A. There is hereby created within the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Office for Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. The Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce shall appoint a director for the Office for Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. The appointed director shall employ such persons as are necessary to implement the powers and duties of the Office.

B. In performing the services set out in subsection A of this section, the Office shall:

1. Promote the establishment of minority and disadvantaged businesses with technical assistance;

2. Serve as a focal point and ombudsman in state government for minority and disadvantaged business entrepreneurs and coordinate efforts by state agencies, business development organizations, and the private sector as they relate to the development of minority and disadvantaged business enterprises;

3. Serve as an information clearinghouse and disseminator of data for minority and disadvantaged businessmen by:

a.compiling and keeping updated a listing of all minority and disadvantaged businesses in the State of Oklahoma,

b.furnishing to all minority and disadvantaged business enterprises that request it information relating to the state procurement system, state-supported construction, and state-supported subcontracting opportunities, and

c.upon request by such a businessman, reviewing the licensure process, regulations, and administrative procedures of state agencies relating to private enterprise;

4. Encourage development of capital resources for minority and disadvantaged business entrepreneurs;

5. Strengthen the communication link between minority and disadvantaged businessmen and the Governor's office;

6. Assist business development organizations and activities which require the cooperation of state agencies;

7. Provide assistance to minority and disadvantaged businesses by advising and counseling on all phases of procurement policies, by obtaining information concerning prime contractors in letting subcontracts and by encouraging subcontracting by prime contractors to minority and disadvantaged businesses;

8. Receive funding from sources other than the state to further this assistance;

9. Make studies and conduct workshops, conferences and seminars with owners and employees of minority and disadvantaged businesses to enhance their understanding of business management, bidding, licensing procedures, procurement procedures and any other activities incident to their positions in business;

10. Develop training and educational programs in cooperation with institutions, associations and other state, local and federal agencies, and coordinate the training efforts of the various organizations presently providing technical assistance to minority and disadvantaged businesses;

11. Encourage and provide the direction and coordination to secure franchises and dealerships from private firms for minority and disadvantaged businesses;

12. Continually evaluate the progress of minority and disadvantaged businesses through monitoring and techniques of evaluations such as surveys and feasibility studies; and

13. Review and evaluate pertinent legislation and determine its effect upon minority and disadvantaged businesses and make appropriate recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.

C. The Office shall submit an annual report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate prior to January 1 of each year. The report shall describe the Office's activities on behalf of minority and disadvantaged businesses, including but not limited to research and development, technical assistance and dissemination of data and information; furthermore, such report shall make recommendations for strengthening or improving the business climate for minority and disadvantaged businesses in this state through legislation or other means. Additionally, the report shall list all businesses to which assistance was rendered during the period covered by the report and the nature of such assistance.

Added by Laws 1987, c. 148, § 3, eff. July 1, 1987.