Housing Authority of Portland Board Broadens Policy to Improve Diversity in Contracting
PORTLAND, Ore. – November 6, 2006 – The Housing Authority of Portland (HAP) Board of Commissioners has approved a comprehensive policy that promotes increased economic participation of disadvantaged, minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses on all HAP projects, including professional services. The resolution was formally adopted in the Board’s meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2006.
“This resolution expands and formalizes a policy adopted by our board several years ago,” explains Steve Rudman, HAP executive director. “By adopting this resolution, it becomes an ongoing part of how we do business every day.”
Target businesses are defined as certified Disadvantaged Businesses, Minority-Owned Businesses, Women-Owned Businesses and Emerging Small Businesses. To fulfill its commitment to its new policy, HAP will adhere to two key objectives:
- An aspirational goal of 20 percent participation of targeted businesses on professional services and construction contracts;
- For construction contracts over $200,000, an aspirational goal of a minimum of 20 percent of labor hours in each apprenticeable trade will be worked by state registered apprentices.
“We expect this new policy to help build on the tremendous success we’ve had at New Columbia, and anticipate having at Humboldt Gardens,” said Jerry Walker, HAP purchasing manager. “At New Columbia, where we had a remarkable 24 percent of the contract, or $24 million, go to target businesses. While few projects will match New Columbia in size and scope, we are confident that we can achieve this 20 percent aspirational goal in all parts of our agency’s work.”
HAP anticipates meeting its new objectives through the following operational practices:
- Using firms certified by the State of Oregon Office of Minority, Women and Emerging Small Businesses and the City of Portland’s Sheltered Market Program as a first source for contracts between $5,000 and $100,000.
- Using the Workforce Training and Hiring Program through the City of Portland
- Requiring that prime contractors make Good Faith Efforts in soliciting subcontract work to the target firms with an emphasis on real results
- Adding effective language addressing target business participation in RFPs, both construction and non-construction
- Using a consultant roster to provide contracting opportunities for professional, technical and expert services provided by small and medium-sized firms, including target business firms
- Placing RFP and Bid notices on the State of Oregon’s electronic bid notification system (ORPIN) and notifying ethnic chambers of commerce.
About the Housing Authority of Portland
The Housing Authority of Portland is a public corporation serving all Multnomah County. HAP provides housing and housing-related services to those who face barriers due to income, disability or special need. HAP’s housing and rent assistance programs serve 33,000 residents throughout the county. A citizen commission with volunteer members recommended by the City of Portland, the City of Gresham and Multnomah County and appointed by the Mayor of Portland governs HAP.
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