First construction contract under under City's new supplier diversity program released

Mayor Kim Janey today announced the release of the bid package for the Improvements to Malcolm X Park in Roxbury as the first contract planned for the City’s new supplier diversity program. Building on Mayor Janey’s commitment to addressing equity in City contracting, the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will pilot participation goals for minority-owned businesses (MBEs) and women-owned businesses (WBEs) with the Malcolm X Park Improvement Project. The pilot will increase the number of contracts awarded to diverse businesses for planned renovations to the park including the basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, and turf field, among many other improvements. The total construction budget is $7.7 million.

“Engaging with diverse contractors can have a powerful impact on our local economy,” said Mayor Janey. “The Malcolm X Park Improvement Project pilot seeks to quantify that impact and improve transparency in the procurement process, as we address the dire need for investment in Boston-based businesses owned by women and people of color. I am proud to work with the City of Boston Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, as well as the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, to expand access for entrepreneurs who are traditionally overlooked.”

These actions build on the City of Boston's commitments announced in February 2021 that followed the completion of a disparity study, including an Executive Order designed to support equitable procurement policies. The Executive Order recognizes the results of the disparity study and established spending goals of 25% for WBEs and MBEs, as well as establishment of a Supplier Diversity Plan to support diverse procurement.

“The Malcolm X Park project will revitalize a treasured community resource while also providing economic opportunities for area businesses owned by people of color and women,” said Celina Barrios-Millner, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “We appreciate the hard work of the Parks Department to make this pilot possible, and have established a Supplier Diversity Program that will create opportunities for diverse contractors on all types of City contracts moving forward.” 

The City has set an MBE goal of 2.4% and a WBE goal of 4.8% of the total budget for this project based on the availability of MBEs and WBEs for the work required for the renovations. Bidders must either achieve the goals through subcontracting commitments with MBEs and WBEs, or provide documentation with their bids specifically demonstrating good faith efforts undertaken to achieve the goals. Bidders must achieve both goals, as well as the City’s Boston Jobs Resident Policy goals. 

“We are grateful for Mayor Janey’s and the Equity Cabinet’s leadership in reducing barriers for City suppliers,” said Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Ryan Woods. “Requiring bidders to thoughtfully engage all available subcontractors will result in a high quality, diverse pool of companies on the project team and a better park project overall.”

The type of contracts required for the project include concrete and asphalt installation, playground equipment installation, electrical, plumbing, earthwork and grading, arborist and tree work, planting, and signage. WBEs and MBEs in these fields can access a list of potential bidders who have requested a copy of the plan, and reach out to them directly to pitch their services. Subcontractors are also encouraged to get certified as WBEs or MBEs. Certified contractors will be included in a list of diverse businesses that City of Boston and external organizations use for recruitment.

The construction bid (IFB) was released on Monday, July 19 and bids are due by August 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Bids and specifications are available to be picked up at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor. No appointment is necessary. For an up to date list of plan holders or for any questions please contact Lauren Bryant by email at lauren.bryant@boston.gov or by phone at 617-961-3019. Prospective bidders are highly encouraged to attend a virtual pre-bid conference on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Boston time. To attend, use the video call link or dial 319-820-2332 PIN: ‪158 648 917#.

The Parks and Recreation Department creates and maintains clean, green, safe, and accessible public parks and open space throughout Boston. The department is responsible for 217 parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, two golf courses, 65 squares, 17 fountains, 75 game courts, 16 historic and three active cemeteries, urban wilds, four High School athletic fields, and approximately 125,000 trees, all covering 2,346 acres, 1,000 of which comprise the historic Emerald Necklace. Parks and Recreation is also responsible for more than 35,000 street trees.

The Equity Office works to embed equity and racial justice into all City planning and operations. The Office focuses on dismantling systemic barriers to achieve racial, gender, health and socio-economic equality and works to ensure that an equity lens is placed on all programs, policies, and practices of local government. The Cabinet consists of numerous departments and agencies, including: Resilience and Racial Equity, Human Rights Commission, Women’s Advancement, Immigrant Advancement, Language and Communication Access, and the Economic Mobility Lab. The cabinet also oversees the Boston Resident Jobs Policy and the Supplier Diversity Program.