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
| Nov 26, 2012
How to boost resilient systems that are sustainable
Cities of the future can be both more resilient and more sustainable by promoting strategies that include solar power and green roofs, programs that minimize demand for energy, rain gardens, and permeable pavement.
| Nov 26, 2012
Developer of nation’s first LEED platinum skyscraper focuses on carbon reduction
The Durst Organization, the developer of the first LEED platinum certified skyscraper in the country, says it will not seek LEED certification for its residential pyramid planned for New York’s West 57th Street.
| Nov 26, 2012
Questions linger over ability of Miami's newer high-rises to withstand hurricanes
Some towers in Miami, rebuilt after a hurricane in 2005, were allowed to be constructed under older building codes instead of newer ones created after Hurricane Wilma.
| Nov 26, 2012
Changes in development and building standards needed for health of Potomac River
The Potomac River’s health stands to suffer if the region does not change its development and building standards, according to the Potomac Conservancy.
| Nov 16, 2012
South Dakota prefers LEED over building code on state projects
“(LEED is) much better than a mandatory building code because you get a little wiggle room in these projects,” said Mike Mueller, a spokesman for the South Dakota Bureau of Administration.
| Nov 16, 2012
AAMA publishes quality assurance guidelines for Polyamide Thermal Barriers
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has published QAG-2-12, Voluntary Quality Assurance Processing Guide for Polyamide Thermal Barriers.
| Nov 16, 2012
New ANSI/BIFMA standards developed for educational seating
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the newly developed safety and performance standard for educational seating: ANSI/BIFMA X6.1-2012—the first of its kind.