Senate Bill 704 aims to enhance state procurement practices by establishing preferences for woman-owned businesses in the procurement of architectural and engineering services. The bill mandates that the Department of Administration (DOA) ensure that at least 5 percent of the total expenditures for these services each fiscal year are directed to certified woman-owned businesses, mirroring the existing requirement for minority-owned businesses. Additionally, the DOA is required to report annually to the governor and legislature on the contracts awarded and funds disbursed to woman-owned businesses, similar to the reporting obligations for minority-owned businesses.

The bill introduces new definitions and reporting requirements, including the creation of a definition for "woman-owned business" and the inclusion of woman-owned businesses in existing reporting frameworks. Specifically, it amends current statutes to incorporate woman-owned businesses into the annual reports detailing financial engagements with minority and disabled veteran-owned businesses. The bill also clarifies that the DOA will only consider amounts paid to businesses certified under specific statutes when assessing compliance with procurement goals. Overall, this legislation seeks to promote equity in state contracting by ensuring woman-owned businesses receive a fair share of state procurement opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16.75(3m)(c)4, 16.75, 16.75(3m)(c)5.a