The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, October 31st, unanimously enacted CB-071-2023, legislation proposed by District 8 Council Member Edward Burroughs III to increase transparency in the County’s construction contracts.
CB-071-2023 requires the Office of Central Services (OCS) to maintain the employment metrics of contractors and subcontractors that have been awarded County construction contracts of $1 million or more.
Council Member Burroughs says heightened transparency ensures that residents, local businesses, and MBEs (Minority Business Enterprises) benefit from the wealth generated by these projects.
“Right now we provide millions of dollars in public construction contracts, but we don’t know who exactly is working those jobs and who is benefiting. We need to know who these contracts are going to, if they are employing County residents, and if contractors and subcontractors are being paid fairly,” said Burroughs. “Leveraging our tax dollars to uplift people who live in the County should be the priority, and this legislation will provide the data to determine if that is taking place.”
Among the metrics to be maintained by OCS are the number of local workers on a project, wages paid, and benefits provided. Additionally, the total number of County-based MBEs utilized on the contract, total amount paid, and percentage of the overall contract value paid to MBEs will also be included. The Director of OCS will be required to submit an annual report to the County Executive and County Council each year by July 1st to aid in assessing the contractors' MBE participation.
CB-071-2023 will go into effect 45 days after it becomes law.
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