New Mexico Bill Would Add Native American Preference in Procurement

The bill would give preference to New Mexico businesses and Native American businesses on tribal land in the state’s procurement process.

Source : Wikimedia Commons

January 25, 2022

Author : Alex Bustillos

New Mexico Democratic Senators Benny Shendo and Jemez Pueblo are sponsoring legislation that would increase the bidding preference for businesses based in New Mexico from five percent to eight percent.

Additionally, Native American-owned enterprises on tribal lands in the state would also get an eight percent bidding preference. Currently Native American businesses on tribal land receive no preferential treatment.

Veteran-owned businesses in the state would get a bidding preference of ten percent, while a cap on veteran-owned businesses with more than $3 million in annual revenue from getting preference would be removed under the bill.

“Smart policies like these are what makes our state a great place to be in business, and I’m encouraging the Legislature to join me in lifting up our New Mexican-grown businesses,” New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham said in a press release. “This administration believes in supporting a thriving and healthy economy, and that starts right here at home.”

“Each year, the state of New Mexico and local public bodies spend billions of dollars to buy goods and services, including everything from janitorial supplies to computers, landscaping services to legal representation,” the press release states.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Category : Tribally Designated Entity Diversity Outreach State Government Procurement

Related Article