NAMC NY University: MTA DBE Certification Program

The DBE Certification Workshop was created to assist small business owners in determining their eligibility for the DBE program. Gain valuable insights into eligibility requirements, how social and economic disadvantage is determined, personal net worth, SBA small business size standards, and ownership and control in accordance with federal regulations found in 49 C.F.R. Part 26. Eligible business owners will also learn how to certify their business with the MTA in less than 90 days.

Instructor: Lorraine Warren, Senior Director, DBE Certification MTA

Lorraine Warren is the Senior Director of the Certification Program, where she manages the overall operations of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) Certification Program. Her role involves ensuring that DBE applicants comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (“USDOT”) Federal Regulations found at CFR 49 Part 26. Upon completion of the certification process, she ensures that those certified firms are placed in the New York State Unified Certification Program (“NYSUCP”) Directory, utilized by all entities within the State that receive funds from the USDOT. Additionally, those newly certified firms are provided with guidance on how to register for the MTA Bidders List and how to do business with the MTA.

With over 20 years of experience in the Department of Diversity and Civil Rights, Certification Program, Lorraine plays a pivotal role in making decisions that help increase the pool of minority and women-owned businesses eligible to participate in the MTA procurement process. Her efforts further ensures that certified firms have access to prime and subcontracting opportunities with all MTA operating agencies. She is involved in outreach activities, events, and workshops for small business owners, helping them to learn how to get DBE certified and do business with the MTA.

Lorraine earned an MPA and a BA degree at Long Island University, School of Business in Brooklyn, NY.

She can be reached at (646) 252-1356 or via email at lwarren@mtahq.org.