About the program
MTA EDGE is the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s small business development program, designed to help construction and construction-related firms gain the knowledge, support, and access they need to compete for and perform MTA contracts.
Through a structured, tiered system of training, mentorship, and technical assistance, EDGE supports businesses in building operational capacity, improving competitiveness, and positioning themselves for success within the MTA’s capital delivery program.
The program provides a clear pathway for qualified small businesses to participate in public infrastructure projects—safely, on time, and within budget.
What the program offers
- Contracting opportunities with MTA agencies, including packages valued up to $5 million
- Business mentorship through structured training and assessments prior to bidding
- Project mentorship from experienced construction managers
- Support with bonding and working capital, tailored by business needs and program tier
- Back-office guidance for navigating procurement systems, vendor registration, and compliance
- Fast-track payments, typically processed within 10 business days
- Program flexibility that allows firms to grow at their own pace and pursue the work that best aligns with their business model
Who should apply
MTA EDGE is open to small businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Operate in construction
- Have an interest in expanding into public sector contracting
- Seek to build capacity and pursue project work with the MTA
Businesses that are certified as Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) are strongly encouraged to apply, but certification is not a requirement for participation.
Why businesses participate
MTA EDGE is a results-driven program that provides businesses with:
- Structure to grow
- Tools to compete
- Opportunities to succeed in New York’s transportation infrastructure market
Businesses complete the program to become better equipped to manage public projects, meet contract requirements, and pursue long-term growth within and beyond the MTA.
Our programs
| Category | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Federal Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program duration | 5 years after the first award | 5 years after the first award | 5 years after the award |
| Program focus | Foundational training, mentorship, entry-level contracts | Advanced readiness, independent project execution | Structured pathway to meet federal project standards |
| Contract value eligibility | Up to $1.5M | Up to $5M | Up to $5M |
| Mentorship | Mentorship from McKissack–WSP JV | Limited construction manager oversight; independent contract management | Limited construction manager oversight; independent contract management |
| Working capital access | Up to $150K | Up to $900K | Up to $900K |
| Bonding requirement | Not required | Required: $2M single / $4M aggregate | |
| Business assessment | Required; results in custom action plan | Required; business plan development | Required; business plan development |
| Project experience | Two $200K+ per project + references per trade | Two $500K+ references per trade | Two $500K+ references per trade |
| Annual revenue limit | ≤ $6M avg over 3 years | ≤ $10M avg over 3 years | ≤ $6M avg over 3 years |
| Net worth limit | ≤ $15M (excluding primary residence) | ≤ $15M (excluding primary residence) | ≤ $2.047M (excluding primary residence) |
| Fast-track payment | 10 business days | 10 business days | 10 business days |
| Eligibility pathway | Entry point | Requires completion of Tier 1 | Entry point |
| Program goal | Prepare firms for early-stage MTA contract opportunities | Scale businesses for larger, more independent roles | Provide opportunities and scale for federally funded projects |