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The Port Authority recognizes the importance of developing
minority, women-owned and small business enterprises (M/W/SBE)
as a means of encouraging regional economic development,
creating jobs, and maintaining a competitive business environment.
We have a longstanding pledge to assist these businesses
and to promote workforce diversity in our business activities.
A cornerstone of this effort is our goal of 12% minority
and 5% women-owned business participation in the Port Authority’s
prime contracting, procurement and other related business
areas.
Our programs seek to ensure that we deliver our pledge to advance regional economic development by:
- Working with firms of all sizes and local chambers of
commerce and business organizations to identify and certify eligible
M/W/D/SBEs.
- Facilitating the participation of M/W/D/SBEs in Port Authority
contracts.
- Administering a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
program that ensures participation of such firms in federally
funded projects, such as airport construction, airport
concessions, and school soundproofing programs.
- Partnering with not-for-profit organizations
to develop and offer programs that increase the region’s
skilled trades labor force.
- Working with small business development centers to provide
training and targeted business counseling to support
the
growth
of regional M/W/D/SBEs.
Over the last five years, our programs targeting minority-owned,
women-owned and small businesses have:
- Generated nearly $3 billion in regional economic
activity.
- Created more than 20,000 new jobs.
- Generated hundreds of millions in wages for the region.
Who Participates in These Programs? The Port Authority certifies businesses in the following
areas:
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Firms must be at least 51% owned by citizens or permanent
resident aliens, and the management and daily business
operations must be controlled by one or more of such
individuals who meet the following ethnic definitions:
Black, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific, Asian Indian or Native
American.
Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Firms must be at least 51% owned by female citizens or
permanent resident aliens, and women must control the
management and daily business operations.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Firms must have a principal place of business in New York
or New Jersey and must have operated that specific type
of business for at least 3 years. Restrictions regarding
average business income also apply and vary by type of
business.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Firms must be at least 51% owned and the management and
daily business operations must be controlled by one or
more socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals.
Advantages of Becoming a Certified M/W/DBE or SBE To support its massive capital program and to upgrade,
maintain and effectively operate its facilities, the Port
Authority frequently uses a competitive bidding process
to purchase goods and services. As part of this process,
certified M/W/SBEs may qualify for specific programs designed
to help them compete more effectively.
Set-Aside Contracts
Bidding on certain contracts is limited to certified M/WBEs
or SBEs who qualify in a specific work category.
Vendor Price Preferences
On selected bid contracts, a price preference may be offered
to certified M/WBEs or SBEs.
Subcontracting
Many agency contracts provide for good faith subcontracting
opportunities for certified M/W/DBEs. The names
of certified firms registered in our database are available
to other contractors or vendors who may invite you to
participate with them on PA contracts.
To participate in our programs, download, complete
and submit the relevant form.
The following forms, grouped by category, must be submitted with any of the certification applications
Technical Support and Training for Small Businesses
We help you get the technical assistance you need to succeed.
Our staff works with you to define your business’ financial,
marketing, business planning and other technical needs
and provides referrals to organizations that partner with
us to provide this support.
The Regional Alliance for Small Contractors,
a public/private partnership for small construction contractors,
works with us to provide several programs.
Managing Growth. This program offers more than 30 different
courses business management courses taught by leading construction
industry professionals.
LEAP (Loaned Executive Assistance Program). Consultants
are available to develop a confidential assessment of your
firm’s operational and financial ability to perform
on PA contracts, and to develop action plans and referrals
to public and private sources of assistance.
FISC (Financing Small Contractors). Though its relationships
with banks and surety companies, FISC offers help in obtaining
bonding and financing.
Air Services Development Office (ASDO) encourages
businesses located at our airports to purchase goods and
services from local businesses. ASDO sponsors workshops
and networking events, provides technical assistance, distributes
bid information and maintains a database of local businesses
for use by airport buyers.
Small Business Development Centers provide small
businesses with management assistance, training and information
services.
The Port Authority assists small businesses by
making certain contract financing initiatives available
to qualified firms. Financial support may include reduced
bonding requirements, wrap-up-insurance, quick payment
plans for certain set-aside contracts, and linked deposit
programs.
Special Programs, Events and Conferences
Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for certified
businesses to meet with a wide range of professionals.
Architecture and Engineering Exchange
Certified architectural and engineering companies meet
some of their industry’s largest firms to network
and discuss subcontracting opportunities, the Port Authority’s
construction plans and the agency’s architectural
and engineering procurement process.
Construction Contractors Exchange
M/W/SBEs in the construction field meet some of their industry’s
largest firms to network and to discuss subcontracting
opportunities and the Port Authority’s construction
plans.
Buyers Exchange
Vendors are able to meet with buyers from the Port Authority
and major service firms to discuss procurement opportunities.
Mentor-Protégé Program
This innovative program, strives to increase the number of PA certified M/WBEs capable of bidding successfully on larger construction contracts by pairing them with the region's most successful construction companies (Mentors). The Mentors share their business and construction expertise and provide crucial industry exposure.
More Information
For more detailed information on our small business programs
download our brochure or contact us.
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