NYC Gov Contract Opportunities for M/WBE Firms Detailed at Natl. Minority Business Event

MAMARONECK, N.Y. - April 29, 2013 - PRLog -- Representatives from New York City’s Department of Small Business Services told a packed audience of minority and women business owners that legislation signed earlier this year will dramatically increase the size and monetary value of contracts that M/WBE firms will now be able to bid on as the primary vendor or contractor doing business with the City of New York.  The occasion was the first Procurement Luncheon of 2013, an ongoing series produced by the National Minority Business Council (www.nmbc.org) and hosted by BNY Mellon at its headquarters in lower Manhattan.

         Known as Local Law 1 of 2013, the new legislation removes the $1 million cap on contracts that small businesses are eligible to bid on, increasing the higher-valued contracts awarded annually by the City from $433 million to a projected $2.2 billion. It also increases accountability for City agencies to meet their contracting participation goals. The legislation takes effect as of July 1, 2013.          

         “The Bloomberg Administration is committed to providing the essential tools that small businesses and MWBEs need to compete for and win City work,” Maria Osorio, assistant commissioner, New York City Department of Small Business services told the audience which ranged from women-owned construction firms to a wide-range of professional services including accounting, insurance, advertising and public relations.  “While we are expanding opportunities, we also remain mindful of our responsibility that municipal vendors provide the highest quality work at the best price possible.”  Another objective and goal of the expanded legislation, according to co-presenter Walter Maxwell, is to create new jobs. “Being awarded a New York City government contract may be the big break a small business needs to grow their business,” explained the director of external affairs for SBS. “That means creating new jobs for the residents of our five boroughs.”        

         John F. Robinson, president and CEO of NMBC, noted the long-time and close working relationship that NMBC has enjoyed with the Department of Small Business Services.  “Because of the trust and reliability that we have fostered over the years, not only has NMBC cultivated an important ally in City Hall for our members, but SBS knows that NMBC is an important source for helping to spread the word to our M/WBE members that New York City government is open for doing business with them, whether they build buildings, fill the buildings with office furniture, or lease the space to new or expanding businesses.  Our Procurement Opportunity Luncheons always count amongst the most popular events that we organize and host and so we were particularly happy to share this platform with our friends at SBS"

         In addition to eliminating barriers preventing M/WBE’s from bidding on city contracts the Bloomberg administration has also made it simpler to certify as an M/WBE. Firms now only have to submit a single application and one set of financial documents to certify with the City and the State.  The Small Business Services department also offers capacity-building training.  Known as “Compete to Win”, the program offers five services that help facilitate teaming opportunities, provide technical assistance, upfront capital loans, and also specifically assists construction firms by helping business owners find mentors, and secure surety bonds.  For more information on certification or capacity building programs, visit www.nyc.gov/competetowin or call 311 (http://www.nyc.gov/competetowin%20or%20call%20311).