SUNY Means Business

Small, Minority- and Women-Owned Business

Where commodities or services are available from small businesses¹ or New York State certified M/WBEs; or where commodities or technology that is recycled or remanufactured is available, effective October 13, 2010, SUNY may make purchases in amounts not exceeding $200,000 without competitive bidding.  Advertising requirements under NYS Economic Development Law still apply. From SUNY Procedure 7553: Purchasing and Contracting (Procurement)

¹ NYS Regulations of the Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development §140.1 defines a small business as one "which has a significant business presence in the State, is independently owned and operated, and is not dominant in its field, but in no event employs more than three hundred people."

It is the policy of the State University of New York (University) to take affirmative action to ensure that New York State certified minority and women owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) are given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to provide the University with commodities and services at competitive prices. From SUNY Policy 7556: Procurement Opportunities for New York State Certified Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses

SUNY Procedure 7557: Participation by Minority Group Members and Women (MWBEs) with Respect to State University of New York Contracts outlines SUNY's good faith efforts to reach its University-wide participation goals for minority and women vendors.

Each SUNY campus has a S/M/WBE officer or contact. You are encouraged to contact them to:

• share information about your business;
• be place on their vendors list (if applicable); and
• discuss how your company might meet the campuses' specific needs.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the M/WBE program are available on this website.  For general information about SUNY's M/WBE program contact Pamela Swanigan, the University-wide M/WBE Director, at SUNY System Administration.

Commodities & Services Typically Purchased from S/M/WBEs:

Small, Minority- and Women-owned businesses may find helpful information at the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and New York State Small Business Development Center websites.

Also, visit the News & Reports page for important announcements. See important information about new legislation and directives on E-payment and Substitute W9 forms.

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