The Finance, Audit and Administration Committee on Nov. 6 approved staff’s recommendation to replace NTTA’s existing disadvantaged minority, women‑owned and small business enterprises policy with a race‑neutral Small Business Program policy.

General Counsel Adina Stroh and Business Development staff explained the shift responds to federal regulatory changes and board direction over the last year. Staff said the Small Business Program will be neutral with respect to race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation and other protected classes and will encourage participation by certified small businesses. The Business Development and Opportunities Department (BDOD) will set contract‑specific participation goals based on market availability.

Staff noted the current policy dates to Jan. 2010 and that the proposed policy narrows the program to certified small businesses and sets aspirational participation goals; staff also recommended one drafting change (removal of “other funding source”) from the packet version before approval.

Director Baker moved to approve item 7d and Director Knight seconded. The committee approved the Small Business Program policy unanimously.