OLR Research Report


November 26, 2008

 

2008-R-0661

STATE CONTRACTS AWARDED TO MINORITY CONTRACTORS

By: Sandra Norman-Eady, Chief Attorney

You asked for the number and value of contracts awarded to minority contractors in the past year.

SUMMARY

Generally, state agencies do not track the race, gender, nationality of contractors awarded state contracts. However, state agencies do track contractors certified as a minority business enterprises (MBE) and awarded contracts under the state's Small and Minority Business Set-Aside program (now, the Supplier Diversity Program).

Under the program, state agencies must set aside at least 25% of the total value of the contracts they let for construction, goods, and services each year for bidding exclusively by state-certified small businesses. The agencies must further set aside 25% of the set-aside value (6.25% of the total) for exclusive bidding by small minority-owned businesses. The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) administers the program through its Office of Supplier Diversity.

From January 1, 2008 to November 10, 2008, 127 contracts were awarded to MBEs by state agencies that use the CORE-CT system; the state's integrated financial, human resources, and payroll system. Some MBEs were awarded multiple contracts; thus, the 127 represents the number of contracts, not contractors.

The total estimated value of the MBE contracts during this period was over $37 million. The largest contract had an estimated value of over $5.6 million and awarded to VMS Construction Company to build drainage improvements on U.S. Route 6 at Route 69 in Bristol. The smallest contract with an estimated value was valued at $350 and awarded to Gardner Group Graphic Design, LLC to perform graphic designs. The estimated contract value does not necessarily reflect the final contract value.

MBE CONTRACTS AWARDED IN 2008

Table 1 shows the number, description, estimated value, and start and end date of contracts awarded to MBEs; identifies the vendor for each contract; and specifies the length of the vendor's certification.

TABLE 1: 2008 MBE CONTRACTS

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

07PSX0304AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

20,000

KSB Services Inc

1/1/08

12/31/10

4/10/08

7/9/10

07PSX0307AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

20,000

KSB Services Inc

1/1/08

12/31/10

4/10/08

7/9/10

07PSX0311AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

20,000

KSB Services Inc

1/1/08

12/31/10

4/10/08

7/9/10

08DOT0134AA

Planning study, to conduct a statewide bicycle/pedestrian plan & map updating

311,300

Fitzgerald & Halliday Inc

1/1/08

12/31/08

3/20/08

6/18/10

08FPC0457AA

Provide behavioral assessments

20,000

New Image Associates

1/1/08

6/1/08

4/27/07

7/26/09

07PSX0322AA

Transmission, Dist. and Rotating Power Equip. (Standby/Stationary), Repair/Maint./Inspection

5,000

Central Elec & Generator Inc

1/16/08

12/31/10

1/16/07

3/31/09

07PSX0313AA

Repair, maintain, and inspect trucks and commercial cars

135,000

Brooklyn General Repair Inc

2/1/08

1/31/11

12/30/07

2/26/10

08CAT0001AA

Analyze and report on artifacts excavated from trash midden

2,000

Archaeological & Historical Services

2/1/08

6/30/08

12/4/07

3/4/10

08PSX0030AA

Informative publications (Folders, Booklets, Pamphlets)

13,803

Andrew Graphics Inc

2/8/08

5/31/08

1/17/08

4/17/10

08DDS000085CC

Graphic Design

2,300

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

2/11/08

4/11/08

3/31/08

5/28/10

07DPW0867AA**

Re-Roofing of Buildings #11 & #14, Veterans Home and Hospital, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Project BI-C-272

27,500

All Seasons Home Improvement LLC

2/15/08

 

6/25/07

9/23/09

08DOT0255AA

Construction engineering & inspection, state project No. 35-184 for the rehabilitation of bridge No. 00041

957,660

A I Engineers Inc

2/15/08

12/31/20

6/3/08

9/1/10

08OSC0002

Dell Power Edge R900 Servers

251,725

PCNET Inc

2/21/08

8/20/08

2/11/08

5/12/09

-Continued-

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

07PSX0336AA

Absorbent Material (Oil and Chemical Spills)

105,000

Central Products Co LLC

3/1/08

2/28/11

4/17/08

7/16/10

07PSX0350AH

Purchase of Open Panel Systems and Systems Furniture (to include installation/reconfiguration)

100,000

Bartholomew Contract Inter

3/1/08

2/28/13

3/24/08

6/22/10

07PSX0350AM

Purchase of Open Panel Systems and Systems Furniture (to include installation/reconfiguration)

100,000

Interscape Commercial Environments

3/1/08

2/28/13

7/10/08

10/8/10

08PSX0011AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

35,000

Keeclean Management Inc

3/1/08

2/28/11

6/27/08

9/25/10

08BAA1748

Provide Library Consulting Services

17,025

Joy G Wofse

3/5/08

1/31/09

9/4/08

12/3/10

08DPW0915AA

Architect's Contract for On-Call Services-OC-DPW-ARC-0025

500,000

Oakpark Architects LLC

3/20/08

4/1/10

7/5/07

10/3/09

07PSX0044AA

Miscellaneous Office Supplies

3,000,000

Aztec Technologies LLC

4/1/08

12/31/11

5/5/08

8/3/10

07PSX0357AF

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Central Mechanical Services Inc

4/1/08

3/31/13

2/26/07

3/31/09

07PSX0357AM

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Eagle Roof Services LLC

4/1/08

3/31/13

8/27/07

11/25/09

07PSX0357AX

Carpenter's Services

50,000

International Building Maint

4/1/08

3/31/13

3/12/08

6/10/10

07PSX0357AZ

Carpenter's Services

50,000

J H Lapierre Jr & Son LLC

4/1/08

3/31/13

9/12/07

12/11/09

07PSX0357BB

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Kelly Construction Services Inc

4/1/08

3/31/13

3/5/08

6/3/10

07PSX0357BC

Carpenter's Services

50,000

CCM Construction Services Inc

4/1/08

3/31/13

6/14/07

9/12/09

07PSX0357BF

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Mcallen Bldg Remodeling Inc

4/1/08

3/31/13

7/10/08

10/8/10

07PSX0357BI

Carpenter's Services

50,000

New England Masonry Company

4/1/08

3/31/13

5/15/08

8/13/10

07PSX0357BO

Carpenter's Services

50,000

R & C Electric LLC

4/1/08

3/31/13

3/10/08

6/8/10

07PSX0357BP

Carpenter's Services

50,000

RCMS Controls Inc

4/1/08

3/31/13

5/17/07

8/15/09

07PSX0357BS

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Resource Services LLC

4/1/08

3/31/13

8/13/07

11/11/09

07PSX0357BX

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Southern Electric Inc

4/1/08

3/31/13

3/24/08

6/22/10

07PSX0357CF

Carpenter's Services

50,000

Reliable Mechanical Contractors LLC

4/1/08

3/31/13

2/11/08

5/12/10

08DSS1401VC

PRF Promotional Materials

30,000

Pita Communications LLC

4/1/08

12/31/08

3/31/08

6/29/10

08MIL36236

Install 200' of 8" ads drain pipe and two concrete yard drains to existing ads drainage system

103,497

Nutmeg Gravel & Excavating

4/1/08

6/13/08

3/25/08

6/23/10

08PSX0012AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

90,000

Keeclean Management Inc

4/1/08

3/31/11

6/27/08

9/25/10

-Continued-

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

08DOT0290AA

004-0123, part., construction engineering and inspection for state project # 4-123 for safety and traffic operational improvements on U.S. Route 44 from 500 feet east of route 10 to the West Hartford town line in the town of Avon

2,531,650

Garg Consulting Services Inc

4/7/08

12/31/20

2/28/08

5/29/10

08PSX0020AF

Bituminous Materials (Asphalts and Emulsions) (Highways)

171,428

Rafferty Fine Grading Inc

4/7/08

12/31/08

4/17/08

7/16/10

08PSX0064AA

Rental of Portable Toilets

80,000

Elm City Sanitation LLC

4/10/08

9/30/12

1/24/07

6/29/09

08PSX0077AA

Interior Plantings and Maintenance Services

20,000

Birch Hill Landscape & Design

4/15/08

11/30/10

3/11/08

6/9/10

08DOT0542AA*

 

1,624,979

Red Technologies LLC

4/16/08

12/31/20

6/30/08

9/28/09

08DOT0542AA

Non-part for granite curbing, etc. 21,475 demand deposit and 465 temp supplement of SID 30361 from SID 12293

1,624,979

Red Technologies LLC

4/16/08

12/31/20

6/30/08

9/28/09

08DPW0924AA**

Standard Fixed-Fee Architect's Contract-Contract No.BI-2B-266-ARC; Project No. BI-2B-266 Exterior and Interior Renovations Connecticut Building Eastern States Exposition Center, West Springfield, Massachusetts

210,000

Oakpark Architects LLC

4/16/08

 

7/5/07

10/3/09

08ITZ0031*

 

62,238

Advanced Office Systems

4/24/08

9/23/08

2/27/08

5/28/09

08DOT0539AA

Construction: Painting of Bridge No. U.S. Route 7 over I-95

0

A Laugeni & Son

4/28/08

12/31/08

3/20/08

6/18/10

08PSX0056AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

52,000

Keeclean Management Inc

5/1/08

4/30/11

6/27/08

9/25/10

08PSX0068AA

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Acorn Studio Inc

5/2/08

4/30/13

1/9/08

4/9/10

08PSX0068AB

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Akins Marketing & Design LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

6/11/08

9/9/10

08PSX0068AC

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Adams & Knight Inc

5/2/08

4/30/13

8/18/08

11/16/10

08PSX0068AI

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Makiaris Media Services

5/2/08

4/30/13

6/20/08

9/18/10

08PSX0068AL

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Cooperbey & Associates LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

2/4/08

5/5/10

08PSX0068BE

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Miranda Creative Inc

5/2/08

4/30/13

3/28/07

3/31/09

08PSX0068BK

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Performance Edge Training & Consulting

5/2/08

4/30/13

2/21/08

5/22/10

08PSX0068BL

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Pita Communications LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

3/31/08

6/29/10

08PSX0068BP

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Sandoval Associates LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

5/22/08

8/20/10

08PSX0068BU

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Creative Services Group LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

6/27/07

9/25/09

08PSX0068BV

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

D Alverio & Co

5/2/08

4/30/13

11/7/07

2/5/10

-Continued-

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

08PSX0068BX

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Vertex Marketing Communications LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

2/13/07

3/31/09

08PSX0068BY

Consulting Services (Not Computer Related)

250,000

Commverge Marketing LLC

5/2/08

4/30/13

2/6/08

5/7/10

08DDS000087CC

Graphic Design

900

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

5/5/08

11/5/08

3/31/08

5/28/10

08MIL36229

Provide all labor, material & equipment required to replace a collapsed brick catch basin in the bituminous parking area with a pre-cast concrete unit per specs & DWGS #SK1 & 2 DTD 3/14/08.

3,035

Resource Services LLC

5/6/08

6/6/08

8/13/07

11/11/09

08ITZ0038*

 

9,783

Advanced Corporate Networking

5/12/08

6/25/08

4/1/08

6/30/10

08DDS000097CC

Graphic Design

1,800

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

5/25/08

10/15/08

3/31/08

5/28/10

08DDS000110CC

Printing Setup and Layout

1,440

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

5/25/08

10/15/08

3/31/08

5/28/10

07PSX0275DT

Miscellaneous Furnishing and Accessories

500,000

Bartholomew Contract Inter

6/1/08

5/31/13

3/24/08

6/22/10

07PSX0275DY

Miscellaneous Furnishing and Accessories

500,000

Executive Suites Office Furniture

6/1/08

5/31/13

11/2/07

1/31/10

07PSX0275EC

Miscellaneous Furnishing and Accessories

500,000

Interscape Commercial Environments

6/1/08

5/31/13

7/10/08

10/8/10

07PSX0275EO

Miscellaneous Furnishing and Accessories

500,000

Real Integrated Systems Inc

6/1/08

5/31/13

2/11/08

5/12/10

07PSX0275EQ

Miscellaneous Furnishing and Accessories

500,000

Salka Office Furniture

6/1/08

5/31/13

3/19/08

6/17/10

07PSX0275FC

Miscellaneous Furnishing and Accessories

500,000

Wyndham Corporate Interiors LLC

6/1/08

5/31/13

7/15/08

10/13/10

08PSX0095AA

Lawn Care, Landscaping, and Snow and Ice Removal Services

300,000

Davinci Development LLC

6/1/08

5/31/13

8/14/07

11/12/09

08ITZ0042*

 

17,965

Advanced Office Systems

6/2/08

7/16/08

2/27/08

5/28/09

08DEP8321AA

RNH-Roncari Prop.--800 Scotland Rd Windsor(133+/-ac)

11,900

GM2 Associates Inc

6/9/08

7/19/08

2/21/08

5/22/10

08ITZ0058

Maintenance & Support of Special License & Weapons Registry System

266,147

KT International Inc

6/26/08

6/25/11

5/20/08

8/18/10

07PSX0285CK

Furniture: Lounge

500,000

Bartholomew Contract Inter

7/1/08

12/31/13

3/24/08

6/22/10

07PSX0285CS

Furniture: Lounge

500,000

Interscape Commercial Environments

7/1/08

12/31/13

7/10/08

10/8/10

07PSX0285DA

Furniture: Lounge

500,000

Real Integrated Systems Inc

7/1/08

12/31/13

2/11/08

5/12/10

07PSX0285DC

Furniture: Lounge

500,000

Salka Office Furniture

7/1/08

12/31/13

3/19/08

6/17/10

07PSX0285DO

Furniture: Lounge

500,000

Wyndham Corporate Interiors LLC

7/1/08

12/31/13

7/15/08

10/13/10

-Continued-

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

08CSL0007AO

Catalogue and process audio books

9,000

The Donohue Group Inc

7/1/08

6/30/09

7/22/08

10/20/10

08DDS000106B3

Graphic Design

12,000

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

7/1/08

6/30/09

3/31/08

5/28/10

08DPW0990AA

Provide janitorial services from 7/1/08 thru 9/30/08

7,794

Sun Services LLC

7/1/08

9/30/08

2/5/08

5/6/10

08FPC0499AA

Provide behavioral assessments from 07-01 to 12-31-08

20,000

New Image Associates

7/1/08

12/31/08

4/27/07

7/26/09

08PSX0122AA

Temporary/Permanent Employment Staffing Services

100,000

Temp Source

7/1/08

6/30/13

4/15/08

7/14/10

08PSX0122AB

Temporary/Permanent Employment Staffing Services

100,000

Horizon Services Corporation

7/1/08

6/30/13

3/24/08

6/22/10

09DOT0508AA

Reconstruction of Windermere Avenue Bridge in Ellington 0047-0111

1,118,849

Paganelli Construction Corp

7/16/08

12/31/20

6/11/08

9/9/09

09DOT0514AA

Construction: Drainage Improvements on US Route 6 @ Route 69 in Bristol all state non-part. 0017-0148

5,637,363

VMS Construction Co

7/25/08

12/31/20

3/15/07

12/29/08

08DOT0348AA

Construction engineering and inspection, I-84 Hartford platform underpass lighting, state project NO. 63-604, FAP NO. 0843(200)

428,780

Garg Consulting Services Inc

7/28/08

12/31/20

2/28/08

5/29/10

08DPW0903AA

New Sewer Main, Connecticut Regional Market, Hartford, CT - Project BI-P-083

150,167

Paganelli Construction Corp

7/28/08

 

6/11/08

9/9/09

08OPM0162AA

Develop and implement media campaign, implement a grassroots seminar series for community and college campuses, and implement an earned media campaign targeting parents and other adults to combat underage drinking.

150,000

White Light Advertising LLC

8/1/08

5/31/09

8/12/08

11/10/10

08PSX0141AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include window washing

20,000

Keeclean Management Inc

8/1/08

7/31/11

6/27/08

9/25/10

08PSX0126AA

Underground Tank System Tightness Testing

25,000

Aaron Environmental LLC

8/11/08

7/1/11

11/13/07

2/11/09

08PSX0135AD

Gases, Compressed except Medical

250,000

Sons Specialty Gas LLC

8/11/08

6/30/13

5/1/08

7/30/10

08ITZ0071

Dell Power-edge Servers

50,860

PCNET Inc

8/14/08

2/13/09

2/11/08

5/12/09

08PSX0162AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include Window Washing

80,000

Keeclean Management Inc

8/30/08

8/31/11

6/27/08

9/25/10

08DPW0946AD

Print Ads for DPW Bidding & Contract in the Legal Notice Section

3,000

Los Andes Spanish News Paper

9/1/08

6/30/10

1/18/07

3/31/09

08DPW0948AD

Print Ads in the legal Notice Section of the paper a tearsheet is required for payment: period 9/1/08 thru 6/30/10

3,000

Los Andes Spanish News Paper

9/1/08

6/30/10

1/18/07

3/31/09

08DPW0980AA

Print Ads in the legal Notice Section of the paper a tearsheet is required for payment: period 9/1/08 thru 6/30/10

3,000

Los Andes Spanish News Paper

9/1/08

6/30/10

1/18/07

3/31/09

08DSS6002QF

Assistive Technology

18,000

Vision Dynamics

9/1/08

8/30/09

11/3/08

2/1/11

-Continued-

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

08ITZ0057AG

Web Development, Design and Hosting

50,000

Commverge Marketing LLC

9/1/08

8/31/11

2/6/08

5/7/10

08ITZ0057AH

Web Development, Design and Hosting

50,000

The Computer Company

9/1/08

8/31/11

9/30/08

12/29/10

08ITZ0057AJ

Web Development, Design and Hosting

50,000

Fox Computer Systems

9/1/08

8/31/11

10/3/08

1/1/11

08ITZ0057AO

Web Development, Design and Hosting

50,000

PCC Technology Group LLC

9/1/08

8/31/11

5/22/07

8/20/09

08ITZ0057AP

Web Development, Design and Hosting

50,000

Pita Communications LLC

9/1/08

8/31/11

3/31/08

6/29/10

08PSX0142AA

Custodial/Janitorial Services may include Window Washing

18,000

Keeclean Management Inc

9/1/08

8/31/11

6/27/08

9/25/10

09DOC0150AA

Consultant Services

9,760

The Parisky Group

9/1/08

9/29/08

9/10/07

12/9/09

08DPW0918AA

Asbestos Abatement-Phase 1, Emmett O'Brien Technical High School, Ansonia, CT - Project BI-RT-844(ASB)

382,680

Oscar's Abatement LLC

9/2/08

 

5/29/08

8/27/10

08PSX0109AA

Window Washing Services (no custodial services required)

16,000

Sun Services LLC

9/3/08

8/30/11

2/5/08

5/6/10

08ECD8013PS

Clean CT Bldg. BIGE

5,350

Jani King Of Hartford

9/10/08

10/31/08

4/7/08

7/6/10

08PSX0178AA

Iron Basic and Semi-Finished Forms and Shapes

90,000

ADF Industries Inc

9/15/08

6/30/10

6/23/08

9/21/10

09DOT0023AA

Construction Engineering & Inspection, Bradley International Airport, Runway 6-24, State Project No. 165-391, FAA No. 3-09-0022-XX-2008

1,439,680

A I Engineers Inc

9/15/08

12/31/20

6/3/08

9/1/10

08DDS000140CC

Graphic Design

1,040

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

9/19/08

11/15/08

3/31/08

5/28/10

08DDS000141CC

Graphic Design

720

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

9/19/08

11/15/08

3/31/08

5/28/10

08MIL36238

Fabricate, construct, install and complete renovations to bldg #59 as noted in specifications and dwgs #SK-1 thru SK-3 dated July 29, 2008.

97,300

Able Builders Corporation

9/24/08

10/31/08

3/13/07

3/31/09

08PSX0182AD

Employee Assistance/Human Resource Management (training, workshops, seminars)

60,000

The Lexington Group Inc

10/1/08

9/30/11

8/9/07

11/7/09

08PSX0184AG

Rental of Trucks for Snow Removal & Related Services for DOT Highways & Airports

50,000

JV III Construction

10/15/08

5/31/09

2/27/08

5/28/10

08PSX0184AM

Rental of Trucks for Snow Removal & Related Services for DOT Highways & Airports

35,000

MR Bart Construction Corp

10/15/08

5/31/09

3/28/08

6/26/10

08PSX0184BK

Rental of Trucks for Snow Removal & Related Services for DOT Highways & Airports

5,000

Tri-Star Trucking & Excavation LLC

10/15/08

5/31/09

11/28/07

2/26/10

08DDS00147HR

Graphic Design

350

Gardner Group Graphic Design LLC

11/1/08

2/1/09

3/31/08

5/28/10

08PSX0220AL

Modifications to Passenger Automobiles and Station Wagons

50,000

Metro Auto Body And Towing Inc

11/1/08

10/31/12

9/9/08

12/8/10

08PSX0243AA

Lawn Care, Landscaping, and Snow and Ice Removal Services

120,000

Davinci Development LLC

11/1/08

10/31/11

8/14/07

11/12/09

-Continued-

Contract #

Contract Line Description

Est. $
Contract Value

Vendor Name

Contract
Start Date

Contract
Expiration Date

Date Certified

as MBE

Date Certification
Expires

08PSX0226AF

Rental of Trucks for Snow Removal & Related Services for DOT Highways & Airports

10,000

JV III Construction

11/3/08

4/30/09

2/27/08

5/28/10

08PSX0251AB

Purchase of Keyboard Trays and Accessories

38,500

Salka Office Furniture

11/6/08

10/31/10

3/19/08

6/17/10

07PSX0351AS

Furniture: School

1,000,000

Bartholomew Contract Inter

11/10/08

12/31/13

3/24/08

6/22/10

07PSX0351AV

Furniture: School

1,000,000

Salka Office Furniture

11/10/08

12/31/13

3/19/08

6/17/10

07PSX0351AZ

Furniture: School

1,000,000

Interscape Commercial Environments

11/10/08

12/31/13

7/10/08

10/8/10

07PSX0351BI

Furniture: School

1,000,000

Carrasmac Collaborative

11/10/08

12/31/13

10/30/08

1/28/11

TOTAL

 

37,123,247

         

Source: DAS

*A description of these contracts was not readily available. We will update this report after we receive this information.

**No ending date specified for these contracts.

SET-ASIDE PROGRAM

Under the state set-aside program, state agencies and political subdivisions, other than municipalities, must set aside 25% of total value of all contracts they let for construction, goods, and services each year for certified small contractors, and reserve 25% of this amount for certified MBEs (CGS § 4a-60g). The program also applies to state constituent units of higher education.

To participate, a vendor must register with DAS. Upon verification of a business' qualifications, the department issues a certification. A contractor that is certified to bid on set-aside contracts is not precluded from bidding on other state contracts. Like most state contracts, set-aside awards are based competitive bidding procedures.

To participate as an MBE, the business must register with DAS and have:

1. been in business under the same ownership and management and maintained its principal place of business in Connecticut for at least one year immediately prior to the date of the application;

2. grossed revenues of $10 million or less for the most recent fiscal year; and

3. at least 51% ownership held by at least one member of a minority or a person with a disability who exercises operational authority over daily affairs of the business, has the power to direct policies and management, and receives beneficial interests from the business (CGS § 4a-60g (1)).

Once certified, companies can bid on contracts covered by the program as well as all other state contracts. More information about the program can be found at: http://www.das.state.ct.us/Purchase/SetAside/default. asp.

SNE:ts