Foundation of NYC’s MBE & WBEs Program

“The City of New York is committed to encouraging a fair, competitive and diverse business environment, supporting the growth and success of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and fostering a procurement process that is accessible to all businesses”, let’s take a moment today to remember this purpose of NY’s MBE & WBE Program.

It is crucial to remember as well that the program includes several initiatives to achieve its goals. These initiatives support  Local Law 1. Here are two of the basic ones: the OneNYC initiative, and the M/WBE Noncompetitive Small Purchase Method, both of which were created to boost contracting opportunities and involvement with City-certified MBE & WBEs.

Let’s break down what LL 1 is about, and then each initiatives’ functions for a thorough understanding, shall we?

• Local Law 1 was authorized in 2013 after a disparity analysis was completed by the City. City agencies were tasked with establishing MBE and WBEs participation goals in four industries (construction, professional services, standard services, and goods). Every year they are charged as well with ensuring eligible contracts in different city agencies and city-funded projects, specifying utilization and participation goals based on the industry and MBE & WBE profession. This is done through an annually published plan and schedule for each agency where it is detailed the anticipated contracting actions for the next fiscal year. Afterward, they are evaluated and graded (as we read last week) based on the overall percentages throughout that FY, reflecting updated information.

• OneNYC is the comprehensive strategy for the City’s development “to confront our climate crisis, achieve equity, and strengthen our democracy” and contemplates a nine-volumes framework on areas such as “an inclusive economy, thriving neighborhoods, efficient mobility, modern infrastructure”, and more. Because LL1 has a limited industry reach, focusing solely on construction, professional Services, standard services, and goods, the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) keeps track of Citywide progress for the remaining industries through the OneNYC MBE & WBEs Bulletin and keeps track year-after-year of the $25 billion in contracts goal set in FY 2015 by former Mayor de Blasio to accomplish in 2025. This initiative was meant to broaden the reach of the MBE & WBE impact across a greater number of industries.

• M/WBE Noncompetitive Small Purchase Method refers to the streamlined process to facilitate City-certified MWBEs to do business with City agencies and offers the possibility of giving contracts of up to $500,000 “for goods, professional services, standard services, and construction … without formal competition using this method”. This is an excellent way for smaller contractors, or those just starting, to begin their engagement with the City programs.

You may be asking yourself, “How can I get a contract or two with the City to grow my business?”. Simply? You must start by creating a PASSPort account, this tutorial video can show you how.

As we build our network, learn more and more while gathering feedback, we create our best chance of overcoming any obstacle it may arise, together.

Is this your mindset when approaching business?

If you have questions about these laws and programs explained, would you reach out to us?

You can. We’re here to move us all forward.