Oregon stands at a turning point. In 2023 we
concluded a disparity study to better understand our procurement
outcomes. The Disparity Study has shown us where inequities persist, and
that’s where we are taking action. Through a new procurement
initiative, state agencies are committing to spend 11% of their budgets
with small businesses certified by the Certification Office for Business
Inclusion and Diversity (COBID).
This is about more than contracts. It’s about ensuring that every Oregonian
has a fair chance to succeed. By supporting businesses owned by women,
veterans, minorities, and other underrepresented groups, we’re investing
in communities, building opportunities, and creating a stronger, more
inclusive economy for the future.
Together, we take the first steps towards a system that benefits all Oregonians.
Frequently Asked Questions
To address the procurement inequities found in the disparity study, specifically the difference between the number of COBID firms available and how often they are used.
DAS is setting a statewide target under the direction of the Governor’s Office.
The 11% target came from the utilization number found in the disparity study. This approach is a best practice that is modeled after successful efforts in other states, such as Minnesota.
More Oregonians participating in state contracting.
We are focusing on total contract dollars.
We are developing progressive actions to meet the target.
We will closely monitor our progress and require transparent reporting.
- DAS will publish an interactive PowerBI dashboard.
- Data will be published four times per year at the end of each quarter.
- Reports will be aligned with the fiscal year (FY) July 1st – June 30th.
- Reports will include data from July 1, 2022, to the most recent completed quarter.
- Historical data for FY2023 and FY2024 will be published by June 30, 2025.
- Regular reporting will begin in FY2026 to allow for development.
- Data for certified firms will account for certification at the time of contract award.
Success is not pass or fail. The target is an opportunity to focus effort and collaborate on progress.
The 11% is an overall target and does not currently have any variations.
- Yes, this is a starting point for tracking. Data collection will improve as we work with agency partners.
- The data inclusions and exclusions originate from existing practice used in the disparity study.
Yes, the Office of Procurement Equity and COBID are actively engaged in growing the number of certified firms.
- Yes, we are actively trying to best understand how to involve more and smaller businesses in the price agreements.
- We are working to identify how best to capture usage of certified firms on price agreements.
We recognize program manager involvement is essential and are pursuing collaboration as the next step of resource building.
We set up our programming to anticipate and factor changes with the federal government. We will keep navigating policy changes from other governments and the federal government that affect the work we do.