Each major jurisdictional utility and each major telecommunications utility should implement an outreach program to inform, to recruit and to expand procurement activities to qualified and qualifiable businesses owned by minority/women/persons with disabilities/LGBTQ/veterans. Outreach activities may vary for each major jurisdictional utility and each major telecommunications utility depending on its size, service territory and specific lines of business. Each major jurisdictional utility and each major telecommunications utility should, at a minimum, consider implementation of the following:

1. (1) Actively seek out opportunities to identify business contractors and suppliers that are owned by minority/women/persons with disabilities/LGBTQ/veterans and to expand source pools.
2. (2) Actively support the efforts of organizations experienced in promoting the interest of minority/women/persons with disabilities/LGBTQ/veteran-owned businesses.
3. (3) Initiate business development partnerships (long-term), joint ventures or venture capital projects with minority/women/persons with disabilities/LGBTQ/veteran-owned businesses such as outsourcing agreements of noncore utility business functions when applicable to allow business expansion within the minority/women/persons with disabilities/LGBTQ/veteran-owned business community. Provide technical/management support (short-term) to ensure the success of this initiative.
4. (4) Work with minority/women/persons with disabilities/LGBTQ/veteran-owned business contractors to facilitate contracting relationships by explaining utility qualification requirements, bidding and contracting procedures, materials requirements, invoicing and payment schedules and other procurement practices and procedures.

Authority

The provisions of this § 69.808 amended under 66 Pa.C.S. § § 501, 505, 506 and 512.

Source

The provisions of this § 69.808 adopted March 24, 1995, effective March 25, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1084; amended January 22, 2021, effective January 23, 2021, 51 Pa.B. 435; amended March 29, 2024, effective March 30, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 1670. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (411131) to (411132).

Cross References

This section cited in 52 Pa. Code § 51.11 (relating to general); 52 Pa. Code § 51.12 (relating to definitions); 52 Pa. Code § 69.802 (relating to definitions); and 52 Pa. Code § 69.804 (relating to contracting recommendations).