Vermont § 20 - Executive Order No. 3-20 (No. 15-91) [Recognition and Encouragement of Vermont Minority/Women Business Enterprises

§ 20. Executive Order No. 3-20 (No. 15-91) [Recognition and Encouragement of Vermont Minority/Women Business Enterprises

• Partnership] WHEREAS, the Vermont Minority/Women Business Enterprises Partnership was mandated
  to develop a plan to facilitate equal access and maximum opportunity to participate
  in state contracting procedures for Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and
  to ensure nondiscrimination in state contracting programs; and WHEREAS, the plan presented by the Partnership is the result of deliberations that
  included consideration of the methods for collecting statewide data and certifying
  M/WBEs; and WHEREAS, the plan addressed the provision of technical assistance and outreach programs
  to broaden the participation of these enterprises in the state’s contracting process;
  and WHEREAS, through consultation with technical experts, both in and out of government,
  the implementation plan is achievable within existing resources of State Agencies
  and Departments; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Howard Dean, M.D., by virtue of the power vested
  in me as Governor, do hereby order the following actions: 1. Agencies and Departments of state government shall adopt and implement the following
  policy: The State of Vermont recognizes the important contributions and vital impact which
  small businesses have on the state’s economy. In this regard, the state prescribes
  to a free and open bidding process that affords all businesses equal access and opportunity
  to compete for state contracts for goods and services. The state also recognizes the
  existence of businesses owned by minorities and women and directs all state agencies
  and departments to make a good faith effort to encourage these firms to compete for
  state contracts. 2. The Agency of Development and Community Affairs using existing staff will act as liaison
  to minority/women businesses. 3. Data on women and minority businesses will be integrated into the state’s vendor list
  and into the list of awarded contracts. 4. The Purchasing Department will provide outreach to M/WBEs by conducting seminars on
  “Contracting with State Government.” This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing. Dated December 11, 1991.