OGS Increases Contract Awards for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

ALBANY, NY (03/03/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan today announced an increase in the number of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) being awarded contracts by OGS. Since the final quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006–07, through the third quarter of FY 2009-10, 310 MWBEs have done business with OGS for the first time.

"Increasing opportunities for MWBEs will play an important role in rebuilding New York State's economy in the long term," Governor David A. Paterson said. "Despite the state's fiscal challenges and a reduction in the dollar amount of contracts awarded by OGS during the first three quarters of FY 2009-10, 13 percent of the amount of its contract payments were made to MWBE firms, up by four percentage points since FY 2007-08. This is a direct result of a commitment by OGS staff to help MWBE firms understand and navigate the state's procurement process."

During the first three quarters of FY 2009-10: 12 percent of OGS' contract expenditures for architectural and engineering work went to MWBE firms; 14 percent of construction contract expenditures were made to MWBE firms; and 9 percent of the dollar amount of OGS purchases of commodity and services were made to MWBE firms.

"In FY 2007-08 nine percent of contract payments were awarded to MWBE firms; in FY 2008-09 that number rose to 9.7 percent and is currently at 13.2 percent for FY 2009-10," Commissioner Egan said. "OGS is especially proud of this increase because, despite budget reductions that resulted in a 42 percent drop in contract payments since FY 2007-08, we have steadily increased the amount of contract payments to MWBE firms. Moving forward, we will continue our focus on introducing new MWBE firms to the state procurement process."

The increase in MWBE contract payments is a result of OGS outreach services that provide small businesses statewide with information on OGS bidding procedures and notifications. OGS also works with Empire State Development to offer guidance on becoming a certified MWBE.

The New York State Office of General Services provides a broad range of support services that facilitate the operations of state government and assists local governments, public authorities, and public and non-profit agencies. OGS offers numerous services to clients throughout the Empire State, including property management, design and construction, procurement, and various support services.

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