1. (a) In accordance with Texas Government Code, §2161.066, the Commission shall design a program of forums in which historically underutilized businesses are invited by state agencies to deliver technical and business presentations that demonstrate their capability to do business with the agency:

   1. (1) to senior managers and procurement personnel at state agencies that acquire goods and services of a type supplied by the historically underutilized businesses; and
   2. (2) to contractors/vendors with the state who may be subcontracting for goods and services of a type supplied by the historically underutilized businesses.

2. (b) Each agency with a biennial appropriation exceeding $10 million shall participate in the forums by sending senior managers and procurement personnel to attend relevant presentations. The agency will inform their contractors/vendors about presentations relevant to subcontracting opportunities for HUBs and small businesses. The commission and each agency that has a HUB coordinator shall:

   1. (1) design its own forum program and model the program, to the extent appropriate, following the format established by the commission;
   2. (2) sponsor presentations by HUBs at the agency offices unless agency facilities will not accommodate forum participants as determined and documented by the Agency HUB Coordinator; and
   3. (3) identify and invite HUBs to make marketing presentations on the types of goods and services they provide.

3. (c) Agencies may elect to implement forums individually or cooperatively with other agencies. The agency's forum programs may include, but are not limited to, the following initiatives:

   1. (1) providing marketing information that will direct HUBs to key staff within the agency;
   2. (2) requesting other state agencies to assist in the preparation and planning of the forum when necessary;
   3. (3) informing HUBs about potential contract opportunities and future awards; and
   4. (4) preparing an annual report of each sponsored and/or cosponsored forum.

Source Note:The provisions of this §111.27 adopted to be effective April 19, 2000, 25 TexReg 3232; amended to be effective November 9, 2004, 29 TexReg 10249.