Overview: B 26-0207, the Certified Business Enterprise Program Compliance and Enforcement Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2025, has been enacted as Law L26-0025, effective from August 16, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The bill aims to provide temporary support and resources to the District's Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program, which promotes the participation of local, small, and disadvantaged businesses in government contracting.
Key Provisions:
- Allocates additional funding to the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to enhance CBE program compliance and enforcement
- Requires DSLBD to conduct more frequent audits and investigations of CBE-certified businesses
- Authorizes DSLBD to impose stricter penalties for CBE program violations
Affected Parties and Impacts: The bill would directly impact CBE-certified businesses, which would face increased scrutiny and potential penalties for non-compliance. The District government and taxpayers would also benefit from improved oversight and enforcement of the CBE program.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has been enacted as a temporary law, effective from August 16, 2025, and expiring on March 29, 2026. DSLBD is required to implement the enhanced compliance and enforcement measures during this period.