Business Inclusion

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Extends MBE Program

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission voted Aug. 5 to extend its interim Minority Business Enterprise program for 120 days to ensure equal and fair access to contracting opportunities.

A disparity study reviewing how well the program is meeting its goals will also be conducted. The previous disparity study was completed in 2005.

In fiscal year 2009, over $107 million was awarded to MBEs by the WSSC or prime contractors, 27% of the total discretionary spending.

Davenport, Iowa, Set to Initiative Affirmative Procurement Program

Following a disparity study that found significant disparities in the City of Davenport's contracting, the City Council plans to create new programs designed to overcome those disparities and level the playing field.

From the article:

City Administrator Craig Malin said a number of recommendations from Mason Tillman are already in the works, and will be brought before the council for approval soon. Then, city staff will work on implementing them.

Recommendations include expanding the city's Disadvantaged Business Program, starting a micro-loan program, establishing a set goal for minority and African-American contracting, and creating an ordinance that would prohibit bidders from negotiating separate affirmative action agreements outside the city's purview.