Hudson County proceeds with disparity study recommendations

NJ News - Published Mar 28, 2025

Hudson County, New Jersey, is implementing a number of measures aimed at improving contract equity for minority-owned businesses (MBEs), woman-owned businesses (WBEs), small businesses (SBEs), and veteran-owned businesses (VBEs). The measures were recommended by a recently-delivered disparity study the County conducted into its contracting efforts.

Recommendations made by the study which the County has begun implementing include: making the first line of procurement for certain eligible contracts be the solicitation of quotes from local certified businesses, under "set-aside" procedures; enlisting the Division of Purchasing and Law Department to communicate with all contracting departments to ensure the County is making efforts to meet the participation goal of 27 percent for certified businesses on public works procurements; and reinstating the Hudson County Cooperative, which allows municipalities within the Cooperative to use Hudson County contracts for procurements. 

“[T]he results of the Disparity Study highlight the County's need to ensure equitable opportunities for minority- and woman-owned businesses competing for government contracts," said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy in a statement.

Read a press release from the County at https://www.hcnj.us/blog/2025/03/20/hudson-county-takes-steps-to-increase-diversity-in-county-procurement-process/.