We believe that every business should have the opportunity to help build our city.

The Office of Diversity and Industry Relations develops, implements, and monitors innovative policies and procedures to support minority and woman-owned business enterprises (MWBE), as well as strengthen relationships with industry partners.

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Programs and Activities

Ready to Build New York City

This innovative program is designed to enable small and emerging firms to grow by becoming pre-qualified to work with DDC, assisting them in identifying and bidding on the right projects for their company while refining project management skills. Through this program, participants learn select industry best practices and achieve some important milestones:

• An understanding of the DDC Pre-Qualification List (PQL) process
• How to respond to the DDC Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will allow you to join the Pre-Qualified List of venders
• Identifying the right contract opportunities for your firm
• Industry best practices for completing accurate take-offs and estimates
• How to prepare your bid in compliance with agency requirements
• How to best position and grow your firm in a highly competitive construction industry

For more details on the program modules, workshops, and our instructional team, please download our program bulletin.

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Construction Mentorship and Bond Readiness Programs

We educate and mentor NYC-certified MWBE construction firms, providing greater access to City construction opportunities. Enrolled firms in the NYC Construction Mentorship Program receive a customized curriculum of classroom instruction on topics related to construction and business management, one-on-one assistance and mentorship from an experienced construction project manager and subject matter experts, a business assessment and customized growth plan to help them grow their businesses. The program also provides MWBEs with access to contracting opportunities through our Prequalified List.

Construction firms (primes and subcontractors) may be required to take on bonding for certain City contracts. The Bond Readiness Program provides enrolled NYC-certified M/WBE construction and trade firms with education, training and one-on-one financial management and bond process guidance towards pre-qualifying for bonding or increasing bonding capacity to be able to take on larger projects.

These programs are supplemented by existing workshops, technical assistance, and business services, including financing assistance, already provided by Department of Small Business Services (SBS).

To learn more about the NYC Construction Mentorship Program and apply, visit SBS.

To learn more about the Bond Readiness Program and apply, visit SBS.

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Networking Events

In addition to monthly workshops, we host networking events to give representatives from MWBEs the opportunity to meet with prime contractors who are working on our projects. Also, our Diversity Relations staff attends networking events and trade organizations to promote opportunities to do business with the agency.

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External Advisory Board

Our External Advisory Board is committed to creating an equitable and competitive business environment. We work with the Commissioner and his staff to develop, broaden and facilitate innovative practices, procedures and initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion, as well as advance procurement opportunities with NYC certified minority and woman-owned business enterprises.

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Email Us

The Office of Diversity and Industry Relations is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply send an email to DDCODIR@ddc.nyc.gov.

Receive Updates

The Office of Diversity and Industry Relations issues periodic updates regarding events, workshops and DDC procurement opportunities. If you would like to receive email notices from ODIR, simply send an email to DDCODIR@ddc.nyc.gov with your company’s contact information. We will be in touch!

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Chief Diversity and Industry Relations Officer: Magalie D. Austin, Esq.
(718) 391-2127