Minutes ExhibitA
Port Commission Regular Meeting
of October 24. 2017
Testimony of Ralph B. lbarra, President  DiverseAmerica Network
Port of Seattle Commission Meeting: October 24, 2017

RE:

For the record, my name is Ralph lbarra and my company is DiverseAmerica Network, my home is in
Algona, Washington, and l have been a tax-paying resident of the Port's jurisdiction since 1980.  I am
an advocate and activist for equity and justice in public works contracts for diverse rms; specically,
enterprises owned and operated by minorities, women, veterans, the disabled, and those that identify
them as LGBT. I am here to testify on Agenda items 7e, Port of Seattle Women and Minority Business
Enterprise Policy.
1. In addition to Women and Minority Business Enterprises, Veteran-owned, Disabled-owned, and
LGBT-owned Business Enterprises should be included in any Policy Directive on Equity in Port
Contracting.
2. In addition to the Washington State Ofce of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, there are
other entities that certify bona fide diverse firms; e.g. the National Minority Supplier Development
Council, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, the Washington State Dept. of Veterans
Affairs, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the United States Business Leadership
Network, the United States Dept. of Veterans Affairs Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business
Utilization, and others.
3. The Resource Guides issued by the Government Alliance on Race & Equity should be required study
by all Port staff, of which the Port of Seattle is a member. The Contracting for Equity  Best Local
Government Practices that Advance Racial Equity in Government Contracting'and Procurement is
particularly germane to the issue before the Commission.
4. Prompt payment terms and conditions should be incorporated into all procurement solicitations,
contract language and as a condition of award that also allows the Port to audit compliance and issue
remedies as needed.







DIVERSEAMERICA
3*
N  E  T W  O  R  K
826 Algona Blvd. North Algona, WA 98001 USA
C: {253} 653-4645 l E: RolthMBEWorldsom
W: DiverseAmericaNet