Modifies title and role of Chief Diversity Officer; establishes New Jersey Office of Supplier Development and Business Opportunities.*
What changed between versions
The term 'small and diverse business enterprises' was replaced throughout with 'certified business enterprise,' a new defined term that includes small businesses, minority or women's businesses, economically or socially disadvantaged businesses, LGBTQ+ businesses (new), veteran-owned businesses (broadened from disabled veterans only), and any other enterprises the officer deems relevant.
A new definition of 'State contracting unit' was added, covering government entities that contract for procurement of goods, services, professional services, or construction under Title 52 chapters 32-34, the State College Contracts Law, P.L.2007 c.137, or any other applicable law.
A new definition of 'Woman' or 'women' was added, defined as female or females per P.L.1986, c.195 (C.52:27H-21.18).
Throughout the bill, obligations that previously applied only to 'State agencies' now apply to 'State agencies and State contracting units,' significantly broadening which entities must report data, submit plans, and comply with certification programs.
The office's certification processing duty (item 4) was expanded to cover not just the previously listed categories but also 'any business certification established by administrative action or statute after the effective date,' future-proofing the office's role.
A new Section 3 was added requiring each State agency and State contracting unit to report all award data, delegated purchasing authority solicitations and awards, and develop annual compliance plans for certified business enterprise certification programs at least 180 days before the end of each fiscal year.
The Chief Supplier Development Officer's public reporting duty now requires data to be 'disaggregated by race, gender, and ethnicity, to the extent possible.'
The cloud-based data management system duty was expanded from merely evaluating feasibility to evaluating AND supporting it, with a requirement that the system shall be used by all State agencies and State contracting units to capture contract awards, compliance, and payments. The office must also monitor and track its use.
A new duty (item 8) was added for the Office of Supplier Development and Business Opportunities to 'ensure compliance with contracting and subcontracting goals and preferences established by law, rule, or regulation.'
The officer's title was changed from 'Chief Equity Officer' to 'Chief Supplier Development Officer' and the office name changed from 'Office of Supplier Diversity and Business Opportunities' to 'Office of Supplier Development and Business Opportunities.'
