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Broward Contract Hub

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Key Fact: In January 2025, Broward County's Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) issued waivers for over 50 contracts because fewer than two certified small businesses could provide the required services.

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The Documented Vendor Shortage

Legal Requirement

Under Section 1-81.3 of the Broward County Business Opportunity Act, OESBD must certify in writing that insufficient certified vendors exist before the County can waive small business participation goals.

What the Record Shows

In January 2025 alone, OESBD used this exact certification language dozens of times:

"There are fewer than two (2) certified CBEs available that can provide the required services."

This is not marketing language. This is legal documentation that the County wanted to award work to small businesses but lacked enough qualified vendors.

Affected Contract Categories

The January 2025 waivers covered contracts in these sectors:

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Facilities and Infrastructure

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• Fire suppression systems and equipment maintenance
• Electrical and HVAC maintenance and repair
• Airport systems (elevators, escalators, runway lighting, baggage handling)

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Technology and Systems

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• IT infrastructure support