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.

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