Whenever a state agency, as defined in article fifteen-A of the executive law, sells its bonds, notes or other securities at a private sale, in selecting one or more underwriters to purchase such securities the state agency shall consider, among other things, the participation of firms certified pursuant to such article as minority or women-owned firms and the ability of other firms under consideration to work with minority and women-owned business enterprises so as to promote and assist participation by such enterprises.
N.Y. State Fin. Law § 136-B