Equity in Contracting
This program offers access to contracting and procurement opportunities, as well as guidance and technical assistance, to historically underutilized businesses interested in providing supplies, services, and public works support to the City of Tacoma.
Mission Statement
To create and sustain a competitive and fair business environment for contracting, procurement and consulting opportunities that include small businesses owned by minority, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged people.
As part of the City of Tacoma’s ongoing work to advance broader strategic goals relating to equity and accessibility, as well as economic growth, it has expanded its efforts to achieve equity in contracting and supporting minority and women-owned businesses. Learn more on the Equity in Contracting Vendors web page.
The Equity in Contracting Program offers access to contracting and procurement opportunities, as well as guidance and technical assistance, to historically underutilized businesses interested in providing supplies, services, and public works support to the City of Tacoma.
Commonly Needed Files
-
The City authorized an extensive, year-long disparity study completed in 2018 that analyzed procurement and contracting barriers for small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses in construction, architecture and engineering, services, and goods. This study determined that there exists a statistically significant underutilization by the City of minority and women-owned businesses in these contract categories.
Results of the last Disparity Study indicated that the City’s Small Business Enterprise Program had not effectively reduced barriers or increased opportunities for businesses owned by women or people of color. The City’s Equity in Contracting program was developed to address these issues, with the aim of improving equity in contracting. More information is available in this final report.
A construction industry stakeholder committee convened by the City in 2018 – comprised of labor union leaders, private contractors, minority and women-owned businesses, and residents from economically distressed communities – analyzed the use of local workforce agreements in the context of the findings and recommendations of the disparity study. Through a consensus process, the stakeholder group voted against adoption of a formal community workforce agreement or priority hire ordinance, but recommended expansion of support services offered to minority and women-owned businesses.
-
Ongoing training and business management assistance is available to businesses. For certified businesses, the Equity in Contracting program helps to level the playing field when it comes to having an opportunity to secure public works and goods and services contracts.
-
- If you have an Equity in Contracting (EIC) issue related to prompt pay, certification, retainage or fraud, you or someone on your behalf may file a complaint with the EIC Office by emailing our office at EICOffice@tacoma.gov. Please note: This email is subject to Public Disclosure.
- Once your email has been received, EIC Staff will follow up via email.
- Please Note: If your complaint is a Title VI Complaint, visit City of Tacoma Title VI Notice Webpage for more information on how to file a Title VI Complaint or send an email to the Title VI Coordinator at cwolfe@tacoma.gov
-
Malika Godo
Equity in Contracting Compliance Specialist
(253) 591-5630
mgodo@tacoma.govLinda Cerna
Equity in Contracting Program Auditor & Outreach Specialist
(253) 591-5826
lcerna@tacoma.gov