S.B. No. 73 Summary

• Director of Administrative Services shall establish the "encouraging diversity, growth, and equity program" (EDGE) to certify and promote contracting with disadvantaged businesses based on social and economic disadvantage criteria.

• Community colleges, state community colleges, technical colleges, and university branches must set aside a percentage of contracts for minority business enterprises as specified in section 125.081 of the Revised Code.

• Director must establish certification procedures, procurement goals by region and industry classification, and compliance monitoring systems for EDGE business enterprises participating in state contracts.

• State institutions of higher education and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission may establish agency procurement goals for contracting with EDGE businesses under Chapters 153, 3318, and 3345 of the Revised Code.

• Business and personal financial information submitted by applicants to the EDGE program is confidential and not subject to public records disclosure unless presented at a public hearing regarding program eligibility.