Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE)

Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
M/WBE

URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF PITTSBURGH

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT

FOR MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh's (URA) board and management have a goal to provide an equal opportunity for business growth and development to minority and female entrepreneurs. The URA will not discriminate against any business because of the owner's race or sex.

All procurement transactions for professional services, construction, and commodities will be conducted in a manner that provides open and free competition. This policy is consistent with federal and state statutory and regulatory provisions, the Mayor's Executive Order, and contractual requirements relating to equal opportunity. Contracts and awards will be made only to responsible firms or individuals that possess the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed contract.

The URA requires that all contractors, vendors, redevelopers and borrowers demonstrate a good faith effort to obtain the participation of MBE's and WBE's in work to be performed in connection with the URA for projects of $250,000 and over. The URA acknowledges the City of Pittsburgh goal of eighteen percent (18%) minority and seven percent (7%) female participation in construction contracts and purchases, and will strive to achieve these goals. However, we stress the full utilization of sub-contracting activities to constitute a successful M/WBE Plan. It is recommended that suppliers will be given 60% credit and brokers 10% of their participation in any project (see Exhibit I regarding supplier/broker). The Authority also has a goal to monitor minority and women labor on all projects. The staff will perform site visits to ensure that this employment goal is being realized.

The URA will cooperate with the department of general services and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Review Commission to ensure success in carrying out this program. The URA's management will monitor all contracts to ensure that this policy is carried out.