Social Equity in District Procurements Explained.pdf

The document outlines the inclusion of Social Equity as an evaluation factor in some District best value procurements. Social Equity, a component of Corporate Social Responsibility, focuses on fair and equitable distribution of public services and implementation of public policy. The District aims to conduct business with suppliers who demonstrate responsible business practices through social equity and positive economic impacts. The support for Social Equity is shown by adding a Social Equity evaluation criterion to best value procurements, providing additional points to firms demonstrating practices like maximizing employment opportunities, ensuring competitive pay, and using local suppliers. The document details selection criteria for evaluating proposals related to diversity, training, social equity innovations, employee benefits, job creation, and support for disadvantaged businesses. The evaluation criteria are scored by a committee of District staff and/or technical experts. The program aims to add social equity considerations to all RFPs unless it could limit competition, such as in cases involving national corporations, very small businesses, or limited vendor availability. Reporting on RFPs including this criterion will be done through designated documentation in Bonfire and Board reports or the General Manager's quarterly report on procurement activity.