Washington, D.C. — The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC) urge the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure equity in its procurement processes for federal fleet electrification for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), specifically Black-owned businesses.
AABE President Ralph Cleveland emphasizes, "As U.S. infrastructure spending continues to grow and reach needed levels for remediation and renewal, it is imperative that equity is a laser-focused effort to bring historically disadvantaged and Black business owners into the mix to assure building capacity in diverse communities. Neglecting equity as a needed outcome will risk not only falling short in sustainable growth but will also exacerbate racial disparities within our economy.”
NABWIC Chair and Co-Founder Ann McNeill shared the following statement, “The National Association of Black Women In Construction is committed to disadvantaged small businesses and building generational wealth simultaneously in parity with non-disadvantaged businesses. It is our assertion that GSA failed to remove systemic procurement barriers as mandated by President Biden's Executive Order 13985 Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities and Small Businesses, which resulted in no Black Americans having any contracts for zero emissions projects."
Despite GSA’s ambitious goals for a fully electric fleet, disparities persist in providing equitable opportunities for disadvantaged, historically underserved small businesses. AABE emphasizes the urgent need for GSA to prioritize equity in its procurement strategies.
Supported by prominent organizations, AABE highlights the importance of this issue in driving sustainable growth and narrowing racial disparities. AABE urges GSA to respond promptly and schedule a meeting to address this critical matter.
Contact:
Camille Moore
202-713-0832 Phone
cmoore@aabe.org