July 26, 1999
Mayor Signs Legislation To Boost Local Businesses, Government Efficiency
Measure to Set Aside $735 Million Fills Key Campaign Pledge
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony A. Williams today signed legislation that will 1) make approximately $735 million in government procurement opportunities available to local businesses, and 2) make procurement more efficient by creating a pre-approved list of vendors providing competitively priced goods and services so that agencies do not have to go through an individual competitive bidding process for recurring items. The legislation, crafted by the Mayor and unanimously passed by the Council on July 13th, fulfills a key promise Williams made while campaigning for Mayor.
Under the "Increased Opportunity for Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Emergency Amendment Act of 1999," more than 850 pre-approved locally owned businesses will be eligible for the contracts under the D.C. supply schedule. A "locally-owned business" must be headquartered in the District and pay D.C. taxes.
In signing the legislation, the Mayor announced that the city will be launching a "D.C Supply Schedule Blitz" for goods and services to meet the city's procurement needs through local businesses. The Mayor also encouraged businesses to become certified as Local, Small, and Disadvantaged Owned Business Enterprises. Becoming certified will make these businesses eligible for even greater opportunities.
"I'm a great believer in regionalism, but it doesn't make sense to send our tax dollars to Maryland and Virginia," said Mayor Williams. "With this legislation, we will encourage more jobs for District residents, reward businesses who stay in our city, and make our government more efficient – all at the same time."
Other speakers at the press conference included Malcolm Beech, President of the Minority Business Coalition; Council member Charlene Drew Jarvis, Chairperson of the Committee On Economic Development; and Sharon Ambrose, Council member for Ward 6. The Mayor thanked the Council for acting quickly on the legislation.
