Contract compliance

 

CHRO’s Contract Compliance Program

The State of Connecticut is dedicated to eliminating barriers to participation in state contracting for DAS-certified small and minority-owned businesses. CHRO monitors state contracting to reduce disparities, ensuring equal opportunity for all Connecticut small business owners.

Recent statutory changes took effect on October 1, 2025 that changed parts of the process.

More changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, when project specific goals begin. We will share updates as they are available.

Send all award notifications and requests to execute to: CHRO.AwardNotification@ct.gov.

Forms, reports, and guides for construction contractors

These forms and reports help with compliance on state-funded public works projects. Choose the option that fits your project and download what you need.


Choose a Good Faith Efforts plan and download short or long forms 

Learn the process to prepare and file your Good Faith Efforts plan for review by CHRO.

Track payments for small contractors and minority-owned businesses (PDF) 

Record payment details. Use this form to support reporting requirements.

Learn how to close out your state-funded project with CHRO 

Use CHRO’s closeout process so we can report on your success and authorize the awarding agency to release the CHRO retainage.

Forms and reports for awarding authorities

Use these templates and notices to meet Connecticut law for public works projects. Select the best option for your role and contract type.


Use standard non-discrimination language in contracts (DOCX) 

Use this standard language in contracts to meet nondiscrimination rules.

Required language for public works bid notifications (DOCX) 

Add this standard language to bid notices. It applies to public works contracts.

Report awards from $150,000 to under $1 million (DOCX) 

Use this notice to report when you are awarded a public works contract in this range.

Report Contract Award of $1 million or more (DOCX) 

Report a public works contract worth $1 million or more using this form.

Notify the selected contractor of a contract award (DOCX) 

Use this template to notify the selected contractor of a public works contract award.

Request a street paving exemption for public works projects (DOCX) 

Use this form to request an exemption from filing a Good Faith Efforts Plan if you qualify.

More information for contractors

Learn more about how CHRO monitors and enforces Connecticut’s contract compliance laws.


Self‑performing Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) 

Learn the rules for self-performing Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). And your duty to seek other MBE subcontractors.

Good Faith Efforts for businesses 

Learn how contractors show good faith efforts. This guide explains what actions CHRO looks for.

CHRO record retention rules for contractors 

CHRO may audit your company's records about contract compliance at any time. Contractors must save records of outreach and responses.

Temporary contractor retainage 

On some public works projects, 2 percent of payment is held until CHRO completes its review. This guide explains when funds are released.

Need help? Join one of our contract compliance trainings

 

Training for contractors
We offer free monthly training for contractors. These sessions explain key contract requirements and Good Faith Efforts forms. Learn how the rules apply to your work.
 

Training for project owners
Project owners on state - funded projects must complete this training. It explains contract rules, equal opportunity requirements, and responsibilities. Learn how to stay in compliance.
 

Get certified as a small or minority owned business

Are you a small business or minority-owned business? Learn how to get certified by the Department of Administrative Services to expand your reach. Find benefits, requirements, steps to apply, and resources to help you access state contracts.

Apply for a small business certification