Delaware takes steps to diversify state contract process

Delaware’s new Supplier Diversity Council will help increase the number of state contracts awarded to minority and women owned businesses.

Small business owners are getting better access to state contracts.

Delaware Governor Jack Markell (D) signed a new executive order calling for the creation of a centralized, online listing of all state contracts available for bid.  The website will also make the contract process more transparent, by including a list of what company won the contract.

“This is about leveling the playing field,” says Markell.  “As we rebuild the economy, we want the opportunities to be available to all businesses in Delaware.”  The order also calls for the state Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise to train small business owners to navigate the sometimes complex process of applying for state work.

The order also creates the Governor’s Supplier Diversity Council, which will monitor the success of the state’s effort to increase the number of minority and women owned businesses that win state contracts.

Markell says the state is trying to partner with small businesses to improve Delaware’s economy.  “I think it’s very important that people in government put themselves into the shoes of people who create jobs and prosperity in the first place.”  Markell says, “We don’t have a monopoly on good ideas.  We’ve got to be willing to reach out, to listen, and to act when others have good ideas too.”

You can see what contracts are available for bid on the state’s website, bids.delaware.gov.