Section 10231.615 - Diversity goals(a) Goals.--It is the intent and goal of the General Assembly that the department promote diversity and the participation by diverse groups in the activities authorized under this act. In order to further this goal, the department shall adopt and implement policies ensuring the following: (1) That diverse groups are accorded equal opportunity in the permitting process.(2) That permittees promote the participation of diverse groups in their operations by affording equal access to employment opportunities.(b)Duties of department.--To facilitate participation by diverse groups in the activities authorized under this act, the department shall: (1) Conduct necessary and appropriate outreach including, if necessary, consulting with other Commonwealth agencies to identify diverse groups who may qualify for participation in activities under this act.(2) Provide sufficient and continuous notice of the participation opportunities afforded under this act by publishing notice on the department's publicly accessible Internet website.(3) Include in the applications for permit under this act language to encourage applicants to utilize and give consideration to diverse groups for contracting or professional services opportunities.(c) Reports.--No later than March 1, 2018, and each March 1 thereafter, the department shall submit a report to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Public Health and Welfare Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Health Committee of the House of Representatives summarizing the participation and utilization of diverse groups in the activities authorized under this act. The report shall include: (1) The participation level, by percentage, of diverse groups in the activities authorized under this act.(2) A summary of how diverse groups are utilized by permittees, including in the provision of goods or services.(3) Any other information the department deems appropriate.(d) Definitions.--The following words and phrases when used in this section shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Disadvantaged business." As defined in 74 Pa.C.S.§ 303(b) (relating to diverse business participation).
"Diverse group." A disadvantaged business, minority-owned business, women-owned business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business or veteran-owned small business that has been certified by a third-party certifying organization.
"Minority-owned business." As defined in 74 Pa.C.S.§ 303(b).
"Service-disabled veteran-owned small business." As defined in 51 Pa.C.S.§ 9601 (relating to definitions).
"Third-party certifying organization." As defined in 74 Pa.C.S.§ 303(b).
"Veteran-owned small business." As defined in 51 Pa.C.S.§ 9601.
"Women-owned business." As defined in 74 Pa.C.S.§ 303(b).
Added by P.L. TBD 2016 No. 16, § 615, eff. 5/17/2016.