HI HB1382

Establishes a three-year small business assistance initiative within the state procurement office, operating until June 30, 2020, to develop effective small business contracting programs and collect relevant data and metrics.

Creates a small business advisory group convened by the chief procurement officer, consisting of state agencies, non-profit entities, and local businesses, responsible for making recommendations on program expansion, staffing, funding, and procurement goals.

Establishes a small business procurement coordinator position (exempt from civil service) within the state procurement office to maintain a statewide small business database, manage certification and registration processes, and collect feedback from vendors and procurement staff.

Establishes a small business office operated by contract with a Hawaii-based small business advocacy group (preferably owned by a native Hawaiian, veteran, or female) to provide training, outreach campaigns, workshops, and vendor support services.

Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 to complete the state small business database, fund the procurement coordinator position, and hire a contractor to operate the small business office and conduct outreach marketing.