What should we do when the terms of the RFP make it difficult to state the timeframe, location, and dollar amount in relation to making a Disadvantaged Business commitment?
Sometimes, the nature of an RFP can make specific commitments to disadvantaged business difficult. Some things to remember: When the information in an RFP, or lack thereof, makes providing specific commitments difficult, you can omit the timeframe and the location information, but you must state the dollar value of the commitment. If you have problems making a specific dollar commitment, you can state it in terms of the percentage of the total services/products and an estimated dollar value (see preceding question). When making your disadvantaged business commitment, assume that the disadvantaged business’ supplies or services will be needed. If they are, you must purchase them from the disadvantaged business to which you made the commitment. If they are not, you will not be required to purchase them. If you like, use the phrase “as needed” or “when needed” when wording your commitment. You can only earn disadvantaged business points on specific commitments made to specific businesses.
