House Bill 73 Summary

• Establishes the Opportunities for Diversity in Contracting (ODC) Program administered by the Mississippi Development Authority to increase state contracting with 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 program compliance, analyzing spending opportunities, tracking ODC vendor participation, and attending semiannual MDA training.

• Mandates state contracts include language prohibiting discriminatory employment practices, certifying compliance with fair labor laws, and encouraging use of certified ODC vendors as subcontractors.

• Establishes ODC waiver procedures requiring review by procurement and compliance officers with quarterly reporting to MDA; agencies failing proper administration lose waiver authority until MDA approves restoration.

• Amends Mississippi Code Section 31-7-13 to require point systems established under the ODC Act be used when determining lowest and best bidders for purchases over $5,000.