The bill addresses critical findings from a performance audit of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA) for the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, which revealed significant deficiencies in its compliance with spending benchmarks for diverse suppliers, including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. Specifically, MSCBA failed to meet the Supplier Diversity Office's (SDO) benchmarks for minority- and women-owned businesses, with spending at only 0.2% and 1.2%, respectively, while it did meet the benchmark for veteran-owned businesses. The bill mandates that MSCBA develop and implement policies to monitor compliance with these benchmarks, including those for LGBTQ and disabled-owned businesses, effective July 1, 2024.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for MSCBA to enhance its internal controls and business continuity plans (BCP) to address previously identified deficiencies. It requires the establishment of a comprehensive internal control plan based on an agency-wide risk assessment and updates to the BCP to include essential components such as risk management procedures. The bill also highlights the importance of improving information system controls, including timely revocation of employee access rights and regular cybersecurity training. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen MSCBA's operational effectiveness, accountability, and commitment to diversity in its procurement processes.