Bill > A07117

This bill amends the general municipal law to allow political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or towns) to award public contracts to participants in a Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program under specific conditions. The bill permits these subdivisions to award contracts valued up to one million dollars to an MWBE participant even if they are not the lowest bidder, provided the MWBE bid is "reasonably competitive" - defined as not exceeding the lowest bid by more than 10 percent. This provision is intended to address documented disparities in contract awards to minority and women-owned businesses. To qualify, the political subdivision must have a formal MWBE program based on a study demonstrating a gap between the availability and actual utilization of minority and women-owned businesses in public contracting. The bill aims to create more opportunities for these businesses by allowing a slight cost premium when awarding public contracts, effectively providing a mechanism to promote diversity and inclusion in government procurement processes.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7117