# New Jersey Expands State Contracting Access

On November 10, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 28, establishing New Jersey’s economic development strategy through 2030. The order directs agencies to align procurement reforms within 90 days to expand access to state contracting, alongside plans to improve business navigation and small-business services. Agency plans are due within 90 to 150 days—approximately February 8 to April 9, 2027. No solicitation, award, contract value, or procurement contact was announced.

- State contractors and prospective bidders can assess how changes to state procurement access may affect eligibility and pathways to compete; specific reforms have not yet been detailed.
- Businesses, particularly small businesses, can use stakeholder consultations and planned business-navigation improvements to engage with the state as agencies develop their plans.
- Procurement teams and contractors can track agency plans against the stated February–April 2027 timeframe and evaluate how the reforms may change access to future state opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Topics:** Policy
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
- New Jersey Department of the Treasury
- New Jersey Innovation Authority
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL)

### Key Quotes
> New Jersey Means Business will bring our agencies together to cut unnecessary costs and delays, help businesses grow, and connect our residents with good-paying jobs.
> — Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

> Through expanding resources like Business.NJ.gov and improving the customer experience in permitting and licensing, we’re working to make doing business in NJ as simple, streamlined, and intuitive as possible.
> — Dave Cole, New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer

### Sources
- [Governor Sherrill Launches “New Jersey Means Business” Economic Development Strategy to Boost the State’s Business Competitiveness, Grow the Economy, and Create Quality Jobs - NJEDA](https://www.njeda.gov/governor-sherrill-launches-new-jersey-means-business-economic-development-strategy-to-boost-the-states-business-competitiveness-grow-the-economy-and-create-quality-jobs/) - NJ