NY A09122

Empire State Development Corporation must conduct a feasibility study on establishing a minority and women-owned business enterprise capacity mentorship program.

Study must examine which state agencies would benefit most in four focus areas: construction, professional services, non-professional services, and commodity purchases.

Study must analyze program duration, use of successful completion as prequalification for contracts, and how to better prepare minority and women-owned businesses for agency bidding.

Empire State Development Corporation must submit findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature within 12 months, including implementation plans, costs, regulatory requirements, and statutory changes needed.

Corporation must submit a second report within 24 months detailing actions taken to implement recommendations, program benefits, and estimated costs for permanent establishment of the mentorship program.