Minority and women owned business enterprises may compete for any contract either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor - outside of the MBE/WBE process and without certification.

For larger contracts where MBE/WBE firms are available and capable of performing subcontracting work, the MTA will establish a goal for MBE/WBE participation. Contractors will be seeking to meet their MBE/WBE goals by hiring certified MBE/WBE firm(s).

• For firms seeking MBE/WBE subcontracts, you must be certified by the Empire State Development Corporation.

• To obtain information on becoming certified in New York State as a minority or woman-owned business, contact:

  Empire State Development Corporation
  Division of Minority and Women's Business Development
  One Commerce Plaza
  Albany, NY 12245
  (518-473-0582)

  
  or at 633 Third Avenue
  New York, NY 10017-6706
  (212-803-2414)

• Application Information is available online at: http://www.nylovesmwbe.ny.gov
  

• To see the Empire State Development's Certified Minority & Women-Owned Business Directory on the Internet, visit their Business Assistance Services, Division of Minority and Women's Development Page, , and follow the links to the MBE/WBE Directory. For assistance, call 518-474-1979.