What is M/WBE?
Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are for-profit businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by a minority and/or a woman.
Why is this important?
Vendor diversity enriches the educational experience and ensures equity while fostering student achievement across NYC Public Schools (NYCPS).
How do M/WBEs benefit our organization?
- Promotes innovation tailored to diverse student needs
- Provides varied procurement options
- Drives competitive pricing and service
- Supports small business growth in NYC
- Reflects NYCPS' socially conscious mission
How do I find M/WBEs for my procurement needs?
To locate certified MWBE vendors, use the M/WBE Directory Search within the FAMIS portal for your program and purchasing needs. To access the tool, log in to the FAMIS Portal, navigate to the left side of the main screen, under "Inquiry" and click the section titled, “M/WBE Directory.”
How do I identify a certified M/WBE in the MTAC Selection Tool?
There is now an M/WBE directory in the MTAC Selection Tool that shows an active list of vendors by service type. Newly added M/WBEs are labeled with a “New” icon visible for 60 days.
To find additional city and/or state certified M/WBEs by company name, location or industry keywords please visit Small Business Services website M/WBE directory and/or New York State certified M/WBEs NYS Directory, for access to over 10,000 M/WBE firms.
For more information on certified M/WBEs, review the Office of Supplier Diversity Employee Resource Sheet and the Office of Supplier Diversity site.
City-Certified M/WBEs in FAMIS
Logo may not appear if:
- Vendor is not city certified with NYC Small Business Services
- Certification expired (valid for 5 years)
- Vendor is a non-profit
- Displayed only in non-contracted PO, SIPP, or Inquiry screens
State-Certified M/WBEs in FAMIS
Logo may not appear if:
- Vendor is not certified with Empire State Development
- Certification expired (valid for 5 years)
- Vendor is a non-profit
- Displayed only in non-contracted PO, SIPP, or Inquiry screens
Once you've identified a M/WBE
If you find a certified M/WBE who does not have a NYC Public Schools Vendor ID, one can be obtained in approximately 10 business days. Be sure to indicate the vendor is M/WBE certified on the latest vendor add form
Contracts for M/WBEs
NYCPS' can utilize a new expedited contract method for City-Certified M/WBEs. Learn more via the M/WBE Procurement & Contract Method
How to Become M/WBE Certified
- Legally authorized to do business in New York State
- At least 1 year in operation
- 51% or more, Minority or Woman owned
- For-profit organization
- Located in or has presence in NYC
Procurement Opportunities
Explore New York City Public Schools procurement opportunities including Request for Bid (RFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), M/WBE Procurement and Contract Method, and Multiple Task Award Contract (MTAC) solicitations on the Open DOE Solicitations page. Encourage vendors to register in Vendor Portal and keep your profile current to receive timely notifications.
Internal OSD & MWBEs Updates
Stay connected—check back regularly for updates on M/WBE initiatives, success stories, new resources, and upcoming events as we build momentum together.
If you have any questions and would like to contact the Office of Supplier Diversity team, please reach out to us at MWBE@schools.nyc.gov. M/WBE vendors can also visit the vendor-facing website to learn more.