Hampton Considers Ways to Boost SWaM Business Participation
Recommendations include replacing oversight committee, revising procurement policies, and expanding support programs
The Hampton City Council will review a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing support for Small, Woman-Owned, and Minority-Owned (SWaM) businesses, including restructuring oversight, expanding outreach, and updating procurement practices. The presentation will take place during the City Council Work Session on July 9, 2025 at 1PM, 22 Lincoln Street.
Among the proposed changes is the replacement of the current Purchasing & Procurement Oversight Committee (PPOC) with a newly formed SWaM Business Committee. This new committee would focus on advocacy and outreach, support business development efforts, and provide annual reporting to the City Council and City Manager. It is recommended that the committee consist of seven members, with at least five being SWaM-certified business owners. The Department of Economic Development would be responsible for staffing the group, which is expected to meet quarterly.
The City also plans to establish a working group composed of internal and external stakeholders to review and suggest updates to existing procurement policies related to SWaM businesses. The Procurement Office will staff this group. Additionally, existing staffing resources between the Department of Economic Development and the Procurement Office would be realigned to better support the City’s strategic objectives, with separate reporting lines maintained for both offices.
Currently, Hampton supports SWaM development through its Minority Business Programs, which has a proposed FY2026 budget of $75,587. The funding is used to develop policies, promote training opportunities, and increase engagement with both the City and Hampton City Schools.
For contracts valued at $100,000 or more, the City has subcontracting goals of 4.34% for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and 3.82% for Non-minority Woman Business Enterprises (WBEs). To qualify toward these goals, businesses must be certified by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD).
Contractors bidding on qualifying projects must submit a subcontracting plan listing certified SWaM vendors, the value and scope of their subcontracted work, and their contact and certification details. Contractors must also report actual payments to subcontractors quarterly. Failure to comply with documentation requirements may result in delayed payments or sanctions.
Bidders are expected to make “good faith efforts” to meet the subcontracting goals, such as soliciting bids from diverse vendors, selecting specific work for subcontracting, and engaging support organizations. However, meeting both MBE and WBE goals using a single contractor is not permitted, as the targets are tracked separately.
All SWaM certifications must be completed by the bid opening date for businesses to count toward meeting contract goals. A complete list of certified businesses is available on the SBSD website.
A Hampton Daily contributor produced this post using AI and these sources:
Hampton City Council Work Session Agenda - July 9, 2025
PPOC SWAM Presentation