PURCHASING POLICY

The goal of the Procurement Inclusion Program is to include certified Minority or Women owned businesses (M/WBE's) in every possible segment of the procurement process by affording M/WBE's an opportunity, on a competitive basis to be considered for and awarded City business.

DEFINITIONS

Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) as defined by the Small Business Administration

A M/WBE is any legal entity organized to engage in commercial transactions which is at least 51 percent owned, controlled and operated by one or more minorities or women.

Veteran-owned small business as defined by the Small Business Administration

1. A small business that: is at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)); or
2. A publicly owned business with at least 51% of the stock of which is unconditionally owned by one or more veterans; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more veterans.

Small disadvantaged business as defined by the Small Business Administration

Small Disadvantaged Business means a small business that: (i) has received certification as a small disadvantaged business consistent with 13 CFR part 124, Subpart B; (ii) no material change in disadvantaged ownership and control has occurred since its certification; (iii) where the is owned by one or more individuals, the net worth of each individual upon whom the certification is based does not exceed $750,000, after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104©(2); and (iv) is identified, on the date of its representation, as a certified small disadvantaged business in the database maintained by the Small Business Administration

Historically underutilized business as defined by the State of Texas

Historically Underutilized Business means a business that is owned at least 51 percent owned, controlled and operated by one or more minorities or women; has its principal place of business in Texas, and has an owner residing in Texas with a proportionate interest that actively participates in the control, operations and management of the entity's affairs.

Certification:

The process by which a business is initially determined to be a bona-fide minority or woman owned business.

Certified:

A certified company is a minority or woman owned business that has met the requirements established by an authorized agency of the State of Texas or Federal Government.

Sourcing:

Sourcing is the process of identifying qualified and certified M/WBE suppliers.

OBJECTIVES

The Procurement Inclusion Program will increase the awareness and sensitivity of employees to M/WBE's and assures fair and non-discriminatory consideration when competing with other suppliers.

SECTION 4: Procurement Inclusion Program NUMBER: 06-02

APPROVED BY: POLICY DATE: REVISED DATE: