Since that time, two disparity studies have been commissioned by the City of Austin and the ordinance has been re-evaluated and amended. The last study was conducted in 2007-2008.
SMBR is responsible for the implementation of the certification process for the City of Austin and for ensuring that only firms that meet the eligibility criteria are certified as MBEs or WBEs in compliance with City of Austin Code of Ordinances
SMBR provides development opportunities and resources so that small and minority businesses enterprises can have affirmative access to city procurement opportunities and succeed in their efforts to grow. SMBR offers monthly workshops, construction plans, surety bonding counseling, and access and assistance to trade association membership so that small businesses are better prepared to bid on contracting opportunities.
The MBE/WBE program encourages minorities and women participation on City contracts by establishing special procurement goals on City contracts above the City Manager’s spending authority. Goals for MBE and WBE participation differ from contract to contract, based on the type of contract, the availability of MBEs and WBEs to perform the functions of the contract, and other factors. Minority goals may be either aggregate MBE/WBE goals or race-specific goals depending on the project.
The City’s MBE/WBE program is intended to
- promote and encourage MBEs and WBEs to participate in business opportunities with the City of Austin;
- afford MBEs and WBEs an equal opportunity to compete for work on City contracts; and
- encourage contractors to provide subcontracting opportunities to certified MBEs and WBEs by soliciting such Firms for subcontracting opportunities.
| Annual Participation Goals for The Program |
|---|
| Group |
Construction |
Professional Services |
Non-professional Services |
Commodities |
|---|
| African-American |
1.7% |
1.9% |
2.5% |
0.3% |
| Hispanic |
9.7% |
9.0% |
9.9% |
2.5% |
| Native/Asian American |
2.3% |
4.9% |
1.7% |
0.7% |
| MBE |
13.7% |
15.8% |
14.1% |
3.5% |
| WBE |
13.8% |
15.8% |
15.0% |
6.2% |
| |
| DBE Proposed Program Goal FY 2008-2009 |
|---|
| DBE |
28.56% |
DBE Proposed Program Goal PDF Document |
MBE /WBE Chapters under Title 2- Administration of the City Code of Ordinances
Chapter 2-9A CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 2-9B PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Chapter 2-9C NONPROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Chapter 2-9D COMMODITIES
Procurement Rules
MBE / WBE Procurement Program Rules [Effective January 1, 2011 (Adobe Acrobat format)]
Rule 11.5 - Notice of Rule Adoption [Effective January 1, 2011 (Adobe Acrobat format)]
