A bill to reform New York State’s public contracting process is under review by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The bill, originated by the New York Electrical Contractors Association, would create a 21-member Construction Industry Advisory Council on Public Contracting Reform to reform state contracting rules. The council would bring together for the first time, state legislators, regulators, construction contractors and subcontractors, labor, and other stakeholders, to address issues on state construction projects.
“Some of these longstanding problems include damages incurred by contractors, subcontractors, and other parties due to delays in payments by project owners; substantial completion as defined recently in amended state finance law; retainage in public works contracts; and public works contracting issues affecting minority and women owned contractors and subcontractors,” according to a news release from Willett Public Affairs, a consulting firm that worked on the bill. The Advisory Council would issue a report of its findings including recommendations and suggested best practices for reforms.
The aim of the legislation is to “eliminate the burdensome, unfair, and varying contractual terms and conditions that may unfairly benefit New York State but are prejudicial to contractors and subcontractors.”
Related Stories
School Construction | May 3, 2016
Florida clamps down on school construction spending
Critics fear rules will hamper ability to build schools with desired features.
Resiliency | May 2, 2016
Connecticut to develop new code standards for resiliency
Expected more frequent severe weather events due to climate change prompts review.
Contractors | Apr 29, 2016
OSHA issues advisory to protect workers from Zika virus
Construction industry workers considered at high risk.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2016
New research finds 30 measures to significantly cut energy use
ASHRAE’s prescription cuts across all building types and climates.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2016
Florida gives developers more time to install first responder radio signal systems
Expensive upgrades can be postponed for several years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
San Francisco becomes first big U.S. city to require solar panels on new buildings
Pertains to commercial and residential buildings shorter than 10 stories.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
GSA adopts SITES land development and management rating system
Federal agency will use for properties with and without buildings.
Wood | Apr 22, 2016
Revised 2015 Manual for Engineered Wood Construction available
American Wood Council Document offers design information for structural applications.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2016
OSHA updates eye and face protection standards in final rule
Becomes effective April 26.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.