An Act relative to the fair participation of minority and women-owned businesses on public construction projects

This bill establishes a 10% participation goal for minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) and women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) on large public construction projects ($5 million+ value) managed by specific state agencies like the Division of Capital Asset Management and the Massachusetts Port Authority. Contractors on these projects may subcontract up to 10% of their required work to meet MBE/WBE goals, but cannot subcontract more than 10% above the goal itself. The bill also requires agencies to create a process for contractors to request waivers of these participation goals. It directly affects state agencies managing construction projects, contractors bidding on those projects, and MBE/WBEs seeking subcontracting opportunities.