A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to agency outreach to businesses in minority- and women-owned business enterprise categories for which agencies fail to achieve utilization goals, and technical amendments in relation thereto

Summary

This local law amends the administrative code of New York City to enhance agency outreach to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) in categories where agencies fail to meet utilization goals.

Key Provisions:

• Tailored Outreach: Agencies must develop and implement performance improvement plans if they miss M/WBE utilization goals. These plans must include specific outreach and education efforts directed at businesses within the underutilized M/WBE categories.
• Partnerships: Agencies are required to utilize community-based organizations and the Office of Ethnic and Community Media to conduct this outreach. The outreach will inform businesses about agency procurement processes, including how to certify as M/WBEs and how to apply for contracts.
• Monitoring and Coordination: Agency M/WBE officers will monitor progress and coordinate outreach efforts.
• Reporting and Meetings: Agencies must submit utilization plans and participate in quarterly meetings with the director, commissioner, and city chief procurement officer to discuss progress, share successful practices, and devise strategies for improvement.
• Enforcement Actions: If an agency is not making adequate progress, the director, commissioner, and city chief procurement officer can require more frequent reports, pre-solicitation notifications, or reduce contract processing authority.
• Technical Amendments: The law also includes technical amendments to improve clarity and consistency in the administrative code regarding contracts and purchases.

Effective Date: The law takes effect 90 days after becoming law.

Citizen Impact

This legislation aims to improve access to city contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses by requiring agencies to proactively reach out to those they have historically underutilized. This could lead to increased opportunities and economic growth for M/WBEs in New York City.

Confidence

high