December 22, 2009

Markell: New Executive Order Will Help Companies Compete for State Business

WILMINGTON – Gov. Jack Markell signed an executive order today that will make it easier for small and mid-sized companies to bid on state contracts.

“My administration is working hard every day to make Delaware the best state in the nation to start and grow a business.  This includes ensuring Delaware companies have opportunities to bid on Delaware business,” Markell said. “Expanding the number of companies bidding helps make government more effective and efficient by increasing competition, which can drive up quality and drive down prices.”

The order will create a centralized, online publication listing all advertised and awarded state contracts.  In addition to helping the economy by increasing opportunities and competition, this will also further increase government transparency.

“I applaud this administration for taking this crucial first step,” said Cathy Imburgia, president of Creative Communications, a local firm that has worked with the private sector, state and federal government.  “I am confident that with the proper resourcing and support, we can turn this first step into an ever-lasting reality.”

Markell directed the Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprise to offer training to small businesses on how to apply for state contracts and provide information on how to learn about available bidding opportunities.  “Empowering our home-grown businesses to compete here will also help them as they look to do business in other states,” he said.

The Governor told agencies to designate a Minority and Women Business Enterprise Liaison to advise the agency’s cabinet secretary on ways to increase supplier diversity and established the Governor’s Supplier Diversity Council, which is charged with monitoring the state’s efforts in increasing the number of minority- and women-owned businesses winning state contracts.  The order also clarified the planning process for supplier diversity efforts in order to improve the performance and accountability of government operations.

“The best way to address the challenges we face is to help companies create jobs and cut the cost of government,” Markell said. “This executive order will give companies opportunity to grow their business and put more Delawareans to work. Many small businesses want to compete for state contracts, but do not know how to do so. The steps we are taking today will change that.”