Starting July 1, 2020, the Commonwealth is implementing new strategies to enhance women and minority participation on public construction projects. Through its Affirmative Marketing Program (“AMP”) Massachusetts is “amping” up its outreach, education and training efforts to attract more women-owned business (“WBE”) and minority-owned business (“MBE”) contractors, material suppliers, and design professionals.
In order to maximize effectiveness, the participation goals will be separate and distinct for MBE as compared to WBE, as well as being project specific, and falling under the umbrella of annual goals. The goals will seek to address existing disparities while considering availability of MBE and WBE options for each project. The new rules will apply to the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (“DCAMM”) and certain other public building projects.
Governor Baker also recently proposed legislation that will create even more opportunities for MBE and WBE businesses in public construction work, which would provide new opportunities for small MBE and WBE businesses to participate in certain projects. Stay tuned for updates on that legislation.
For more information on the new AMP initiatives check out the DCAMM website at www.mass.gov/dcamm-contract-compliance or contact your construction lawyer.
