Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Supplier Diversity Program

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NYS Executive Law Article 15-A and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in state contracting include a contractor and/or subcontractor(s) making a conscientious and active effort to afford employment opportunities to minority group members and women without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status. The Work Force Diversity requirements are met through the prime and subcontractor reporting on the actual workforce utilized in the performance of a contract.

On February 17, 2011, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 8: Removing Barriers to Minority and Women Business Enterprises Participation in State Contracting. Among other things, this executive order established a team to explore ways to meet his goal of expanding minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) participation in state contracting to 20 percent.

Subsequently, at the opening ceremonies of the 2014 MWBE Forum, Governor Cuomo challenged state agencies to achieve an even more progressive participation goal of 30 percent, of which ITS has consistently exceeded.

As one of the largest buyers of IT products and services in New York State government, ITS continues to work closely with the New York State Office of General Services, other state agencies, and New York State's information technology prime contractors to continue improving MWBE participation in technology procurements.