New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Feb 14, 2024
·
10:00 AM
3 hr 43 min
Summary
A hearing on improving access to Minority and Woman-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) in infrastructure projects with testimony from the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Department of Transportation (DOT), the NYC Comptroller, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Brooks Powers' Opening Remarks For Hearing on Equitable Access to Infrastructure Project Contracts
Council Member Brooks Powers initiates a New York City Council hearing focusing on equity in infrastructure projects, detailing the goals for examining the city's infrastructure projects with an equity lens. …
0:00:56
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9 min
Council Member Won's Opening Remarks For Hearing on Equitable Access to Infrastructure Project Contracts
Council Member Julie Won discusses the critical issues affecting minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in New York City's contracting landscape, particularly in infrastructure projects managed by the Department of …
0:10:10
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7 min
Michael Garner, Chief Business Diversity Officer from the Mayor's Office, on Advancing MWBE Goals and Achievements
Michael Garner, Chief Business Diversity Officer from the Mayor's Office, outlines significant milestones and future goals under Mayor Adams' administration to support minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). Garner details …
0:18:16
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8 min
Magalie D. Austin, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Outlines DDC's MWBE Program and Challenges
Magalie D. Austin, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design and Construction, discusses the department's MWBE program, including its strategies, successes, and challenges. Austin outlines the DDC's efforts …
0:26:28
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10 min
Council Member Won Inquires About MWBE Certification and Registration Delays
Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on the process and delays in certifying and registering Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). The discussion covers the average days for processing, the …
0:37:12
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175 sec
Council Member Won Asks About MWBE Certification Numbers and Trends
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the current numbers of certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and their contract-winning trends within the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS). A …
0:40:07
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121 sec
Council Member Won Asks About Disaggregating MWBE Data
Council Member Julie Won inquiries about the processes for disaggregating data on minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), focusing on transparency for businesses owned by women of color. The discussion …
0:42:08
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134 sec
Council Member Won Asks About Disparity Report Delays
Council Members press for reasons behind the delay of the disparity report, which has not been released since 2018. Michael Garner explains hiring a consultant for a new disparity study, …
0:44:23
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168 sec
Council Member Won Explores MOCS's Role in MWBE Procurement and Barriers to Entry
Council Member Julie Won delves into the Mayor's Office of Contract Services' (MOCS) specific responsibilities and achievements concerning Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) procurement. Examining MOCS’s role in managing …
0:47:12
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3 min
Council Member Won Asks Ask About Metrics Regarding MWBE Inclusion in Capital Projects
The discussion shifts to the analysis of capital projects and the top line metrics used to assess MWBE participation. While deferring to the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) for …
0:50:29
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122 sec
Council Member Won Asks About MOCS and MWBE Outreach Initiatives for Increased Procurement Participation
This chapter delves into the MOCS (Mayor's Office of Contract Services) and its efforts to improve MWBE (Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises) participation in public procurement. The speakers discuss the …
0:52:32
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174 sec
Council Member Won Inquires About Budget Cuts and Disparity Study
Council Member Julie Won questions Michael Garner about the $70,000 budget cuts affecting operations and services for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Garner assures moving ahead with optimism, highlighting …
0:55:27
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83 sec
Council Member Stevens Explores Swift Payment Practices for MWBEs
Council Member Althea Stevens raises questions about prompt payment practices for MWBEs, focusing on a specific 10-day payment policy within the construction mentoring program. Michael Garner, Chief Business Diversity Officer, …
0:56:54
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3 min
Council Member Narcisse Addresses MWBE Fraud and Enforcement Measures
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about combating fraud within the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) certification process. Michael Garner outlines the measures taken to identify and penalize fraudulent practices, …
1:00:27
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118 sec
Council Member Narcisse Inquires About Successful MWBE Partnerships
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse questions the effectiveness of partnerships between the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). The discussion highlights success stories, including …
1:02:24
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163 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks About DDC Project Numbers and MWBE Contract Allocation
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires into the specifics of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC)'s ongoing and projected projects for 2024 and their involvement with Minority and Women-Owned Business …
1:05:10
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5 min
Council Member Won Investigates Agency Consistency in MWBE Data Reporting
Council Member Julie Won addresses inconsistencies among agencies in entering subcontractor MWBE data into the Pay Information Portal (PIP) and inquires about measures to improve data reliability for oversight. The …
1:10:29
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136 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks About Timely Payments for MWBE Subcontractors
Council Member Brooks Powers asks about ensuring timely payments for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) subcontractors in city contracts. The discussion includes the Department of Transportation's policies to prioritize …
1:12:45
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4 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Probes DDC's Progress toward 2022 Strategic Goals and Future Plans
Council Member Brooks Powers questions the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) on the implementation and progress toward their 2022 strategic goals focused on expanding opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned …
1:17:29
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3 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Inquires About DDC and SBS Coordination for MWBE Certification
Council Member Brooks Powers probes the coordination between the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the Small Business Services (SBS) regarding the certification process for Minority and Women-owned Business …
1:20:45
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163 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks About DOT and DDC Collaboration on Infrastructure Projects
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about the collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) on city infrastructure projects. The discussion reveals a …
1:23:28
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73 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks About Marketing Strategy and Coordination to Target MWBEs with Opportunities
Council Member Brooks Powers questions Chief Business Diversity Officer, Michael Garner, about the strategy for targeting MWBE vendors with specific opportunities through a coordinated marketing campaign. Garner highlights the collaboration …
1:24:42
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113 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks How DDC Collaborates with Infrastructure Agencies to Ensure Deadlines Are Met
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about the Department of Design and Construction (DDC)'s collaborations with other infrastructure agencies to ensure effective procurement and project management. The discussion encompasses the partnership …
1:26:36
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86 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Inquires About DDC and Agency Coordination for MWBE Outreach and Procurement
Council Member Brooks Powers explores how the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) coordinates with other agencies for MWBE outreach and procurement. The discussion reveals DDC's project-specific outreach, collaboration with …
1:28:02
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160 sec
Council Member Won Inquires About ROI on Outreach Events and MWBE Utilization Rates
Council Member Won questions department representatives on the effectiveness of outreach events for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). One speaker from the Department of Transportation highlights a notable increase …
1:30:44
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144 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Inquires About MWBE Prequalified Contractor List
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about the Department of Design and Construction's (DDC) efforts to establish a prequalified list (PQL) for MWBE general contractors. The dialogue covers the creation of …
1:33:10
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62 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Probes Migrant Transport Contracts and MWBE Inclusion
Council Member Brooks Powers investigates the procedure for awarding migrant transport contracts, focusing on MWBE participation and the selection of contractors like the Garner Group. She queries Michael Garner on …
1:34:15
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6 min
Council Member Rivera Inquires About MWBE Contract Thresholds and Increases
Council Member Carlina Rivera probes into the effects and outcomes of raising discretionary contract thresholds for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in New York City Agencies. This discussion elucidates …
1:41:04
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3 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Inquires About Number of Contracts in the $1.5 Million Range
Council Member Brooks Powers requests specific data on the number of city contracts in the $1.5 million range to understand the impact of recent discretionary contract threshold adjustments on Minority …
1:44:20
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30 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks About DDC's Outreach for MWBEs
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about the Department of Design and Construction's (DDC) outreach efforts for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), specifically focusing on the prequalified list (PQL) and …
1:44:53
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59 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Probes Use of Noncompetitive Small Purchase Method to Engage MWBEs
Council Member Brooks Powers probes into the use of the noncompetitive small purchase (NCSP) method within Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). This chapter …
1:45:58
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3 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Discusses MWBE Program Diversity Metrics
Council Member Brooks Powers probes the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) on the way they track and improve diversity within the MWBE program, ensuring …
1:49:39
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3 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Delves into MWBE Disparities and Access to Capital
Council Member Brooks Powers and Michael Garner, Chief Business Diversity Officer from the Mayor's Office, discuss persistent disparities affecting MWBE utilization in city contracts. The conversation covers access to capital, …
1:53:02
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6 min
Council Member Brooks Powers Questions MWBE Contract Disparities
Council Member Brooks Powers addresses concerns regarding data from the Comptroller's report indicating limited MWBE participation in city contracts, particularly affecting women of color and black and brown business owners. …
1:59:43
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143 sec
Inquiry on Queensboro Bridge Bike Path Delays
Council Members inquire about the delayed construction of the Queensboro Bridge bike path, pressing the Department of Transportation (DOT) for updates and a commitment to meet new timelines. The discussion …
2:02:06
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104 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Examines DDC and DOT Coordination on Bayswater Project
Council Member Brooks Powers probes into the collaboration between the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding a pedestrian improvement project adjacent to Bayswater …
2:03:50
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178 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Asks Michael Garner About Intro 23
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about Michael Garner's opinions on Introduction number 23, aiming to allow annual audits of the city's MWBE program by the city controller. Garner expresses optimism …
2:06:49
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42 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Discusses Project HWQ1204 (Bayswater) with DOT and DDC
Council Member Brooks Powers queries the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) regarding Project HWQ1204. The discussion covers the project's scoping phase by DOT, …
2:07:31
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93 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Inquires About the Status of 116th Precinct and Far Rockaway Library Projects
Council Member Brooks Powers seeks updates on the progress of the 116th Precinct and the Far Rockaway Library projects from a speaker. The discussion details the expected completion dates, procurement …
2:09:04
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156 sec
Council Member Won Requests Update on Long Island City Road Repair
Council Member Julie Won inquires about the delayed Long Island City Hunters Point Area Wide Reconstruction project, specifically road repair on Jackson Avenue originally discussed in 2016. Despite previous discussions …
2:11:41
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3 min
Council Member Won Revisits Disparity Reports and MWBE Utilization Tracking
Council Member Julie Won revisits revisiting the topic of disparity reports and MWBE utilization tracking. Michael Garner announces the imminent start of a new disparity study with CUNY, emphasizing efforts …
2:14:53
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3 min
Council Member Won Asks About Retroactive MWBE Contracts and Payment Timeliness
Council Member Julie Won questions Michael Garner about the high percentage of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) contracts registered retroactively in fiscal year 23, highlighting the financial strain on …
2:18:08
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146 sec
Addressing Procurement Opportunity Visibility and MWBE-Agency Connections
Council Member Julie Won discusses the need for centralized visibility of planned procurement opportunities to better connect MWBEs with relevant city agencies. Michael Garner highlights ongoing efforts, including borough-based MWBE …
2:20:34
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56 sec
Council Member Won Expresses Concern Over MWBE Office Staff Reductions
Council Member Julie Won questions the proposed reduction in staff for the Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) as part of the preliminary budget for fiscal year 25. …
2:21:30
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76 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Discusses NYC Street Plan Goals and Project Coordination
A discourse on the coordination between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) regarding the NYC Street Plan, focusing on project delivery timelines, bike …
2:22:47
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8 min
Overview of Noncompetitive Small Purchases and MWBE Prequalified List
An examination of noncompetitive small purchases in fiscal year 23, with an average contract size of $180,000 primarily for IT and protective equipment. The chapter also includes a breakdown of …
2:30:53
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89 sec
Fiscal Year Commitment Rates and Project Completion Timelines
A member of the panel giving testimony reveals a 40% commitment rate for the current fiscal year out of a projected $3.4 billion, with expectations for an increase as more …
2:32:24
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42 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Questions Vendor Selection for Asylum Transportation Contracts
Council Member Brooks Powers raises concerns about the selection process for transportation contracts related to the asylum crisis, specifically questioning the exclusive engagement of the Garner Group, a non-MWBE entity …
2:33:10
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91 sec
Closing Remarks from Michael Garner and Transition to Comptroller Testimony
Michael Garner concludes his remarks with a commitment to maximize MWBE outcomes, highlighting collaboration with legislators and City Controller Brad Lander as key partners. Garner emphasizes Mayor Adams’ focus on …
2:34:43
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7 min
Comptroller Brad Lander Delivers Report on MWBE Procurement and Equity
Comptroller Brad Lander presents a comprehensive report on the status of minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) procurement in New York City, highlighting current disparities and making concrete recommendations for …
2:42:28
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16 min
Videos from MWBEs on Challenges Getting Contracts
This segment features video presentations from Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) across various boroughs, reflecting on their experiences, hurdles, and suggestions for the city's MWBE program. The speakers share …
2:59:26
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3 min
Deputy Comptroller Charlotte Hamamgian on Collaborative MWBE Oversight and Agency Performance
Deputy Comptroller Charlotte Hamamgian addresses the strategy for analyzing agency performance in advancing Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) goals. She highlights a transition to a more collaborative approach with …
3:03:01
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124 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Questions Comptroller Lander on MWBE Improvement Areas
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about areas within the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) program needing improvement, from outreach to agency processes. Comptroller Brad Lander highlights subcontracting transparency, utilization, …
3:05:06
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64 sec
Council Member Brooks Powers Probes into Expanding MWBE Goals to Human Service Contracts
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about steps to extend Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) goals to human service contracts during a joint committee hearing. Comptroller Brad Lander explores potential …
3:06:10
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110 sec
Comptroller's Office On Streamlining MWBE Engagement and Ensuring Timely Payments
Council Member Brooks Powers inquires about ways to streamline collaboration with MWBEs and ensure prompt payments for contracts. Comptroller Brad Lander discusses the importance of navigational assistance and creating a …
3:08:01
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7 min
Council Member Won Asks Comptroller About Disparities in MWBE Contract Values and Late Payments
Council Member Julie Won addresses disparities within Asian American Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), questioning high average contract values for Asian American MWBEs due to outlier contracts. Deputy Comptroller …
3:15:36
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165 sec
Council Member Won Assesses Progress on Comptroller's Recommendations for MWBE Program
Council members discuss the Comptroller's report progress on previous year's recommendations for improving the MWBE program. The conversation covers complete, in-progress, and stagnant areas, notably on prequalified lists, NCSP contracts, …
3:18:22
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5 min
Council Member Won Explores Z-Score Methodology in MWBE Procurement Assessment
Council Member Julie Won explores the Z score methodology's implementation for assessing agency success in Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) procurement. Charlotte Hamamgian, Deputy Comptroller for Contract and Procurement, …
3:23:33
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4 min
Testimony: Small Black-Owned, Woman-Owned Business on Blacklist Impact on Small MWBEs and Legislative Proposals
A speaker representing a small, black, and woman-owned business highlights the negative impact of being blacklisted from city projects despite existing contracts, emphasizing the need for improved diversity, equity, and …
3:29:19
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178 sec
Testimony: Matthew from Patriots True Patriots of America Testifies on Gender Disparities in MWBE Certification
Matthew, representing the Patriots True Patriots of America committee, speaks on perceived gender disparities and equity concerns within the MWBE certification process, questioning the program's focus and suggesting a reevaluation …
3:32:22
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3 min
Testimony: Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on the Need to Address Racial Disparities in MWBE Contracting
Christopher Leon Johnson offers testimony emphasizing the essential focus on African American businesses in MWBE contracting. He critiques the manipulation of the system by certain organizations to bypass MWBE requirements, …
3:36:01
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164 sec
Testimony: Jessica Walker from Manhattan Chamber of Commerce on Supporting Intro 23 and Identifying Gaps in MWBE Professional Services Contracts
Jessica Walker, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, testifies in support of Intro 23, highlighting structural barriers faced by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). Walker emphasizes the transformative …
3:38:47
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3 min
Closing Remarks and Meeting Adjournment
Council Member Brooks Powers delivers the closing remarks, emphasizing the goal of providing opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses in public contracts. She thanks participants for contributing to the discussion …
3:42:15
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53 sec