(July 29, 2003)
Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey today signed an Executive Action reemphasizing his commitment to promote fairness and equity in construction, goods and services contracts awarded by the county.

At a ceremony at the NAACP Offices in Pittsburgh, Roddey signed the Executive Action that establishes a Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (M/W/DBE) Advisory Committee. The goal is to reinvigorate the county's policy guiding the awarding of public contracts.

"It is crucial that we increase the business opportunities available to M/W/DBE firms in Allegheny County," Roddey said. "This action will ensure that the county offers full, fair and equal procurement opportunities to all eligible M/W/DBE companies."

The committee includes individuals from the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, African American Chamber of Commerce, Urban League of Pittsburgh, NAACP Pittsburgh and suburban branches, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Minority Contractors/Black Contractors Association, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Master Builders Association and five county departments. Representatives from the financial, higher education and business communities also will be part of the committee. Roddey plans to name County Councilwoman Brenda Frazier (D-13) and Pittsburgh NAACP President Tim Stevens as co-chairs.

This new committee will work closely with M/W/DBE Director Cameil Williams, developers and other interested parties to discuss strategies to ensure fair purchasing practices for economic development projects within Allegheny County.

One of the committee's first items of business will be to review a draft of a consultant's report that is expected to study the opportunities and challenges associated with establishing standardized procurement practices.