by: Adam Roberts
Significant changes are coming to the way New York City handles procurement for architects. One of these is affecting whose services are procured, while the other affects how those services are being bid on and tracked.
Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed A7636/S6293, legislation allowing some City agencies to utilize design-build. Design-build is a project delivery method in which a single entity responds to a request for proposals, then designs and builds the project. While supporting the concept of greater upfront coordination, AIANY has long expressed concerns about this method as it may limit architects’ contact with their clients.
According to the law, the following City agencies may now use design-build: NYC Department of Design and Construction, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Department of Transportation, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, NYC School Construction Authority, and NYC Housing Authority.
Meanwhile, the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) is in the midst of moving its functioning online with the release of PASSPort. When PASSPort is finished, design professionals and other city contractors will be able to procure city contracts almost entirely online. PASSPort is now moving toward the final stages of its release, which will let contracts be tracked online by those holding them.
In order to provide feedback for the final release of PASSPort, please join AIANY and MOCS for a briefing at 8:30 am on Wednesday, January 15 at the Center for Architecture.
Pulse Points:
- Applications to serve on your community board are due starting January 21 for Manhattan. Please reach out to Adam Roberts, Director of Policy, at aroberts@aiany.org or 212-358-6116, if you apply or have any questions. He will keep track of your application and will follow up with your Borough President and Council Member’s office to advocate for your appointment. More information can be found here.