Administrative
Adopted: November 8, 1996
Amended: February 12, 2010
TARGETED BUSINESS, URBAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, AND SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
SECTION I. PURPOSE.
Subd. 1. Targeted Businesses. The Board of Regents (Board) supports the use of the purchasing power of the University of Minnesota (University) to enhance equal employment and business opportunities for minorities, women, and disabled persons. Consistent with the Board's long-standing policies and achievements in advancing diversity, equal employment opportunity, and affirmative action, the University is committed to promote actively the utilization of businesses owned and operated by minorities, women, and disabled persons (targeted businesses), and to prevent discriminatory practices against such businesses.
Subd. 2. Public Service Mission. Consistent with the University's outreach and public service mission, it is appropriate that the University foster economic growth in the urban communities of which it is a part. Reduction of poverty and unemployment in the urban community is of vital interest to the University. The University shall take advantage of opportunities, presented by its construction projects and its contracts for goods and services, to promote the training and employment of urban community residents in skilled trades and professions.
SECTION II. CONTINUATION OF PROGRAMS.
Subd. 1. Delegation of Authority. The president or delegate shall administer the programs described in subdivisions 2-5.
Subd. 2. Targeted Business Program. The Targeted Business Program requires that a contractor, as a condition of bidding on any construction contract where the aggregate project sum exceeds $100,000, present objective evidence demonstrating:
(1) its past record and continuing commitment to achieve meaningful levels of participation of targeted businesses as subcontractors and suppliers; and
(2) its commitment to achieve meaningful levels of employment of minorities, women and disabled persons.
Subd. 3. Urban Community Economic Development Program. The Urban Community Economic Development program requires, as a condition of any construction contract where the aggregate project sum exceeds $100,000, that the contractor:
(a) employ meaningful numbers of residents of urban communities, such communities designated by the administration based upon levels of poverty and unemployment; and
(b) collaborate with the University in the development, funding and implementation of programs designed to train residents of such urban communities and to increase the number of such urban residents who are skilled and union-certified in building trades to participate in construction projects at the University and elsewhere.
Subd. 4. Non-construction Contracts. Programs designed to annually achieve meaningful levels of participation for targeted businesses in non-construction contracts for the purchase of goods and services.
Subd. 5. Outreach. Programs designed to continue and strengthen outreach to small businesses to implement the provisions of applicable state law.
SECTION III. OVERSIGHT.
Subd. 1. Monitoring. The Board further directs that the administration monitor, and take all reasonable actions necessary to ensure, compliance with the above-stated policy and programs.
Subd. 2. Reporting. The president shall report to the Board annually regarding the implementation of this policy, and shall recommend additional actions that may be necessary to achieve its purposes.