OMWBD director says city program will continue amid state changes; budget rises to cover new certification software

Fredericks, director of the Office of Minority & Women Business Development, told the Admin & Finance Committee that state changes — including an attorney‑general opinion and Governor executive order that pause state MBE/WBE certification — do not halt the city's supplier diversity work. "Our office and our program continue to operate as normal," Fredericks said, emphasizing that the state actions apply only to state agencies.

Fredericks reviewed program staffing (11 full‑time staff) and multi‑year metrics showing growth in certified vendors since 2020. He said the office expects a roughly $176,000 increase in next year’s budget mainly because the BDG digital certification and management software will now be funded through OMWBD rather than carried by another agency. The director said the digital system will allow online applications, document uploads and spend tracking that the office expects will cut administrative costs and improve reporting.