Leveraging Key State-Based Resources & Programs Nina Moseley Senior Director Francis Blanco Director

Division of Minority & Women Business Development Established by Governor Corzine via Executive Order 34 in September 06 to Develop, administer and monitor policies, practices and programs that will further the State’s efforts to ensure equal opportunity for minority and women businesses to participate in the State procurement process. Track, monitor and report state spending with minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) Business Services Responsible for the promulgation and implementation of the rules that govern the development of small, minority and women-owned businesses. SBE Set Aside Program Established with the goal to award 25 percent of state contracts and purchase order dollars to small businesses. M/WBE Certification Services Encourage MWBE's to become certified with the State so that we can accurately and timely assess their procurement activity and compare their performance against the share of business registered by non-MWBE vendors. 2

Division of Minority and Women Business Development - EO 34 (2006): Data Collection and Reporting – Created a sophisticated reporting system that monitors procurement data via gender, ethnicity, commodity codes and usage categories. On January 30, 2009, the Division publicly released its first Annual Report, corresponding to FY 08. Online Resources for Small Businesses - The Division has developed significant on-line resources making it easier for vendors to access accurate and up-to-date contracting related information and services. These resources are available at Services include: Bid Opportunity Database: a single source for accessing bid opportunity information across more than 100 state agencies (executive branch), authorities, commissions, state colleges and universities. Notification Service: business representatives are able to register to receive notifications with information about bid opportunities for the commodity code(s) specific to their selected interest. Diversity Registry : an online directory of SMWBEs, which includes summary information for each business. By registering with this Directory, free of charge, vendors can market their goods, services, and experience directly to purchasing agents and prime contractors. NOTE: For assistance in navigating any of the above or other Division related sections of the business portal, please contact: Elvis Ramirez, Technical Manager at 3

Business Services Small, Minority and Women Business Rules and Regulations amended, readopted and recodified. Public release in April SBE Set Aside Program Guidelines and Application Process – Key Amendments Time Extension: SBE approved registration is now valid for 3 years instead of only 1 year. Fee Reduction: SBE registration fee is now $100 for three years rather than $100 per year. Electronic Notification: Vendors certified after March 3 rd 2009 will be sent an automatic reminder to recertify 20 days prior to expiration. Even Handed Competition: A revised list of small business categories have been designed to reflect vendors with similar resources. 4

Revised/New categories in Small Business Set Aside for Goods and Services and Construction Contracts Goods & Services: Revised Category 3: $12 Million OR the applicable federal revenue standards at 13 CFR , WHICHEVER IS HIGHER. Depending on code, this can reach $33.5M. Construction: New Category 5: Small businesses with gross revenues that do not exceed 50 percent of the applicable annual revenue standards set forth in federal regulation at 13 CFR and as maybe adjusted periodically. Depending on code, this can reach $16.75M.13 CFR New Category 6: Small business with gross revenues that do not exceed the applicable annual revenue standards set forth in federal regulation at 13 CFR , as may be adjusted periodically. Depending on code, this can reach $33.5M.13 CFR

M/WBE Certification Services – Eligibility Criteria: Any business whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minorities or women owner(s), At least 51 percent owned by one or more minorities or women is eligible to participate in this program. The women or minority owner shall demonstrate technical competence in the affairs of the business to satisfy the requirement for operational control. NOTE: A business may apply and be eligible for more than one status, such as minority- and women owned business (MWBE) certified and SBE registered. 6

Key Amendments to M/WBE Certification Program: Time Extension: M/WBE approved certification is now valid for 3 years instead of only 1 year. Fee Reduction: M/WBE registration fee is now $100 for three years rather than $75 for the first year, $75 for the second year and $0 for years 3-5. Simple Applications: Once certified, M/WBE vendors will only need to submit M/WBE annual verification applications to remain in compliance. Electronic Notification: Vendors certified after March 3 rd 2009 will be sent an automatic reminder to recertify 20 days prior to expiration. 7

Currently accepting alternative certifications: The New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Diversity Council, Inc. The Minority Supplier Diversity Council of PA-NJ-DE Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO) Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (for MBE) To apply for NJ MWBE Certification using other statewide and national entity certification, submit: Copy of certification approval letter and/or certificate Complete the NJ MWBE Application page 1-3 Non-refundable check or money order in the amount of $ May be asked for additional supporting documentation and be subject to inquiries with originating certification agency. 8

Successes: First Annual State Procurement Report, Fiscal Year Highlights: MWBE’s combined received 8.5% of all payments on prime contracts. Top Ten Commodity Codes (accounted for 84.3% or $259.0M of payments made to MWBE vendors). Top Ten Statewide MWBE Paying Agencies Diversity Registry database has grown to 4500 vendors. The number of SMWBE’s registered with the State’s registration and certification program increased by Reduced the burden and cost on MWBEs of applying for multiple certifications, by fast tracking certifications from the NJ chapters of MSDC and Women’s Business Enterprise Council, and other national and statewide certifying entities. Centralized the State’s SMWBE contracting functions – data analysis, policy recommendation, outreach, registration/certification Transferred small business registration and minority and women certification (SMWBE) functions into the Division to create “one-stop shop”. Tailored outreach and training to non-traditional groups in collaboration with other key entities such as Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD), NJ Interagency Coordinating Council, NJ Transit, etc. Increased opportunities for SMWBEs by creating a business model that aligns the requirements of State procurement entities with the appropriate vendors., i.e. CAI – Staff Augmentation Contract. 9