City Council Passes Legislation to Create Responsible Procurement Practices that Work for Working New Yorkers

The New York City Council this week passed important legislation to create greater accountability within the construction bidding process. Intro 803, sponsored by Councilmember Julie Won and championed by Laborers Local 1010 LECET, now allows for bidding entities to designate a party outside their organization, to submit formal objections to other bids – meaning, union and labor management representatives may provide information or feedback on contractors participating in the bidding process. Oftentimes, labor organizations have a more complete picture or history of New York City developers and contractors and can provide documentation of wage fraud, labor standards violations, refusal to comply with mandated apprenticeship requirements, or even criminal indictments.

In short, Intro 803 helps stop in their tracks lowball bidders who undercut scrupulous bidders to win work at the expense of the very people who perform the work. By permitting a secondary designated party to have a seat at the table, the City Council has demonstrated its commitment to a bidding and procurement process that is pro-responsible bidding. Intro 803 is yet another strong step that uplifts the quality contractors who keep New York City moving.

“I’m thrilled to announce the passage of Intro. 803, which will hold unscrupulous vendors accountable. By allowing union representatives to protest bids, we will reduce fraud, unfair labor practices, and compliance issues for hard working New Yorkers,” said Council Member Won. “Thank you to the men and women at Laborers 1010 for your tireless advocacy and support for Intro. 803. Together, we will continue to support high-quality, honest vendors that prioritize the needs of working New Yorkers.”