NYC Comptroller Report: Less Than 10 Percent Of Prime Contract Dollars Go To Minority, Women-Owned Businesses

Photos: YouTube Screenshots New York, NY — Wednesday, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander released the office’s Annual Report on M/WBE Procurement, exposing critical shortcomings in the City’s efforts to ensure equitable distribution of contracts among Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). Within the city’s program to encourage higher M/WBE utilization, agencies registered only 9.8% of eligible contracts to M/WBE prime vendors in FY23. Black, Hispanic, and women-of-color owned business each hover at just 1% of contract value.   “M/WBEs deserve their fair share of City contracts, yet this year’s disappointing numbers fall woefully short of where we need to be,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “The Adams Administration has taken steps to improve equity in City contracting – but the data tells a story of how far there is to go. We offer detailed recommendations for streamlining connections between the City and businesses seeking contracts, being more diligent about setting and monitoring goals, and transforming the way contractors – especially in human services – utilize M/WBE subcontractors. With stronger management and coordination, we can reverse these unacceptable trends and move toward fairness in City contracting.”  The Comptroller’s Annual Report on M/WBE Procurement provides a comprehensive review of contract registration data to analyze City...