Department: Economic Equity and Opportunity
Department Head/Elected Official: Estella Gonzalez
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): The Pierre Foundation
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity for approval of an agreement to award $67,350 in grant funds to The Pierre Foundation for the Pathways to Prime program, funded with general funds authorized by the Local Government Code Chapter 381.004.
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Background and Discussion:
On January 9, 2024, Commissioners Court approved a 381 grant-funded program (now called the Pathways to Prime program) to foster the creation of new M/WBE businesses and support the growth of existing ones by providing various capacity-building programs and initiatives.
On April 1, 2024, the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) issued a Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) to non-profits, community development corporations, and community development financial institutions, soliciting proposals for technical assistance and training programs for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs).
The application period closed on May 31, 2024, with 17 applications received. The evaluation committee, including DEEO, Purchasing, and Precinct observers, selected the highest-scoring initiatives to best support M/WBEs and increase their participation in County contracts.
DEEO is requesting to award The Pierre Foundation $67,350.00 for the period of November 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 for networking opportunities with prime contractors. The Vendor Diversity division will administer and oversee the grant program. Throughout implementation, the recipient coll...
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