House Bill 363 Summary

• Establishes the Opportunities for Diversity in Contracting (ODC) Program administered by the Mississippi Development Authority to increase state contracting opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses with net worth not exceeding $750,000.

• Requires each state agency to appoint an ODC compliance officer responsible for monitoring ODC Program compliance, analyzing spending opportunities, tracking expenditures, and implementing MDA-developed training and scorecard systems.

• Mandates state contracts include language prohibiting discriminatory employment practices, certifying compliance with labor laws, and encouraging purchase of goods and services from certified ODC vendors.

• Requires agencies to use point systems or comparable evaluation methods when determining lowest and best bids for purchases over $5,000, with ODC waiver requests subject to procurement officer review and quarterly reporting to MDA.

• Directs MDA to file annual reports with Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of House regarding ODC Program progress and initiatives to increase certified ODC vendors doing business with the state, effective July 1, 2013.