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Requirements for Certifying as a MWLBE
Check eligibility requirements for MWLBE certification
Gather necessary documentation and certifications
Complete and submit the MWLBE application form
Upload supporting documents (licenses, tax forms, etc.)
Review confirmation of receipt or approval timeline
Monitor application status and follow up if needed
Begin onboarding process once MWLBE approval is granted
In order to be certified as a locally based enterprise, a company must:
- Be in operation for at least one year;
- Be in the general contracting business, the heavy construction business, the mechanical and electrical business, or specialty construction activities such as painting, landscaping, fencing, fireproofing, etc.;
- Derive 25 percent or more of its gross receipts from business conducted in economically disadvantaged areas (as defined by the NYC Department of City Planning) within New York City; AND
- Hire Vietnam era veterans and/or welfare recipients to comprise at least 25 percent of their workforce; and
- Have average annual gross receipts of under $2.167 million for all construction and construction-related work during the past three years.
In order to establish these minimum requirements and provide other required information, MWLBE businesses should complete the online certification application and provide all supporting documentation, i.e., ownership records, stock certificates, and tax returns.
To complete the online certification application, click Certification Application.
Recertification
Firms are certified for a period of three years. In order to be recertified, firms are required to complete an online application. Firms are strongly encouraged to recertify at least six months before their certification status expires. For assistance with your recertification application, contact the BDD Hotline at (718) 472-8899, Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm.
MWLBE Certification Appeals
A firm whose application for MWLBE certification is denied has the right to appeal this decision within ten days of receipt of the denial letter. The appeal should include a description of the reason(s) the firm owner believes the denial is in error, and include any supporting documentation.
All appeals must be submitted electronically through the Vendor Access System (VAS). VAS can be accessed through https://dobusiness.nycsca.org by using the firm’s log-in credentials.
All appeals must be addressed to:
Ms. Nadine Rivellese, General Counsel
NYC School Construction Authority
25-01 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101
If the applicant firm fails to appeal within ten days, the Director's determination will be final. The General Counsel's decision concerning the appeal will constitute the final determination. The applicant may not reapply for certification for two years if the appeal is denied. If facts and circumstances forming the basis of the denial have changed significantly, then the applicant may request permission to apply sooner.
Denial of MWLBE certification does not preclude a firm from seeking contracts with the NYC School Construction Authority.
MWLBE Utilization Plan
All contractors who receive notice that they are the low bidder on a Capital Improvement Program or Capacity project are required, within ten days, to submit their MWLBE Utilization Plan, detailing how they intend to meet the SCA's 30% MWLBE utilization goal. The utilization plan will identify all subcontractors that a prime contractor is considering using on that project.
The utilization plan is submitted through the SCA’s Vendor Access System and is reviewed by staff in the Business Development Department. If the submitted plan achieves 30% MWLBE subcontractor participation, it will be accepted and the prime contractor will receive an email acknowledging acceptance. If it does not achieve 30% MWLBE participation, the plan will be rejected and sent back to the prime for additional work so it can be resubmitted.