On November 29th, 2005, the Indiana Department of Administration sent out a press release detailing a new change in policy to promote construction project diversity.

According to the press release, "...on January 1, 2006 the State will require construction contractors to meet or exceed the subcontracting diversity goals set forth by the Governor's Commission on Minority and Women's Business Enterprises.

So what does this mean to you? Well, if you're a construction firm bidding on contracts valued over $150,000 that have subcontracting opportunities, you are now required to meet or exceed a 6% spend for an Minority Business Enterprise and a 6% spend for a Women's Business Enterprise in order to have your bid considered. If you're not a construction firm and are bidding on state service contracts, you are still required to meet a 7% spend for an MBE and a 10% spend for a WBE.

Even if the current project you're bidding on doesn't require "OUR SERVICES", Comtex can still help you to meet the goals for the projected spends for the RFP. According to the Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Plan, "If the goal for this solicitation cannot be directed toward Indiana certified racial minority or woman owned enterprise, the respondent may demonstrate that a minimum of an amount equal to the goal of overall annual proceeds from all business are directed to Indiana certified racial and woman owned enterprises."

In other words, you can utilize Comtex to provide "SERVICES" on any other project where there may be a need, and this will satisfy your state MBE requirements.