Minority-, Women- and Locally-Owned (MWL) Businesses and Workforce Participation

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Columbia University is committed to supporting MWL businesses and workforce participation.

I. Minority, Women and Local (MWL) Goals

Columbia University's goal is to award 35 percent of the total dollar value of Phase I Site Development construction subcontracts governed by the PLA to Minority-, Women- and Locally-Owned Business Enterprises (MWLBE), excluding Specialty Construction Services. (As defined in the CBA, "Specialty Construction Services" shall mean construction services of a unique or special nature and for which there exists a limited number of qualified business entities that can perform such services. These Specialty Construction Services are specifically listed in CBA - Exhibit E.)
Non-Construction Contracting

Columbia University's goal is to award 35 percent of total dollar value of non-construction contracts (excluding academic and research contracts) throughout the life of the Project to MWLBE, provided that “Local” shall include the five (5) boroughs of New York City.
Construction Workforce Participation

Columbia University has a goal of 40 percent MWL workforce participation in construction activities, excluding Specialty Construction Services.

II. Construction

Columbia University includes non-discrimination and affirmative action obligations in all construction contracts entered into by Columbia or by Columbia contractors or subcontractors relating to the construction of the Project. Columbia University uses good faith efforts to unbundle (e.g. divide into smaller bid packages) certain sections of the Construction Work to increase participation by MWLBE’s. Columbia University includes in its standard RFP templates (i) a statement indicating that the University is committed to the hiring of qualified Local Residents when possible and (ii) a question seeking information about the vendor’s record and practices in that regard. 

For information on current contracting and job opportunities on the Manhattanville campus, please see our Construction page.