DI 2021 Annual Inclusion Procurement Report 5.2.22

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2 Executive Summary The City of South Bend was recovering from the economic downturn compounded by COVID-19 and business growth. Inflation slowly started to invade our community in the Spring of 2021. The cause of Inflation can be attributed to the reopening of the economy, which led to greater consumer demand and supply chain constraints. The supply chain shortage caused a domino effect on the local businesses having difficulty finding the materials and labor necessary to manufacture their products. This reduction in supply and increased consumer demand significantly impacts the spike in demand. The new variant Omicron could be another potential reason production and shipping backlogs have grown. Omicron and COVID-19 variants cause issues in the ability to plan daily functional activity because workers may test positive, which forces companies to a temporary shutdown. Governor Holcomb stated COVID-19 remains a challenge and an ongoing health crisis during the Annual State of Address. The governor faces challenges from fellow Republicans pushing one proposal to exempt businesses from workplace COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Health officials in St. Joseph County are optimistic about the coronavirus pandemic omicron wave but urge community residents to be vigilant as hospitals recover from the surge of patients admitted for positive testing results. Deputy Director Mark Fox said, "while positive cases had plateaued around 1,100 to 1,200 cases per 100,000 residents over seven days in early January, that number has fallen by about 25%." Hospital rates have decreased in the Michiana Region and trending down with positive COVID-19 patients. Mayor James Mueller responded to the COVID-19 challenges and dealt with adversity to strengthen our community. The Community Investment Team awarded 135 Innovation Grants to support locally owned restaurants, set up emergency isolation and quarantine center, and received a $7.7 million competitive grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support a new revolving loan program for local businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Diversity & Inclusion Team spearheaded several recent efforts in 2021, including the Small Business Launchpad held at the Charles Black Center and the implementation of B2Gnow, the nation-leading diversity, procurement, and grant management software provider. The Office of D&I also hosted Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise registration and certification training, Contract Compliance, and Vendor Registration Workshops. Local vendors have taken advantage of the Small Business Launchpad and other resources provided by the Office of D&I. The supportive services enable small businesses to participate in more contractual opportunities and develop partnerships with established Prime Contractors.