Senate Bill 2591 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 program compliance, analyzing spending gaps, tracking ODC expenditures, and reporting to MDA quarterly.

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

• Establishes waiver procedures requiring procurement officer and ODC compliance officer review, with MDA authority to audit waivers and require MDA approval for agencies with improper waiver administration.

• Amends Section 31-7-13 to require use of point systems or comparable evaluation methods for determining lowest and best bids on contracts over $5,000, taking ODC certification into account; effective July 1, 2024.