Okaloosa County BOCC — May 5, 2015 — Small and Disadvantaged Minority and Women Business Enterprises Policy DRAFT

Small and Disadvantaged Minority and Women Business Enterprises A. Policy Statement: Okaloosa County stands committed to providing equal opportunities to small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises ( DBE), minority business enterprises ( MBEs) and women business enterprises ( WBEs) as well as to all vendors, consultants, contractors and subcontractors who seek to do business with the County. Pursuant to this policy, Okaloosa County encourages its vendors, consultants, contractors and subcontractors to provide qualified small businesses and DBE's with an equal opportunity to participate in the formal competitive processes for the procurement of commodities and services by the County. The Policy is not intended to require or to allow partiality toward or discrimination against any small business or DBE, MBE, WBE, or any other vendor, consultant, contractor or subcontractor on the basis of gender, race or national origin, or other such factors, but rather to create an opportunity for small businesses and DBEs, MBEs, WBEs, and all qualified vendors, consultants, contractors and subcontractors to participate in the County's formal competitive processes. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed to provide for or require any preference or set -aside based on gender, race, national origin or any other such factor. B. Implementing Measures: In an effort to implement this policy, the County may undertake the following measures: 1. Designate the Purchasing Manager to administer this policy. 2. Utilize outreach programs to identify, register and educate small businesses and DBEs, MBEs and WBEs to participate in the procurement/contract process which may include: a. Attending trade fairs which include representatives from these enterprises. b. Attending meetings and social events wherein these enterprises are present. c. Utilizing publications aimed at reaching these enterprises. d. Utilizing Purchasing Directories and other reference sources that list these enterprises. e. Publicizing this Policy to encourage these enterprises to participate in the County's procurement process. f. Other actions designed to identify opportunities for these enterprises who seek to provide commodities and services to the County. 3. Maintain a list of these enterprises. 1 4. Disseminate information regarding competitive opportunities with the County in order to allow qualified small businesses and DBEs, MBEs and WBEs to participate in the County's procurement process. C. Conformity with Applicable Law: The provisions of this section shall be construed in conformity with applicable state and federal law. To the extent that state law conflicts with federal law, federal law shall supersede such state law. 2