House Bill 904 Summary

• Establishes the "Opportunities for Diversity in Contracting Program (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 program compliance, analyzing spending opportunities with ODC vendors, reporting enrollment data, and implementing a scorecard tracking system.

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

• Authorizes the MDA to establish procurement goals for ODC business enterprise participation by certification category (construction, professional services, goods/services, information technology) based on availability of eligible participants.

• Requires agencies to submit quarterly reports of ODC waivers to the MDA for review; agencies that improperly administer waivers must obtain MDA approval for future waivers until demonstrating consistent compliance.

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