Middlesex County sets goal to award 20% of County contracts to minority-, women-, veteran-owned, and small businesses

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Furthering its commitment to incorporating diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into county business practices, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners have approved a resolution to set aside, or otherwise allocate, 20% of the dollar value of all the County’s contracts for goods and services in a fiscal year to minority-, women-, veteran-owned and small businesses.

Under the Set-Aside Program, the County will make a good faith effort to award contracts directly to, or encourage primary contractors to award subcontracts to, Qualified Business Enterprises which are defined by State law as Qualified Minority, Women, Veteran, and Small Business Enterprises. Additionally, a disparity study will be conducted by the end of calendar year 2024 to assess the economic success of minority-, women-, veteran-owned and small businesses within the County and to determine how the Set-Aside Program can better serve the business community.

“As one of the most diverse counties in the nation, Middlesex County has long recognized the need to have our internal and external functions, policies, and programs reflect the diverse community in which we live. To that end, the designation of 20% of our procurement dedicated to minority-, women-, veteran-owned and small businesses, is a key milestone in our journey to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles into our business practices,” said County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.

The creation of this program stemmed from a broader diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging study being conducted by a professional firm — Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, P.C. – to assess fairness across Middlesex County’s practices, policies, and procedures, and to develop an enterprise-wide DEIB implementation strategy.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.