Panel advances bill to recognize employee service organizations in state procurement

Delegate Cohen presented HB 460, which would direct the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to amend the Virginia Administrative Code to explicitly reference employee service organizations (ESOs) and encourage state agencies to count contracting with ESOs toward small, women- and minority-owned (SWAM) procurement goals. The patron said the change is intended to expand opportunities for organizations that provide employment and vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.

Representatives from Melwood, The Arc of Virginia and ServiceSource testified in favor, and Elizabeth Parker of Troutman Strategies noted support on behalf of multiple organizations. Ashley Wright of The Arc of Virginia emphasized the billas a reminder to agencies about procurement options that support disability employment.

The subcommittee voted to report HB 460 to the full committee by a vote of 7 to 0.