Assembly Bill 716 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 the 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, specifically creating a definition for "woman-owned business" and amending existing statutes to include woman-owned businesses in the reporting and compliance metrics. Notably, the bill amends sections 16.75 (3m) (c) 4. and 16.75 (3m) (c) 5. a. to incorporate woman-owned businesses into the existing framework for minority and disabled veteran-owned businesses. Furthermore, it establishes a new section, 16.87 (2) (bm), which explicitly states the goal of ensuring that 5 percent of expenditures are allocated to woman-owned businesses.

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