Contracting with diverse vendors

We are committed to promoting contract opportunities for small and emerging small businesses (the smallest of the small firms). We use several methods for reducing disparities through contracting. These methods are aligned with legal constraints to make sure our purchasing practices remain fair.

What vendors should know

We look for vendors from small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses on the Central (CERT) Certification Program. Make sure you are registered.

Setting goals and incentives

For contracts over $100,000 the county may set a goal that a percentage of the contract work be performed by small, minority-owned, or women-owned businesses or add a small business enterprise (SBE) incentive (where vendors can earn more evaluation points based on greater SBE participation). Goals or incentives can be met through self-performance or through sub-contracting a portion of the job to other diverse vendors. Note: Setting goals for minority-owned, or women-owned businesses can only be used if there is documented disparity data.

Before the contract is awarded, the selected vendor must submit a subcontractor utilization plan in the county’s Contract Compliance System. If they cannot meet goals, they must show they have made good faith efforts.

After the contract begins, the contractor must provide regular subcontractor payment data in the county’s Contract Compliance System. The county monitors their progress throughout the life of the contract.

For more information and training materials, visit the Contract Compliance System
Business good faith efforts guidelines (PDF, 1MB)

Other methods used

Exclusive small business opportunities (sheltered markets)

We limit invitations to SBE and emerging small business enterprises (ESBE), as permitted by state statute.

Roster programs with first consideration given to small businesses

Community Engagement Roster - for community organizations that offer various engagement and outreach services
Professional technical services roster – for architects, engineers, environmental and real estate consultants, etc.
IT Consulting Services Program – for IT consultants for web-design, business analysis, programming, etc.

Scaling contract opportunities

We break up large contracts into several smaller contracts, or requiring that specific parts of a large contract are subcontracted to small businesses

Vendor outreach

We offer outreach events to SBE and ESBE firms.

Promoting a diverse vendor workforce

Requiring vendors to have affirmative action plans

For all non-construction contracts over $100,000, the county requires vendors to have a Workforce Certificate of Compliance from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and to submit a copy of their certificate to the county. Vendors can apply for this certificate at the Workforce Certificate of Compliance.

For construction contracts over $100,000, contractors are required to submit an affirmative action plan, specific to the project, PRIOR to contract award. An affirmative action plan is a set of goal-oriented management policies and procedures to eliminate barriers to employment and increase retention of minorities and women.

Setting construction workforce goals

Because of the nature of the business, construction workers are hired based on the contracted work being done. This gives the county the opportunity to influence who is hired and have a more immediate impact. This is done by setting contract workforce goals to hire a percentage of female and minority workers. The countywide goals are 32% for minorities and 20% for female workforce participation.

Before the contract is awarded the vendor must submit a workforce plan that shows how they are meeting the goals in the Project Workforce System. After the contract begins, the contractor must provide regular workforce data in the county’s Contract Compliance System. The county monitors their progress throughout the life of the contract.

Related construction resources

Requiring the use of apprentices on contracts

We have a Workforce Entry Program (WEP), which requires the contractor to use graduates of approved job training programs (apprentices) for a portion of the work or demonstrate it has made good faith efforts to do so. The apprentices gain valuable skills and knowledge while working on county projects. WEP's purpose is consistent with the county's longstanding support of providing unemployed and underemployed individuals the means to earn a better living through jobs training programs. See the list of WEP-approved programs (PDF, 1MB).

Providing job training to residents on probation

The Community Productive Day Construction Partnership Program was developed to help county residents on probation or under county supervision gain skills and training to secure meaningful employment in the construction trades. Learn more about the program.

Providing resources for small businesses to grow

We have several support programs to help small businesses increase their capacity and compete for contracts more effectively. Highlighted programs include:

Learn more about the county's small business programs.