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Enhanced Utilization Credit Initiative Pilot Program

A new MTA program aligned with New York State’s MWBE goals to connect primes with certified firms and strengthen equity in contracting.

About the EUCI pilot program

The MTA, in partnership with the New York State Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD), is introducing the Enhanced Utilization Credit Initiative (EUCI). This program is designed to unlock new contracting opportunities and increase participation of certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) that have had limited or no opportunities to contract with the MTA.

Under the program, prime contractors receive enhanced utilization credit (1.5x the subcontract dollar value) when engaging eligible MWBE firms. This innovative approach creates new incentives for primes while building long-term capacity for MWBEs.

Program highlights

  • Targets NYS-certified MWBE firms with limited or no prior MTA contracting experience.
  • Rewards prime contractors with enhanced utilization credits for partnering with eligible firms.
  • Features trained, ready-to-work firms to simplify compliance and participation.

Why it matters

  • For MWBEs: Access new subcontracting opportunities and build experience with the MTA.
  • For Primes: Enhanced utilization credits (up to $10M per contract) make partnering with eligible firms a competitive advantage.
  • For New York: A stronger, more inclusive economy with diverse participation in public infrastructure investment.

Eligibility requirements

This initiative is open to New York State–certified MWBE firms that meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Hold active NYS MWBE certification in the applicable scope of work.
  • Have a minimum of two years of business operations.
  • Have not contracted with the MTA within the past three years or performed MTA contracts exceeding $500,000.
    • Current or graduate participants of the MTA EDGE* offered by the MTA or Empire State Development’s Business Growth Accelerator (BGA) 2.0 Program are exempt from this requirement.
  • Have completed advanced business education through one or more of the following programs: