Chan Vitanza congratulates Attorney Gabrielle M. Jones, Esq. on securing two significant certification victories in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment—results that were not just procedural successes, but business-critical outcomes for our clients.
First, Gabrielle successfully secured New York MWBE certification for an Indiana-based construction company. Obtaining New York MWBE certification is particularly challenging for out-of-state businesses, requiring applicants to demonstrate a bona fide business presence in New York, operational capacity within the state, independence of ownership and control, and compliance with New York’s rigorous evidentiary and documentation standards.
For this client, certification was essential to maintaining eligibility for major public-sector opportunities in New York. Without it, the company risked losing access to large public contracts that are central to its continued operations and growth in the state. In this case, MWBE certification was not simply advantageous—it was critical to the company’s ability to continue doing business in this market.
That same day, Gabrielle also secured DBE recertification for a New York construction company and longtime client of more than 10 years.
With the regulatory landscape having shifted significantly, this recertification required navigating heightened scrutiny and new evidentiary requirements. Gabrielle developed a strategic, highly tailored submission that met the revised standards and achieved the desired outcome.
The stakes were equally high: DBE certification is essential for participation in public contracting opportunities. For many companies, it is far more than a designation—it is a business lifeline that directly impacts their ability to compete, secure revenue-generating projects, and sustain long-term operations.
New rules. New challenges. Same result.
As of October 3, 2025, the United States Department of Transportation eliminated race- and gender-based criteria from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) eligibility framework, fundamentally reshaping the certification landscape. Under the revised rules, previously certified DBEs must now reapply and submit detailed, individualized written narratives demonstrating social and economic disadvantage under a significantly more exacting standard.
Gabrielle continues to guide clients through these regulatory changes with precision, strategic insight, and results.
At Chan Vitanza, we are proud to help clients secure and maintain the certifications that are often essential to staying competitive—and, in many cases, essential to staying in business.