Boston Mayor moves to increase access for MWBEs

MA News - Published Apr 14, 2022

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has filed a home rule petition with City Council that, if approved by the Council, would expand access of minority- and woman-owned businesses (MWBEs) to City contracts.

The bill would accomplish this by changing the written quote contract process, an alternative simplified form of bid award that can take the place of full RFPs, and which can therefore can be more accessible for smaller businesses, by raising the maximum award possible for certified MWBEs under the written quote process from $50,000 to to the state Small Purchase threshold, which is currently $250,000.

"This proposal will allow us to use every dollar possible to build wealth in our communities, address our racial wealth gap, and make our city a place for everyone," said Mayor Wu in a statement.

Read the press release from the City at https://www.boston.gov/news/proposal-filed-expand-access-city-contracts-minority-and-women-owned-enterprises. "

Read the petition at https://boston.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5536782&GUID=C9907E44-8F56-4443-B56E-FF542A3BE44E.