Office of Business Diversity (OBD) | MWBE & SDVOB

The Office of Business Diversity (OBD) is responsible for ensuring that the Office of General Services (OGS) and its hosted agencies comply with the provisions of New York State Executive Law, Article 15A and the rules and regulations set forth in 5NYCRR, Part 140 – 145 and Article 3 of the New York State Veterans’ Services Law and the rules and regulations set forth in 9NYCRR, G I 252. These policies are intended to promote and encourage participation by minority and women-owned businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in state contracting opportunities. Our services include: 

Policy Analysis and Review - OBD works closely with other OGS business units and state agencies to clarify, streamline and standardize the procurement process to reduce barriers to MWBE and SDVOB participation in state bid opportunities.

Goal Setting - OBD establishes a percentage goal for MWBE and SDVOB participation for all applicable contracts established by OGS. These goals are incorporated in the solicitation for bids and resultant contracts.

Reporting Results - OBD prepares reports for Empire State Development that present OGS' performance results relative to MWBE participation goals. In addition, our staff prepare reports for OGS’ Division of Service-Disabled Veterans Business Development that present the agency’s performance results relative to SDVOB participation goals. Our staff examines and interprets the data to identify opportunities to improve.

Compliance Monitoring - OBD follows up with contractors and vendors to track whether MWBE and SDVOB participation goals are being met and help to address challenges.

Outreach and Education - OBD sponsors and participate in conferences, meetings, and other forums around the state throughout the year, in an effort to increase awareness and educate people about the state's MWBE and SDVOB programs and how to do business with New York State.

Certification Assistance - OBD responds to questions about the MWBE certification process and refers businesses to the Empire State Development, which receives and reviews applications and issues certifications. In addition, our staff submit “Expedite Requests” to support companies, who have been engaged on a state contract, and are seeking to finalize their pending application for certification.

frequently asked questions

1. Learn how New York State buys goods and services, and where to look for opportunities - download the definitive Guide to Doing Business With New York State.
2. Register your business on the New York State Contract Reporter to receive email notifications of opportunities in your business area. The Contract Reporter is the official online publication of state contracting opportunities.
3. OGS Design & Construction
   • Construction and Consultant Bid Opportunities
   • Online Vendor Registration for Construction Bid Opportunities
   • Emergency Construction Contracting
4. OGS Centralized Contracts Bid Calendar

Find Certified Businesses or Apply for Certification

The New York State Contract System enables users to apply for NYS MWBE certification, search for NYS MWBE certified firms, and easily interact with state agencies and authorities. 

Go to the New York State Contract system

OGS Compliance and Reporting Forms for Commodity & Service Contracts, Consultant Contracts, and Construction Contracts.

MWBE Compliance and Reporting forms

SDVOB Compliance and Reporting Forms

Definition of good faith efforts