WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PR 26-0160

Certified Business Enterprise Program Compliance and Enforcement Support Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

DC allocates emergency enforcement resources to strengthen oversight of the Certified Business Enterprise contracting program to prevent fraud and ensure funds reach legitimate small businesses.

Resolution R26-0115, Effective from May 06, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 005866
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PR 26-0160

Legislative bill overview

This emergency declaration resolution authorizes the District of Columbia to allocate additional resources and funding to strengthen compliance monitoring and enforcement of the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) Program. The resolution expedites the implementation of oversight mechanisms to ensure CBE certification requirements are properly met by businesses receiving city contracts.

Why is this important

The CBE Program is designed to direct government contracting dollars to businesses owned by disadvantaged entrepreneurs, supporting economic equity and small business growth. Without adequate enforcement, the program's integrity can be compromised through fraudulent certifications or misuse of preferential contracting, wasting public funds intended for genuine small enterprises.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and Budget Impact: The emergency declaration may authorize unbudgeted spending; critics may question whether enforcement costs are proportionate to identified compliance problems
  • Regulatory Burden on Businesses: Enhanced enforcement could increase compliance costs and documentation requirements for CBEs, potentially affecting smaller firms disproportionately
  • Definition of "Disadvantaged": Disagreement may persist over whether CBE certification criteria adequately target intended beneficiaries or inadvertently exclude qualifying businesses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.