WHAT: The Delaware Legislative Black Caucus will host a virtual training session next week to help minority-owned businesses become certified with the Office of Supplier Diversity and increase their chances of winning state contracts.
First created in 2009, Delaware’s supplier diversity initiative is designed to expand economic opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities by supporting their efforts to compete for contracts with various state agencies.
While the State of Delaware’s contracting program does not contain goals or benchmarks, the Office of Supplier Diversity and Government Support Services are tasked with ensuring state agencies develop a Supplier Diversity Action Plan to help maximize contracting opportunities for minority business enterprises.
The Office of Supplier Diversity reported that the total state spend with the supplier diversity and small business community reached more than $460 million in fiscal year 2019 – an increase of 47 percent over the FY2018.
“From building roads to providing school lunches, the State of Delaware’s role in meeting the critical needs of all Delawareans means we are one of the largest buyers of goods and services within our borders,” said Senator Darius Brown, who chairs the DLBC. “That economic activity can be a tremendous force of good when it comes to creating jobs and promoting financial stability in communities of color. Our goal is to make sure those communities are aware of these programs and are putting themselves in the best position to succeed.”
WHEN: 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14
WHERE: Participants must register for the DLBC State Contracting Workshop by visiting http://bit.ly/ContractingWorkshop.
WHO: Members of the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus
Shavonne H. White, Director of the Office Supplier Diversity
Bruce Krug, MyMarketplace/Training Supervisor