United States Environmental Protection Agency Washington DC 20460 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 A 2E2Environmental News Wyche (202) 755-0133 Acly (202) 755-0344 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 1978 BLUM ANNOUNCES NEW EPA INITIATIVES TO AID MINORITY BUSINESSES Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Barbara Blum today announced new initiatives to aid Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation in EPA grant-assisted projects. Blum believes that the new initiatives', will greatly in- crease the role of minority businesses in such"projects. Grant funds awarded to MBEs should increase ten times over present yearly levels to about $3 20 million annually. "Our new MBE effort is good news for minority communities-* " said Blum. "Development of an effective MBE program should greatly reduce serious problems encountered by minority businesses in their efforts to participate in work under EPA grant-assisted projects, such as the multi-billion dollar sewage construction grants program. The Agency and its grantees will work together to develop realistic goals for MBE utilization. The need for this approach was recently emphasized by President Carter when he announced his urban policy on March 27," said Blum. "In that message the President asked all Federal agencies to develop goals for MBE participation in Federal grant-assisted projects. Our months of work on the MBE problem gives us an excellent opportunity to quickly carry out this element of the President's urban policy." (more) Return this sheet if you do NOT wish to receive this material ~ , or if change of address is needed ~ (indicate change, including zip code). EPA FORM 15t0-1 (REV. 8-72} R-69 ------- -2- The new Agency initiatives are contained in the final recommendations of the EPA Task Force on Minority Business Enterprise. The Task Force has been reviewing the Agency's MBE policy since November. After examining numerous options to increase MBE utilization, the Task Force recommended a "goal" system where the EPA Regional Offices and grantees jointly determine goals for MBE participation in grant-related contracts. The goals are not quotas, but must be seriously regarded by grantees, contractors and subcontractors. A high priority of the Agency is to insure full minority protection in contracts and grants. Contractors and grantees will be required by EPA to subcontract sufficient dollars to minority firms. The Task Force also recommended refining the present definition of MBE to prevent abuse of the MBE program by "front" organizations that are not in fact MBEs. The Task Force was established in October 1977 at EPA's initiative to review and analyze the Agency's proposed MBE initiatives and make recommendations on any needed improvements. Their recommendations have been approved by EPA's Administrator and Deputy Administrator. In 1977 the Agency awarded grants totalling $6.6 billion, of which $32 million was awarded to minority businesses. With the new initiatives, the amount awarded to MBEs in FY '79 should exceed $320 million. The Agency will shortly take necessary steps to publish for comment in the Federal Register the proposed modifications to existing MBE policies. EPA Regions will immediately begin working with minority consultants, contractors and their trade- as sociationsand grantees regarding these new initiatives. # # # US EPA Headquarters e^sd Cnen^ca! Libraries EPA Wed Bfea Poor , 3340 Msikx.-.to 3^C'fT 1301 Con.5i«tu.tor. Ave NW Washington T 3 20004 20%-rf ' 0556 R-69 ------- |