(a) The City of Springfield, Ohio, commits to fostering an inclusive environment where Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), as outlined in Section 153.02, are actively encouraged to participate in City contracts. This policy aligns with federal regulations, including the United States Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Part 23, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11625, October 13, 1971, Executive Order 11246, and all other applicable laws and regulations regarding contracting opportunities for DBEs and MBEs.
(b) The City establishes the following inclusive goals for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and the Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Program.
(1) To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts;
(2) To create a level playing field on which MBEs and DBEs can compete fairly for contracts;
(3) To ensure that the MBE/WBE and DBE Programs are narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
(4) To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as MBEs and DBEs;
(5) To help remove barriers to the participation of MBEs and DBEs in contracts and subcontracts;
(6) To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the MBE and DBE Programs;
(7) To promote the use of MBEs and DBEs in all types of contracts and procurement activities conducted by recipients; and,
(8) To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of applicable financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for MBEs and DBEs.
(c) Corporations, firms, or individuals benefiting from City-provided tax abatement or tax credit development incentives must align their construction and purchasing contracts with the inclusive goals detailed in this section.