Michael Clinton
Jacksonville Business Journal
January 18, 2012

After adopting the Local Preference Program last year, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority continued to flex its muscles by pouring $29.1 million into the local economy through direct contracting relationships with local businesses.

That was 75 percent of JAA’s $38.7 million in total direct contract awards, up from 60 percent in fiscal 2009.

“These contracting dollars are spent locally and generate business opportunities beyond the value of JAA’s direct contracts,” said Steve Grossman, JAA’s executive director/CEO. “Each additional dollar circulated locally results in increased economic activity, employment growth and retention and increased tax revenue.”

JAA adopted the Local Preference Program to encourage local businesses to participate in JAA’s competitive contract awards process.

JAA established the Local Preference Program for Businesses that have:

Maintained a permanent place of business in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam or St. Johns counties for at least one year prior to the solicitation for which preference is sought; and

At least three full-time employees who reside in the listed market area.

There are three types of preferences enjoyed by local businesses under the program: (1) a 5 percent bid reduction preference on competitive bids; (2) a five-point preference on evaluated bids or proposals; and (3) a tie-breaker preference.

Source: http://bit.ly/zRJIF8