As part of its efforts to set a new standard for diversity and inclusion, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority said Tuesday it plans to partner with Rutgers University to conduct a disparity study of contractual awards related to the development of the New Jersey Wind Port.
The study will analyze whether there is a disparity between the number of qualified minority-, women-, veteran- and/or LGBTQ-owned businesses (MWVLOBs) that are ready, willing and able to contract with the NJEDA and perform services relevant to the development of the Wind Port and the number of vendors and contractors that have historically received contracts for similar work.
NJEDA President and CEO Tim Sullivan – ANN-MARIE CARUSO, GANNETT
“Ensuring that the opportunities this project creates are distributed equitably is crucial to achieving our goal of building a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.
The Rutgers research team’s final report will include analysis of the number of MWVLOBs ready and available to do business and contract with the NJEDA in each market sector and an assessment of the NJEDA’s historic utilization of these businesses in similar contracts.
The study will also recommend programmatic remedies to address any identified disparity or underutilization of MWVLOBs; to identify barriers to MWVLOB participation in NJEDA contracts and recommend programs to reduce or eliminate these barriers; as well as additional tools and practices the NJEDA could use to encourage MWVLOB participation in contracts, financial assistance and other support programs.
The New Jersey Wind Port on the eastern shore of the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek in Salem County has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly and operations jobs, as well as hundreds of construction jobs in New Jersey.
Construction is planned in two phases, beginning in 2021. Phase 1 will develop a 30-acre site to accommodate marshalling activities and a 25-acre component manufacturing site. Phase 2 adds another 150 acres to accommodate expanded marshalling activities and extensive manufacturing facilities for turbine components such as blades and nacelles.
“Projects on the scale of the New Jersey Wind Port present crucial opportunities for businesses to grow and gain experience working on government contracts. Unfortunately, in the past, minority-, women-, and LGBTQ-owned businesses have been excluded from these opportunities, both intentionally and by simple oversight,” said NJEDA Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden. “This disparity study is an important step in the right direction that will not only help ensure the opportunities the Wind Port creates are available to all interested and qualified firms, but will also pave the way for more inclusive and diverse hiring in future projects.”
