GDBEs and to facilitate GDBE participation through subcontracts and joint ventures.

• Mandates GDBE certification through sworn affidavit filed with Department of Finance, requiring businesses to meet same requirements as other bidders including insurance compliance.

• Requires annual reporting to Governor and public on GDBE contract awards by department and business type, with Director monitoring compliance and reporting violations to Attorney General.