Introducing the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) administers the New York State Minority and Women’s Business Program (M/WBE). Through the W/MBE, minority and women-owned businesses and employees are afforded equal access to contracting opportunities on projects that receive funding from the New York State Revolving Funds (SRFs).

EFC’s M/WBE program staff oversees and monitor all M/WBE activity on SRF contract work. They inform the primary contractors of their duties and responsibilities regarding the use of minority and woman owned businesses on EFC-funded projects, and they provide assistance in meeting these duties and responsibilities through telephone consultations or personal field visits.

M/WBE staff can assist funding recipients through such services as:

- Training MBE Officers and contractors

- Accessing the Directory of Certified M/WBEs to obtain listings of local minority or women-owned businesses

-Providing names of local publications that include listings of M/WBEs

-Arranging meetings between the MBW Officer and the contractors to determine M/WBE opportunities

- Attending pre-bid or pre-construction meetings

Minority and women-owned business can participate in EFC’s M/WBE program by following these steps:

Obtaining NYS certification through the Empire State Development Corporation(Call (518) 292-5250 for further information);

Monitoring local newspaper ads for bidding opportunities, i.e. F.W. Dodge Reports, Brown Letters, etc.;

Contacting your local water and sewer department to get on their mailing lists for upcoming projects, and

Exploring the possibility of joint ventures by contacting general contractors in their area.

EFC’s M/WBE web site  provides detailed, comprehensive information about the M/WBE Program.

To speak with an M/WBE representative about the M/WBE Program call toll-free 1-800-882-9721 (in NYS), (518) 402-7455, or email staff at WBE@nysefc.org.