(1) Purpose and intent. The primary purpose of this Participation Program I, hereinafter referred to as the business partnership program, is to increase opportunities for certified MWBEs to provide purchased goods and services, and architecture, engineering and other consultant services to state agencies and educational institutions. This program is designed to increase the number of MWBEs participating in state contracts, and to enhance the economic viability of certified businesses, by providing incentives to non-MWBE firms, both large and small, to develop ongoing business relationships with OMWBE certified firms.

(a) The business partnership program will be in effect as of March 1, 1986. This program is a prototype program, and will be periodically evaluated by OMWBE. After the program has been in effect for twelve months, OMWBE will evaluate the program to determine whether it is fulfilling the purposes for which it is designed.

(2) The program is designed to address several specific needs of minority and women firms by (a) increasing opportunities for providing purchased goods and services, and architecture, engineering and other consultant services, and (b) providing short-term and limited financial assistance, technical assistance, and networking.