Hampton City reviews procurement rules for women and minority businesses

Hampton City Council is considering updates to its procurement policies to enhance opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. During the recent work session on July 9, 2025, city officials reviewed the current requirements for obtaining quotes for purchases, particularly focusing on how they compare to neighboring localities.

Currently, Hampton mandates that for purchases under $5,000, departments must obtain two quotes, with at least one coming from a woman or minority-owned vendor. This requirement is stricter than those in nearby cities like Newport News and Chesapeake, which only require one quote without any specific minority or women-owned business stipulations.

For purchases between $5,000 and $10,000, Hampton requires three quotes, again with one from a woman or minority-owned business. In contrast, other localities have varying requirements, with Norfolk and Virginia Beach only needing one quote and encouraging, but not mandating, the use of SWAM (Small, Women, and Minority) businesses.

Council members discussed the potential for expanding the current requirements to include a broader range of SWAM businesses, including those owned by veterans and individuals with disabilities. This change aims to ensure that more diverse businesses have the opportunity to participate in city contracts.

The council's review of procurement practices reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting local economies. As discussions continue, the city aims to balance the need for competitive pricing with the goal of promoting diversity in its vendor selection process. The next steps will involve drafting recommendations for potential policy changes to be presented in future meetings.