The Port of Seattle, after adopting a new Diversity in Contracting policy directive in 2018, has seen an increase in the utilization of minority- and woman-owned business enterprise (MWBE) contracting in 2019. Under the new policy directive (Resolution 3737), MWBEs were awarded 15.3 percent of port contracts for the year of 2019.
The 15.3 percent figure represents a significant increase from previous years; it was 11.8 percent in 2018, 8.8 percent in 2017, and 5.3 percent in 2016. Key parts of the directive which the port credits with increasing usage include: annual division/department goal-setting for MWBE usage, annual reports, outreach and technical assistance, robust monitoring and tracking procedures, and dedicated MWBE liaisons for each division or department.
Furthere plans under the Port's Diversity in Contracting policy directive to maintain the goal of 15 percent or more spending with MWBEs include launching a mentorship pilot program for MWBEs and other small businesses, further outreach and media efforts, and using Small Works and Job Order Contracting procedures to increase usage of MWBEs.
Read the 2019 Diversity in Contracting Annual Report at https://www.portseattle.org/page/2019-diversity-contracting-annual-report.
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