Assistant Director, Certification Program

Position Objective

This position is responsible for determining the initial eligibility of businesses seeking certification as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) with the MTA and the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP) in accordance with federal regulatory requirements set forth at 49 CFR Part 26. This position is additionally responsible for the annual review of DBE certified firms for compliance with certification eligibility criteria and assisting in the management of the federally mandated NYSUCP.

This position is also responsible for determining the eligibility of businesses seeking Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWDBE) certification, in accordance with the New York State Executive Law Article 15-A Section 310-317.

The incumbent will support the New York State Empire Development Corporation’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD) Program to increase the number of certified firms listed in the New York State directory of certified firms.

(MTA does not certify MWBE firms; this was added as part of a recently created initiative).

• Assists the Sr. Director in the day-to-day management of the DBE Certification unit and processes new applications for DBE certification in accordance with federal regulations 49 CFR Part 26.
• Reviews and conducts detailed desk audits of all new DBE certification applications.
• Ensures that managers create comprehensive DBE files for each new DBE certification application.
• Conducts and/or oversees Eligibility Review Meeting for new applications.
• Conducts and/or oversees On-Site Review for new applications for DBE certification, as applicable, and for other certifying agencies upon request.
• Conducts and/or oversees On-Site Review of the Annual Review Process, as required.
• Conducts and/or oversees Job Site Reviews of new applications when the firm is performing on a contract in the MTA service area.
• Reviews and/or prepares a detailed and comprehensive written certification eligibility evaluation for each new application being processed, recommending a certification determination.
• Process annual updates/submissions for continued compliance with federal DBE certification eligibility criteria and prepare written certification eligibility evaluation prior to the firm’s annual certification anniversary date.
• Process Proposals to Remove Certification and Removal of DBE Certification for firms that fail to meet regulatory requirements, and prepare a written evaluation to support the recommendation.
• Maintain MTA DBE certification directory for inclusion in NYSUCP
• Provide timely updates to NYSUCP on new applications, status of renewals, and annual updates.
• Provide assistance and serve as liaison to NYSUCP partners and the NYS Empire Development, Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Development.
• Prepare comprehensive certification status reports on all pending and certified firms and other monthly management reports as required, in a timely and complete manner.
• Assist and participate in DDCR MWDBE Outreach activities, as required.
• Coordinate and/or conduct periodic Certification Workshops for prospective MWDBE applicants.
• Provide support to the MTA’s $54.8 billion capital program by expediting MWBE certification review for minority or woman-owned business enterprises seeking to work directly with the MTA, its agencies, and prime contractors identified on capital projects.
• Assist the Sr. Director in reviewing, assigning, and certification determinations rendered by Managers for pending and certified firms.
• Assist the Sr. Director in reviewing, assigning, and completing new applications throughout the entire certification review process to ensure applications are processed within 90 days by Managers in compliance with the federal regulatory requirements of 49 CFR Part 26.
• Assist the Sr. The Director is to ensure that written denial evaluation and documentation are legally sound and able to withstand challenges in compliance with USDOT federal regulations 49 CFR Part 26.
• Conduct a comprehensive and investigative Eligibility Review Meeting for new applicants seeking DBE certification with the MTA, to gather information…