Purpose

The Port Authority’s Supplier Diversity Program seeks to advance regional economic development by: (1) working with firms of all sizes and local chambers of commerce and business organizations to identify and certify eligible Minority, Women-Owned, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprises (M/W/D/SBEs), (2) facilitating participation of M/W/D/SBEs in Port Authority contracts, (3) administering a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program that ensures participation of such firms in federally funded projects, such as airport construction, airport concessions, and school soundproofing programs, (4) partnering with not-for-profit organizations to develop and offer programs that expand the region’s skilled trades labor force, (5) working with small business development centers to provide training and targeted business counseling to support growth of regional M/W/D/SBEs.

Eligibility

The Port Authority certifies businesses in the following areas:
 
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
To be eligible, MBE firms must be at least 51% owned by citizens or permanent resident aliens, and the management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more of such individuals who meet the following ethnic definitions: Black, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific, Asian Indian or Native American.
 
Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
To be eligible, WBE firms must be at least 51% owned by female citizens or permanent resident aliens, and women must control the management and daily business operations.
 
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
To be eligible, SBE firms must have a principal place of business in New York or New Jersey and must have operated that specific type of business for at least 3 years. Restrictions regarding average business income also apply and vary by type of business.
 
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
To be eligible, DBE firms must be at least 51% owned by and the management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.  

Contact

Lash A. Green
General Manager
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
(212) 435-7802