Public works contracting reform in New York State got a push forward recently when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that creates a temporary advisory council to study the issue and recommend improvements to how the state engages with contractors.
The Construction Industry Public Contracting Advisory Council bill creates the 23-member temporary Construction Industry Advisory Council on Public Contracting Reform. Members of this board will include state legislators, regulators, construction contractors and subcontractors, labor, and other stakeholders.
The council will “analyze the many vexing contractual issues that negatively impact contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects,” according to a news release. It will then “identify solutions needed to reform New York State’s public contracting process, making it more equitable for the contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects.”
The council will study several issues including damages incurred by contractors, subcontractors, and other parties from delay in payments by project owners due to “no delay damages” clauses and unfair contractual notice provisions; substantial completion as defined in amended state finance law; retainage in public works contracts; and public works contracting issues affecting minority- and women-owned contractors and subcontractors.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
U.S. Appeals Court says general contractors can be cited for subcontractor violations
Ruling will prompt review of OSH decision that said GCs cannot be held liable for subs’ violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval
New provisions to be included in the 2021 International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
ASHRAE’s Low-Rise Residential Buildings standard update now available
Performance measures are at least 50% more efficient than 2006 IECC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
Study compares labor hours for various low-slope roofing options
Type of roof covering, project parameters, tool management, and crew efficiency all impact profitability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2018
New York’s ‘Scaffold Law’ under fire for driving up project costs
Lawmakers under pressure to reform law that makes contractors 100% liable for work-site injuries.
Codes and Standards | Dec 19, 2018
Guidance for water utilities on indoor recycled water use released
Provides recommended ranges on 13 different parameters of water quality.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2018
Development in Africa, Asia, and uptake in air conditioning will require more efficient buildings
Dramatic action will be needed for global building sector to cut carbon in line with international agreements.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2018
Emissions for buildings and construction have peaked, UN says
Greener buildings have led to leveling off of GHGs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2018
Urban flooding causing economic loss, social disruption, and housing inequality
Extensive suburban development, aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, and more intense rainfall mean more flooding.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2018
California’s transportation problems could prevent state from reaching carbon reduction goals
Governor’s carbon neutral-by-2045 ambitions at odds with car culture.