Gov. Kemp, DOAS Release Recommendations to Improve Small and Minority-Owned Business Access to State Procurement Process

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today joined the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) in announcing the release of the Small Business and Supplier Diversity Initiative Report, mandated by Executive Order 07.13.22.01. The report outlines several recommendations to further access to Georgia’s procurement process and resources for small, minority-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

“Since launching the Georgians First Commission in 2019, my administration has made great strides in supporting the Peach State's small businesses," said Governor Kemp. "As a small business owner for over 35 years, when multiple legislative attempts at improving the state's contracts process did not reach my desk for signature, I knew we had to act to ensure they too would benefit from the growing opportunity in every corner of Georgia. That's why I instructed DOAS to look into this issue, provide recommendations, and hire a Small Business and Supplier Diversity Manager that could help shepherd this important work. This report is the latest step in improving those processes, but rest assured, it will not be the last. It is but another mile marker on the ongoing journey to ensure Georgians of all backgrounds have access to opportunity, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly, our agency partners, and the private sector to ensure we move forward down this path."

Among the recommendations included in the report are strategies to assist small and diverse businesses in identifying bid opportunities; improving readiness to bid; increasing outreach, training, and support to the small business community; and engaging key small business development partners, chambers of commerce, non-profit organizations, and state agencies to better understand the needs of small and minority-owned businesses. In the process of compiling the report, DOAS heard directly from stakeholders across the state and collected feedback from more than 600 small and minority-owned businesses.

In addition to increasing outreach and improving access to contracting opportunities, Governor Kemp’s Executive Order from July also called for the creation of a new Small Business and Supplier Diversity Manager position to coordinate engagement efforts with small businesses throughout Georgia. Ms. Julian Bailey was promoted to fill this position and will lead outreach, communications, and engagement initiatives that help small and diverse businesses navigate the state’s contract process. She will also collaborate with other state agencies and small business development partners to increase awareness and utilization of essential small business resources, such as mentorship opportunities and access to capital.

“Making the state procurement process easier to access increases the likelihood of small businesses participating and earning state contracts,” said DOAS Commissioner Rebecca N. Sullivan. “Increased small business participation in state procurement is not only beneficial for the small businesses community, but also for our state government agencies by increasing competition, encouraging innovation, and expanding the customer base of state government.”

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