|
July 2016
Introducing Equity Select: Agencies Now Have More Options for Diverse Purchasing
On July 1, 2016, a new state law went into effect giving state agencies more tools to ensure greater equity in state purchasing and contracting. With this new option, which we're calling Equity Select, state agencies can directly select certified diverse businesses on any purchase or contract up to $25,000, without competitive bidding.
To be selected, diverse businesses must be certified with the state as minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned, or veteran-owned through our portfolio of small business certification programs. The previous threshold for direct selection without competitive bidding was $5,000. The increased threshold was recommended by Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith and approved by the legislature during the recent legislative session.
The Equity Select option adds to the tools that agency purchasing staff have to help meet the state's aggressive goals to address racial disparities. Admin is committed to diversity and inclusion in the purchasing and contracting space. Stay connected with our Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) for more and contact us at procurement.equity@state.mn.us if you have questions about using Equity Select.
 Recycling Upgrades Launched at Admin — You're Next!
Our efforts to move "All In Toward Zero Waste" on the Capitol Complex jumped off the starting line with the launch of recycling upgrades at the Admin Building. On June 20, Admin introduced organics recycling, revamped recycling collection stations, and streamlined procedures for desk-side waste in its building. All Capitol Complex buildings will experience similar upgrades throughout this summer and fall.
|
The launch at Admin has been a big success, and the response from employees has been very positive. The rollout continues later this month with recycling upgrades at the Transportation and Andersen buildings.
Learn more about our efforts to move All In Toward Zero Waste and see when your building can expect to see the recycling upgrades at mn.gov/admin/recycling.
|
|
 |
Capitol Mall Set for Summer with Help from St. Paul Students
Admin's groundskeepers once again got the assistance of local school children to plant the summer flowers on the State Capitol Mall and surrounding grounds. In what has become a tradition dating back more than 20 years, students from St. Paul Public Schools join our groundskeepers for a day of service each year. Hundreds of students joined us on May 26 to plant the summer flowers while learning about plants, bees, and the State Capitol.
Pictured above at left, students emptied planters alongside Commissioner Massman. Pictured above at right, students marched across the mall with groundskeeper Jay Johnston. The students ask tons of questions and thoroughly enjoy digging in the dirt. For some students, it was the first exposure to planting any vegetation and more than one student was overheard exclaiming, "Best field trip ever!"
A featured aspect of this year's festivities was the addition of a new Pollinator Garden (see below). Our thanks to all the St. Paul students who helped us prepare the State Capitol for the summer season! We look forward to the Capitol being reopened for the 2017 planting.
State Capitol Complex Abuzz Thanks to New Pollinator Garden
Did you know more than one third of all plants or plant products consumed by humans are directly or indirectly dependent on insects for pollination? Apples, blueberries, sunflowers, canola, clover, and more cannot reproduce without help from insect pollinators. But pollinator populations are under threat and their decline affects us all.
Admin has partnered with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to reverse this trend and support pollinators. The three agencies recently banded together to establish a Pollinator-Friendly Garden on the State Capitol Complex.
The garden contains plants native to Minnesota that will help sustain pollinating insects that are critical to our food supply. It provides an example of how we can all do our part to help; with a little forethought and planning, we can help pollinators rebound from the challenges they face. You can find more great photos of the Pollinator Garden in action on our Twitter page.
 Spotlight on the Capitol Complex's Newest Memorials
Two new memorials were recently completed and dedicated on the Capitol Mall. On Monday, May 30 the Minnesota Worker's Memorial was rededicated following substantial revisions, including a new stone mural, carved by visual artist Craig David (pictured above at left). On Saturday, June 11, the Memorial to the Special Forces in Laos was unveiled, honoring Hmong and Laotian veterans who served in Laos from 1961 to 1975. We encourage employees and visitors to the Capitol Complex to check out these new attractions!
| 
