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GA SB295
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/26/2016
Primary Sponsor
Vincent Fort
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AI Summary
- Creates the Division of Supplier Diversity within the Department of Administrative Services, headed by a director appointed by the commissioner, to increase participation of minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in state contracts and subcontracts
- Establishes the position of minority and women owned business enterprises state-wide advocate to serve as a liaison for MWBEs, investigate complaints regarding certification delays and legal violations, and operate a toll-free assistance number
- Sets specific procurement participation goals for state agencies, including 28.92% overall for certified businesses, with targets broken down by industry (e.g., 14.34% for minority-owned in construction, 19.60% for minority-owned in nonconstruction services) and requires agency-specific goals based on a state-wide disparity study to be completed within 12 months and updated every two years
- Requires contractors on state contracts exceeding $35,000 (or $100,000 for real property) to submit utilization plans identifying certified MWBE subcontractors, undertake affirmative action in employment, and make good faith efforts to meet participation requirements, with a waiver process available when compliance is not feasible
- Authorizes enforcement actions including bid ineligibility for up to one year for first violations (up to five years for repeat violations within five years) involving fraudulent misrepresentation or willful disregard, and empowers contracting agencies to seek liquidated damages for breach of MWBE participation requirements
Legislative Description
Department of Administrative Services; create the Division of Supplier Diversity; provide appointment of director; powers and duties
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred
1/27/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available