WASHINGTON – On Monday, October 29, 2007, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, will hold a Public Hearing on B17-336 “Excellence in Local Business Contract Grading Act of 2007.” The bill would require the Mayor to establish a grading system for businesses receiving contracts in the District of Columbia. The grading system will help determine participation in competing for and winning government contracts.
“I introduced this legislation because we have to set high standards, have measurability and accountability,” said Brown. “But it’s critical that we have public input on how we can ultimately achieve excellence. This hearing is intended to give the public and local businesses an opportunity to express their ideas and share their experiences.”
The main goal of the grading system is to “provide assurance of past performance and create a standard for businesses to provide high quality goods and services in the District.” Businesses would be graded from A-F and the system would be managed by the Office of Contract and Procurement in conjunction with the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). The Office of Contract and Procurement would produce an annual report, which would be submitted to DSLBD. The Mayor would be tasked with creating rules for the grading system within 90 days. Once the Mayor proposes grading rules, the Council would have 45 days to review the proposal.
WHAT: Public Hearing on B17-336 “Excellence in Local Business Contract Grading Act of 2007”
WHEN: Monday, October 29, 2007 at 10:00am
WHERE: Room 412, John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
CONTACT: Those who wish to testify should contact John Adams at the Committee on Economic Development by email at Jadams@DCCouncil.us or by telephone at (202) 727-6683 by 5:00pm on Friday, October 26, 2007. E-mail contacts should include the full name, title, and affiliation – if applicable – of the person(s) wishing to testify. Witnesses should bring 10 copies of their written testimony to the roundtable. Representatives of organizations will be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentation and individuals will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentation.
If you are unable to attend the Hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to the Committee on Economic Development, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 119, Washington, D.C. 20004 no later than 5:00pm Friday, November 2, 2007.
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