County Executive Andy Spano initiated the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Program in 1997 after noticing that the diversity of Westchester wasn’t represented in the distribution of contracts. The county passed a law intended to get more minority- and women-owned businesses involved in projects and contracts funded by the county.

How much contracting does Westchester County award?

In 2001, Westchester County bid out more than 1,800 contracts worth an approximate value of $500 million. More than 250 of these contracts -- totaling $29 million -- were awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses. 

How do I bid on contracts with Westchester County government?

Any business can become eligible to bid on many projects and contracts by completing and submitting a pre-qualification form.  To obtain this form click here.

If you are already certified by the state or federal governments, you are also pre-qualified and therefore eligible to bid on Westchester County contracts.  You do not need to be certified with the federal or state governments to bid on county contracts. 

Who can help me complete and process the pre-qualification form?

If you have any questions, please contact our office at (914) 995-2988.

*Please note that this form must be completed, notarized and sent by regular mail for proper recording and registration by the Office of Economic Development for Westchester County. 

What county contracts are available?

Contracts have been awarded in such Westchester County departments as Social Services, Health, Planning and Public Works, just to name a few. Please click here for a listing of Westchester County departments and appropriate contacts to find out more about what contracts may be out for bid and how your business may be eligible for them.

How can I learn more about the law that sparked this program?

The law requires that the county provide technical and informational assistance -- particularly education programs on the contract procurement process -- and keep records tracking the extent and nature of participation. Click here to see a copy of the law.

Should I also get certified with the state or federal government?

Yes, if you want to bid on contracts funded with state or federal dollars. Federal, state and most local governments have goals to ensure that a percentage of their contracts are performed by minority- or women-owned firms. Since the competition for these contracts is often high, certifying your minority- or women-owned firm can provide a marketing advantage -- it’s proof of your minority-owned status. A list of Pre-Qualified Businesses is available here.

Please click here to learn more about becoming certified with New York State or the federal government.

Are there any programs or seminars to help me learn how to compete for contracts?

Yes, Westchester County offers regular seminars that simplify the government contract process and show participants how to find out what jobs are available and how to go about bidding on them. Additional programs show attendees how to get certified as a minority- or women-owned business -- a first step in opening other doors in both the public and private sectors -- and how to secure performance bonds, insurance and financial resources to maintain and run a successful business. Call (914) 995-2934 for more information.

Where can I get more information on state and federal contracting opportunities?

There are a number of resources to help you bid on government contracts with federal and state agencies and departments.

New York State has a web site (www.nylovesbiz) which offers much helpful information.  Additionally, there is a web page to help your business bid for minority contracts and get certified.  This site is www.nylovesbiz.com/Small_and Growing_Businesses/mwbe.asp

The federal government also has several helpful web sites.  The U.S. Small Business Administration offers several programs to help with contract bidding, procurement and certification.  Please link to www.sba.gov

Locally, there is an educational center that can assist with bidding and procurement.  Contact the Professional Technical Development Center (PTAC) at 845-735-7040 or by email: info@redc.org

PTAC is located at One Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, New York 10965.

Procurement opportunities with the federal government can be accessed by linking to www.fedbizopps.gov

Educational assistance about bidding can be obtained at www.mbda.gov which is the Minority Business Development Agency.