August 17, 2009

United Builders and Contractors, Inc. has filed a complaint with the White House to stop giving federal funds to this area due to lack of support for African American contractors.

The group is made up of 50 different African American owned businesses from the Wichita area.

Prentice Lewis, the group's administrator, says the city of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and USD 259 have denied contracts to African American groups despite their persistent efforts.

Lewis says contractors within his group have submitted bids on the Gordon Parks Elementary school, the Intrust Bank Arena, the Boys and Girls Club, and even the airport expansion project. He says most of these projects did not include one African American workers.

"Those kind of things have brought us to where we are today and why the complaint was filed," said Lewis.

By submitting the complaint, Lewis says he hopes to gain the attention of local officials. He says he also hopes the government stops sending federal money this way until a plan is in place to ensure minority groups, such as African Americans, will be given equal access to the funding.

Darren Muci, Operations Divisions Director with USD 259, says they've revised their policy which deals with disadvantaged and women business owners.

The new policy for USD 259 reads:
" USD 259 will endeavor to provide disadvantaged business enterprises and women owned business enterprises the opportunity to supply materials, goods, wares, services, and construction services within applicable district policies."

Those with the county also say they're working with Lewis and his group. They say they've been working to add language to their request for bid proposals and their bid conditions to encourage more groups to work with minorities and women owned businesses.

Robert Leighton with the city issued the following statement on the matter.

"The City's legal staff is still reviewing the complaint. City officials
have been meeting with the contractors in an effort to hear their
concerns, share information and identify any necessary improvements to the bidding process. Those discussions will continue. As a result of
those meetings, we've done additional research on best practices around the country . We're in the process of enhancing our program and taking it to a new level."