The bill amends Section 37-14.1-6 of the General Laws regarding Minority Business Enterprise participation in state procurements and construction projects. It requires the Department of Administration to provide a list of certified minority and women-owned business enterprises to each prospective contractor. No waivers for compliance with this chapter can be granted until contractors receive assistance from the Department of Administration.

Additionally, upon issuance of a waiver, the Department of Administration must make publicly available records of all waivers, which will include information identifying the contract, the contracting agency, the contractor receiving the waiver, the date of the waiver, and the specific contract provisions to which the waiver applies.

Furthermore, if a contracting agency substantially fails to make a good faith effort to achieve maximum feasible participation of minority and women-owned business enterprises, it is required to submit a remedial action plan to the Director of the Department of Administration to address such failure. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5684: 37-14.1-6