Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday signed two executive orders aimed
at maximizing the state's purchasing power for cost savings and
increasing the effectiveness of two programs that help grow Ohio's
minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses.
"The initiatives announced today will greatly improve the way
that the state conducts its business when purchasing goods and
services," Strickland said. "Both executive orders are part of our
continuing effort to reform government operations in a way that
maintains our state's competitive advantage and attracts business to
Ohio."
The first executive order reinforces the state's commitment to
minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses by increasing participation
in the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity,
Growth and Equity (EDGE) programs.
In this executive order, Strickland calls on each agency to appoint
an equal employment opportunity officer and improve access to state
contracts for MBE and EDGE vendors. Additionally, the executive order
directs state agencies to track their spending with MBE and EDGE
vendors through a scorecard system, set goals for improvement, and work
closely with the Department of Administrative Services' Equal
Opportunity Division, which oversees the programs and assists agencies
with compliance.
"All businesses should have equal access to compete for and enter
into state contracts," Strickland said. "While these programs exist to
help bridge the economic gap for minorities and the disadvantaged, they
ultimately create jobs and help small businesses grow and succeed."
Strickland also signed an executive order that outlines procurement
reform efforts and directs all state agencies to work together for cost
savings and efficiencies when purchasing supplies and services. In
addition, the executive order directs the Department of Administrative
Services to hire a chief procurement officer to oversee agency
purchasing functions.
"By increasing collaboration among state agencies and ensuring
accountability in our financial decisions, we will save money and allow
government to run more efficiently," Strickland said.
State government spends $3.5 billion each year on supplies and
services. By maximizing the state's purchasing power, state agencies
are estimated to save between $34 million and $72 million annually --
not including the additional savings that may be realized by
collaboration among higher education institutions as well as local
governments.
The executive order also implements Think Ohio First practices,
which will promote economic development by maximizing the use of Ohio
businesses when agencies conduct purchases. Additionally, the executive
order calls for making greater use of technology in tracking and
performing purchases statewide.
Source: http://www.govtech.com