New York Rapidly Approaching Goal of Utilizing MWBEs for 30 Percent of Contracting
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the utilization rate for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises on state contracts increased to 29.13 percent during the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year, once again achieving the highest rate in the nation. In total, MWBEs won more than $2.93 billion in state contracts during the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year. The announcement was made in conjunction with New York State's ninth annual MWBE Forum, which brings together thousands of business owners, community leaders, state officials and contractors' representatives to discuss state contracting opportunities and learn about resources available to MWBEs.
"In New York, we know that diversity is a strength, not a weakness — and when we empower minority and women-owned businesses to compete for state contracts, we create a better New York for all," Governor Cuomo said. "Our nation-leading utilization rate reflects the unmatched pool of MWBEs in the Empire State and our concerted efforts to create a more equal playing field for these companies."
In 2011, Governor Cuomo set a goal of utilizing MWBEs for 20 percent of state contracting. Two years later, that goal was surpassed — and in 2014, Governor Cuomo raised the goal to 30 percent, the highest MWBE utilization target in the nation. In the years since, New York State has made real progress toward that goal, including achieving 28.62 percent utilization in the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year.
During Fiscal Year 2018-2019, the MWBE utilization reached 29.13 percent, the highest recorded rate in New York State, which translates to more than $2.93 billion in state contracts awarded to MWBEs. Since 2011, MWBEs have won $15.9 billion in state contracting.
The key to the steady increase in New York State's MWBE utilization rate since 2011 is the development of a sustainable, coordinated MWBE program that combines aggressive outreach to businesses, sustained engagement of state agencies and authorities, and robust technical assistance options for business owners. The wide breadth of resources available for MWBEs is highlighted at the state's annual MWBE forum, now in its ninth installment.
The theme of this year's forum — "Leading the Nation" — highlights New York's best-in-the-nation efforts to support MWBEs. Launched earlier today, the two-day event brings together more than 2,100 business owners, community leaders, state officials and contractors' representatives. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about topics ranging from the re-authorization of Article 15-A, which provides statutory authority for the MWBE program, to financing assistance and information on major infrastructure projects.