Policy Statement

It shall be policy of Mecklenburg County Government to provide minority-owned, women-owned, and small business enterprises (collectively "M/W/SBE") as well as other responsible vendors with fair and reasonable opportunity to participate in Mecklenburg County's business opportunities including purchasing opportunities, construction projects, professional services, and procurement programs including but not limited to participation in procurement contracts for commodities, services and/or leasing activities as they relate to equal opportunities and affirmative action requirements established by federal, state and local governments.

It is further the policy of Mecklenburg County to prohibit discrimination against any person or business in pursuit of these opportunities on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran's status.

Mecklenburg County's Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises Program is not a set-aside program as it relates to construction contracting.   It is a voluntary goal program.  Competitive bidding is required for all contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and distributors.  The MWSBE Program encourages contractors to actively and aggressively seek MWSBE participation.

Mecklenburg County's MWSBE Program is committed to support the economic development of small business enterprises and the minority community.   It is further the intent of the program to widen opportunities for participation, increase competition, and ensure the proper diligent use of public funds.

Policy Objectives

• To ensure that Mecklenburg County staff involved in purchasing make good faith efforts to utilize MWSBE vendors in accordance with formal and informal procurement procedures as mandated by the Board of County Commissioners. 

• To track MWSBE good faith efforts and utilization according to recording keeping requirements mandated by the Board of County Commissioners.

• To create and maintain an ongoing outreach effort to MWSBE vendors including, without limitation, assisting MWSBEs to register with the State IPS system and the State E-procurement System, providing information regarding doing business with Mecklenburg County, and encouraging collaboration among MWSBEs.

• To establish partnerships with existing management and technical assistance providers in the Charlotte area to assist MWSBEs with securing and performing Mecklenburg County contracts.

• To provide and administer procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination made against businesses holding construction or equipment and service contracts with Mecklenburg County.