Report Fraud

Anyone who suspects fraud, waste, or abuse (collectively referred to as “Allegations of Misconduct” below) involving the contracting or certification of New York State Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (“MWBEs”) should contact Empire State Development (“ESD”)/The Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (the “Division”). Allegations of Misconduct will be evaluated in accordance with Article 15-A of the Executive Law and established rules, regulations and policies of the Division and any other applicable law. 

If ESD/Division deems it appropriate, ESD/Division may initiate a review based on the Allegations of Misconduct. Additionally, matters may be referred from ESD to an external entity where appropriate. 

Pursuant to NYS Executive law Article 15-A §311(3) (h), the Division makes publicly available “records of all revocations of certification for convictions for fraudulently misrepresenting the status of minority or women-owned business enterprises or for evidence of fraudulent conduct with regard to participation of a minority or women-owned business enterprise in the performance of state contracts and the reasoning for such revocations after a final determination has been made.”

Certification removed due to conviction for fraud or evidence of fraud

When reporting an Allegation of Misconduct, please provide any relevant and specific details including, but not limited to:

• The identity of the person, company, or organization alleged to have engaged in the misconduct;
• A description of the alleged misconduct;
• The MWBE vendor or program affected by the alleged misconduct;
• Contract number(s) and date(s) of the alleged misconduct; and,
• Any supporting documents such as email correspondence, invoices, pictures etc.

Allegations of Misconduct can be reported by written statement, phone, or email. To ensure efficient review, if a complaint is being reported by written statement or email, please only send one written statement or email. Duplicative statements or emails of the same complaint will be disregarded.  Please note: ESD/Division does not provide updates regarding the statuses of complaints. 

While anonymous complaints are acceptable, it can indeed present challenges in terms of investigation and verifying the validity of the claims. If possible, please provide your contact information in the complaint. 

Written Statement: Please complete the online reporting form below
Toll-free Hotline: (855) 373-4692 or (855) ESD-4MWB
Email: [email protected]