MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN CITY-AWARDED MINORITY CONTRACTS

Philadelphia, April 20, 2011 –Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that through the first half of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, the Nutter administration has almost achieved its goal of 25 percent participation in city contracting opportunities received by Minorities, Women, and Disabled-Owned Businesses (M/W/DSBEs). The Office of Economic Opportunity’s (OEO) 2nd Quarter, FY11 Report shows that M/W/DSBEs received 24.3 percent ($83 million) of contracts that were issued directly by City departments.rnrnThe City’s goal is to increase the number of contracts awarded to M/W/DSBEs to 25% by the end of FY2011. This goal is detailed in OEO’s “Inclusion Works: Economic Opportunity Strategic Plan”, which was launched on February 8, 2010.rnrn“The OEO’s FY11, 2nd Quarter report shows the City’s tremendous progress in promoting fairness and inclusiveness when awarding contracts to qualified firms,” said Mayor Nutter. “We look forward to promoting opportunities to all members of the business community so everyone can play a role in supporting Philadelphia’s economic vitality.”rnrnOEO Executive Director Angela Dowd-Burton said, “The participation numbers are encouraging and shows that we’re moving in the right direction. We anticipate fluctuations in the level of participation from quarter to quarter as a result of the variety of products and services that we buy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we are focused on achieving the 25% goal by fiscal year-end.”rnrnA number of initiatives, partnerships and programs have helped increase the number of M/W/DSBEs earning opportunities to do business with the City. The OEO Registry of M/W/DSBEs has increased by 28% during the last year, bringing the total number to over 1,700 registered businesses. The City has hosted a variety of workshops to inform and engage business owners about how to access available opportunities. In addition, the African American Chamber of Commerce, The Enterprise Center, National Association of Minority Contractors, Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the Urban Affairs Coalition are some of the organizations working with the City to increase these opportunities.rnrnTo view the FY11, 2nd Quarter Report, please visit www.phila.gov/oeo.