NY S03185

Allows political subdivisions to award public contracts valued at no more than $1 million to minority and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) program participants even if they are not the lowest bidder, provided the MWBE bid does not exceed the lowest bid by more than 10 percent.

Requires that political subdivisions employ an MWBE program based on a study demonstrating a disparity between the availability and utilization of MWBEs in contract awards.

Defines "reasonably competitive" for MWBE bids as not exceeding the lowest bid by more than 10 percent, establishing the maximum cost premium for this procurement preference.

Maintains existing provisions allowing political subdivisions to purchase recycled products at a cost premium of up to 10 percent (or 15 percent if at least 50 percent of secondary materials originate from New York state waste stream).

Takes effect 30 days after enactment.