During the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast in Boston, Governor Maura Healey revealed a new initiative aimed at increasing diversity among businesses awarded state contracts. In collaboration with the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), Healey is pushing to reassess and reopen existing contracts to bolster opportunities for diverse and small businesses. According to a press release, this move includes the swearing in of the state's inaugural Diverse and Small Business Advisory Board for the SDO.
Our administration applies an equity lens to everything we do – and that includes the process to award state contracts. "We’re proud to be taking this step to reopen contracts that can provide more opportunities for diverse and small businesses to compete,” Healey said, eyeing new chances for these businesses. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll echoed this sentiment, underscoring the role of local businesses as the state's backbone. Driscoll outlined their administration's dedication to throwing open the doors to state business opportunities.
The partnership between the Operational Services Division (OSD) and the SDO has pinpointed changes in information technology, energy and climate action, and other industries for diverse businesses. These contracts are set to reopen to new vendors later in the year, with regular reviews planned to uncover further opportunities for such businesses.
Responsiveness from diverse entrepreneurs is being closely monitored by the SDO in preparation for the bidding on state contracts, connecting them with necessary training and technical help. For the newly minted advisory board, Nicole Obi, the leader of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, will serve as chair.“It’s our goal to support the administration in their efforts to increase the diversity of the businesses contracted by the state and to advise the administration in the best ways to reach these businesses. Opening the door for opportunity is key to making Massachusetts a more equitable state for all.” Obi said.
State initiatives are expanding, with the SDO proposing updates to definitions and regulations, adding supplier diversity language in grant opportunities, and creating new avenues for diverse businesses in state-funded projects. As part of Healey's pledge to maintain an equity focus, these advancements follow in the wake of support programs for veteran-owned businesses, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ and disability-owned businesses in state spending, and online tools to enhance partnerships between the state and certified diverse businesses.
Moreover, some of the pioneering actions by the governor include updating clemency guidelines, recommending pardons, launching an equity assessment across the administration, and establishing dedicated councils for black and Latino empowerment.
