SPECIAL TASK FORCE TO REDUCE INEFFICIENCIES IN PROCUREMENT

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · ordinance

Miami-Dade County is amending its procurement code to implement recommendations from a Special Task Force aimed at reducing inefficiencies. Key changes include modifying Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Local Preference requirements for architecture and engineering services, goods, and general services. The ordinance eliminates advisory boards for SBE programs, standardizes SBE utilization percentages for architecture and engineering task-based (10%) and project-specific (15%) contracts, and introduces an automatic SBE set-aside for Invitations to Quote under $250,000 if a certified SBE bid is within 10% of the lowest non-SBE bid. It also replaces separate SBE participation goals with bid preferences and selection factors. Local business preference verification will be allowed prior to contract award, and random audits by the Office of the Inspector General will verify claims. New criteria for Locally Headquartered Business status require over 50% of full-time employees to work in Miami-Dade and certification that it is the sole local headquarters. Special purpose entities created by local businesses may receive Local Preference, and for entities with non-local partners, at least 60% ownership must be by local owners. Remedies for non-compliance with SBE utilization plans will be available during active contracts, not just for future ones. The ordinance also clarifies procurement policies and directs the County Mayor to make conforming changes to implementing orders. The matter is currently in committee.