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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2024

DURING SMALL BUSINESS MONTH, SBS AND DDC PARTNER TO SUPPORT M/WBES, INCLUDING WORKSHOPS ON CERTIFICATION AND COMPETING FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Interagency Effort to Help Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises Part of Second Annual NYC Small Business Month

NEW YORK - The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced upcoming events during Small Business Month to support prospective and certified Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) interested in government contracting. On Tuesday, May 7, SBS will host an online information session to help businesses of all trades certify as M/WBEs and compete for upcoming city contracts. The webinar will run from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Those interested must register online by Monday, May 6.

The information session will cover various topics, including an overview of the NYC M/WBE program; registering in the Payee Information Portal (PIP); registering for product service (NIGP) codes; starting the M/WBE certification application; and information on support services from SBS.

Certified firms are also invited to apply for the free NYC Construction Ramp-Up Program, which prepares NYC-certified M/WBEs in construction to compete for upcoming city pedestrian ramp rehabilitation projects and a related pre-qualified list. Developed by SBS in partnership with DDC and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), participants will attend online classes and receive one-on-one mentoring and counseling sessions over an anticipated 12-session/12-week period. Those interested are invited to apply online by Friday, May 3.

M/WBE businesses can compete for upcoming DDC projects through DDC's M/WBE opportunities webpage. Recent projects include the Manhattan borough-based jail and the revitalization of the 70 Mulberry Street building, a historic facility in Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood. The building was home to several community, cultural, and social service organizations before a fire severely damaged the building in January 2020. DDC is leading a culturally sensitive renovation of the structure, which will include a three-part art installation by visual artist Jennifer Wen Ma.

"Each contract awarded to minority and women-owned businesses is an investment in a more equitable future," said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. "I am thrilled to see SBS and DDC partner to not only help more M/WBEs get certified, but also bring more M/WBEs into the construction industry, where historical inequities follow us to this day. This Small Business Month and every month, we are proud of our city's M/WBEs."

"We have billions of dollars of capital projects underway every year in New York; if we're not giving M/WBEs equal access to the work, we're not doing our full jobs, it's that simple," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. "We are working to be as transparent as possible to give the small business community the tools they need to participate in City contracts, from insurance requirements and certifications to payment schedules. Our city deserves the benefit of their expertise."

"M/WBE firms are integral to the foundation of our city, both literally and economically," said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. "SBS is proud to partner with DDC to build on our talent pipeline and promote equity for M/WBEs in the construction industry. Through programs like these, we will ensure that New York City leads the way in fostering a fair and equitable business landscape."

"Expanding the pool of M/WBEs not only helps to correct historic inequities in the construction industry, it also increases competition for DDC contracts, lowering costs and making DDC more culturally competent as it builds for every New Yorker," said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. "There are very real benefits to being a certified M/WBE, and we encourage business owners to learn more at our free online session and to take part in future DDC projects across the five boroughs."

DDC leadership in M/WBE contracting

DDC remains one of the leading agencies for contract awards to M/WBEs and in Fiscal Year 2023 achieved 25.2 percent M/WBE utilization, with approximately $370 million in contract awards to M/WBEs.

DDC recently established an M/WBE Pre-Qualified List (PQL) for all general construction procurements between $500K and $3M, so that all procurements in that range will be only through vendors on this prequalified list, which now includes 16 firms.

Due to its success and new State law, DDC's Mentoring Program for M/WBEs and small businesses has been moved to the Mayor's Office of M/WBEs. During DDC's time managing the program, it placed 13 firms on various projects, helping to train and grow them so they can eventually become prime contractors. A total of 78 firms participated in the program under DDC.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City's primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams' long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

About the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.