A Message from the Mayor-President (Q2 2021)

Our New Division of Supplier Diversity is Good for the Local Economy

East Baton Rouge Parish is moving forward to create a more level playing field for all businesses and keep our local economy strong, and I have challenged the MOVEBR Program team to lead the way. The Metro Council voted unanimously to approve our proposed Division of Supplier Diversity that will, for the first time, certify minority, woman and veteran-owned small businesses and set individual project goals for participation based on availability in market sectors.

We are establishing a joint Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business (SEDB) certification program with BREC and the Metro Airport with the City-Parish Purchasing Department providing oversight for eligibility and the certification process. This new division will maintain a registry of SEDB firms to help the larger firms identify them for potential teaming opportunities and define goals for different services, materials and/or supplies.

Guidelines for eligibility for certification and decertification are being developed and will be available through the Purchasing Department. Our East Baton Rouge Parish goal is 25% overall participation in eligible annual City-Parish contract dollars awarded to businesses certified as disadvantaged. Our disparity study shows the capacity exists to accomplish this, but only 5% has been awarded in contracts historically.

I am especially excited that this program will help us build a strong local economy by strengthening our local business community, saving taxpayers money through competitive procurement opportunities, and promoting small business sustainability in our parish.

I look forward to sharing more about this program with you as it takes off.