8 20-0755 Subject: Local Business Empowerment Through Contracting (LBETC)
From: Councilmember Taylor And Councilmember McElhaney
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 13101 C.M.S., Which Revised Oakland's Local And Small Local Business Enterprise (L/SLBE) Program Provisions, To Change Local And Small Local Trucking Participation Requirements, Add New Local Business Categories And Certification Criteria, Change The Definition Of "Substantial Presence," Define "Local-Based Manufacturer, Add And Change Bid Discounts, Limit Modifications To L/SLBE Schedules After Bid Opening, And Provisions Related To Disposition And Development Agreements And Cooperative Agreements, And Update The List Of Applicable Schedules, As Set Forth In Exhibit A Attached Hereto
As changes and amendments are made to the cities local business certification process & requirements, I encourage city council and city leadership to ensure that the Department of Workplace and Employment Standards is fully resourced to support these policies. Funding must be increased to: 1) continue enhancements and efficient operations of the iSupplier system,2) train and provide resources to staff on innovative ways to conduct certification reviews (i.e. virtual site visits); 3) hire adequate staff to review and process certifications within a timely manner, 4) continue workshops & support to local businesses seeking certification, and 5) identify additional support to monitor city projects. The Department of Workplace Employment Standards team has worked to ensure that Oakland businesses benefit from construction and professional service contracts. The city and staff have invested tremendous time and energy to strengthen the existing program that prioritizes Oakland businesses; we must ensure that resources are in place to monitor compliance and recommend corrective action plans for contractors failing to meet the goals. Thank you for the diligence and care put toward supporting Oakland businesses.
As changes and amendments are made to the cities local business certification process & requirements, I encourage city council and city leadership to ensure that the Department of Workplace and Employment Standards is fully resourced to support these policies. Funding must be increased to: 1) continue enhancements and efficient operations of the iSupplier system,2) train and provide resources to staff on innovative ways to conduct certification reviews (i.e. virtual site visits); 3) hire adequate staff to review and process certifications within a timely manner, 4) continue workshops & support to local businesses seeking certification, and 5) identify additional support to monitor city projects. The Department of Workplace Employment Standards team has worked to ensure that Oakland businesses benefit from construction and professional service contracts. The city and staff have invested tremendous time and energy to strengthen the existing program that prioritizes Oakland businesses; we must ensure that resources are in place to monitor compliance and recommend corrective action plans for contractors failing to meet the goals. Thank you for the diligence and care put toward supporting Oakland businesses.