EDGE - Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity

As its name suggests, the State of Ohio’s EDGE program provides an EDGE to small businesses by Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity in public contracting. EDGE is an assistance program for economically and socially disadvantaged business enterprises.

The overall goal of the EDGE program is to encourage, nurture and support the growth of economically and socially underutilized businesses to foster their development and increase the number of qualified competitors in the marketplace.

EDGE establishes goals for state agencies, boards and commissions in awarding contracts to certified EDGE eligible businesses. An EDGE participant must be a small socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise owned and controlled by U.S. citizens who are Ohio residents. Additional information regarding EDGE is available at the EDGE Web Site at www.EDGE.ohio.gov

OSFC-funded construction projects first advertised after May 16, 2006 must incorporate the EDGE component into the project. The EDGE Participation Goal is 5% of the contract award amount.

Prime contractors interested in bidding on school facilities projects must meet one of these conditions:

  • Meet or exceed 5% participation goal; or,
  • Demonstrate Good Faith Effort; or,
  • Conform to approved local inclusion program

Search here for EDGE certified vendors.

Form 28: EDGE Participation Declaration

To learn more about EDGE requirements for trade contracts:
OSFC: Encouraging Diversity, Growth, and Equity (PowerPoint Presentation)

For questions about the qualifications for EDGE certification and the process to become an EDGE certified business, visit the State of Ohio's EDGE Web Site.
How Do I Bid?

Construction Managers

The OSFC will post Requests for Proposals (RFP) for Construction Manager services on the OSFC website under Contracting.

Guidelines for submission, Q&A, deadlines and updates will be posted on the website as well.

RFPs will also be advertised in newspapers throughout the state.


Architects/Engineers

The individual school districts are responsible for choosing their firm. Interested firms should contact the district administrative offices for information on submitting a proposal for these services.

Trade Contractors

Contracts are bid out at the district level using the standard set forth by the commission. Districts are required to award the contract the firm submitting the lowest, responsible bid. The OSFC maintains a statewide bid calendar based on information submitted by the project's Construction Manager.

Consultants

Periodically, the OSFC will post RFPs or Requests for Qualifications for other consulting services, such as auditing, IT support, and specialized engineering services. All information, deadlines, and submission guidelines are posted on the OSFC website under Contracting.