Section 20-h. Office of minority and women-owned business enterprises.

   a.   Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

      Agency M/WBE officer. The term "agency M/WBE officer" means a deputy commissioner or other executive officer designated pursuant to subdivision f of section 6-129 of the administrative code.

      Director. The term "director" means the holder of the position defined under paragraph (14) of subdivision c of section 6-129 of the administrative code.

      M/WBE. The term "M/WBE" means a minority or women-owned business enterprise certified in accordance with section 1304.

      Office. The term "office" means the office of minority and women-owned business enterprises.

   b.   Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in section 6-129 of the administrative code, the director shall report directly to the mayor.

   c.   The mayor shall establish an office of minority and women-owned business enterprises within any office of the mayor. The head of such office shall be either the director or an individual who shall report directly to the director.

   d.   The office shall perform the following duties:

      1.   Monitor agencies' compliance with section 1304 of the charter and section 6-129 of the administrative code, and assist the director in carrying out the director's duties under section 6-129 of the administrative code;

      2.   Work with agency staff, including agency M/WBE officers, to facilitate M/WBE participation in city procurement opportunities;

      3.   Facilitate communication between M/WBEs, other members of the public and agencies to address M/WBE-related concerns;

      4.   Assist in the development of policies, maintain oversight and help expand agency programming relating to M/WBEs across all city agencies;

      5.   Carry out outreach and education efforts regarding programs and opportunities for M/WBEs to engage in city procurement, including efforts to encourage eligible firms to certify as M/WBEs with the city;

      6.   Establish and maintain relationships with the public to promote government procurement opportunities for M/WBEs; and

      7.   Other duties as the mayor may assign.

   e.   The head of each agency shall cooperate with and furnish to the office such information and assistance as may be required in order for the office to perform its duties.

(L.L. 2019/215, 12/11/2019, eff. 3/31/2020)