Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office

About the Office

The Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office (MBECO) promotes the development of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). MBECO provides services in certification, enforcement, business assistance and advocacy.  MBECO main objective is to increase the number and capability of MBE, WBE and DBE firms available for contract competition, fostering relationships between MBE, WBE and DBE firms with state agencies, quasi-state agencies, purchasing agents and prime vendors.

Certification does not guarantee a successful contract award every time you bid, but it adds a competitive edge to a bid; contractors seek to hire minority businesses that have been certified with DEDI’s MBECO Office. MBECO works extensively with state and local agencies to help them fulfill their business purchasing goals, actively promotes the participation of certified businesses in public and private purchasing and contracting programs. For more information on Rhode Island's procurement system, visit the Rhode Island Division of Purchases website.

 

Major Goals

To increase participation opportunities in State procurement activities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises, veteran business enterprises, and disability business enterprises.

Minority Business Enterprise Program Mission Statement:

To support State of Rhode Island laws and policies that insure the fullest possible participation of Minority Business Enterprise in state funded and directed construction programs and projects, and in state purchases of goods and services.The MBE Program has a Mission to help your business.



The Minority Business Enterprise Program is a State of Rhode Island Program that promotes the State's policy of supporting the fullest possible participation of firms owned and controlled by minorities and women in state funded and directed public construction programs and projects, and in State purchases of goods and services. MBE Program support includes providing assistance to MBEs throughout the life of contracts with the State of Rhode Island.



Minorities include Black, Hispanic, Portuguese, Asian American, American Indian, Native Alaskan, and other groups or individuals found to be economically and socially disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration.

Under Rhode Island General Laws §37-14.1, Minority business enterprises shall be included in all procurements and construction projects under this chapter and shall be awarded a minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of the dollar value of the entire procurement or project. Of that fifteen percent (15%), minority business enterprises owned and controlled by a minority owner, shall be awarded a minimum of seven and one-half percent (7.5%), and minority business enterprises owned and controlled by a woman shall be awarded a minimum of seven and one-half percent (7.5%).

It is a goal of the MBE Program to increase the number of MBE's available for contract competition. If you want to start a business and offer goods or services to the State of Rhode Island, the MBE Program may be able to help. Our vision is straightforward and uncompromising - We will:

  1. Maximize opportunity for business participation by MBEs
  2. Stimulate MBE development and growth
  3. Encourage that MBEs are awarded not less than 10% of the dollar value of state funded or directed procurement and projects
  4. Establish a strong MBE support presence in minority communities and with MBE organizations

Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office (MBECO)