According to the Gateway Development Commission, a significant portion of the multi-million dollar Hudson Tunnel project phase contracts will be granted to DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises).

Proposers were asked to guarantee that 18% of the contract would be granted to DBEs in the recently awarded Tonnelle Avenue project contract. A 27% commitment was needed for the construction management contract.

DBEs are classified as for-profit small companies in which people from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds own at least 51% of the company and are in charge of day-to-day operations. 

The GDC is organizing a project briefing and DBE networking event on October 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Liberty House in Jersey City. The event is being held in conjunction with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to meet and connect with more DBEs. 

The goal of the event is to generate business possibilities for small DBEs.

According to John Harmon, the CEO of the African American Chamber, "We're very intentional about what we're trying to achieve." He further added, "This is not just another showing-up event. We want to have people leave with a real understanding of the process and how they can compete for opportunity. That is the goal. There is a lot of money on the table."