New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially signed Assembly Bill A8864, introduced by Indian American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, into law.
This groundbreaking legislation aims to modernize the state’s procurement process, reduce delays, and expedite critical infrastructure projects like affordable housing, schools, and transit systems. The reform marks a pivotal step in streamlining public contracting to improve efficiency across New York State.
A key feature of the bill is the transition of the public comment process for contracts over $100,000 to an online platform, replacing the traditional requirement for in-person hearings. This shift is projected to save an average of 20 days per project, significantly speeding up the launch of infrastructure initiatives. By embracing digitalization, the legislation enhances public accessibility and simplifies administrative workflows.
“The greatest city in the world deserves the greatest infrastructure, powered by the latest innovations in construction, design, and procurement. My bill A8864 modernizes the procurement process and has now been signed into law,” Rajkumar stated.
She also highlighted her role in passing Assembly Bill A10543, which authorizes the use of progressive design-build methods for city projects. This approach allows a single entity to manage both the design and construction phases, cutting years off delivery timelines and saving millions of taxpayer dollars.
This reform comes as a response to longstanding inefficiencies in the city's procurement system, where 64% of capital projects were delayed, and half exceeded their budgets, collectively costing taxpayers $54.5 billion. By addressing these issues, the legislation aims to save time and resources, ensuring better use of public funds.
Governor Hochul praised the legislation, emphasizing its importance in advancing government processes and expediting essential projects for the people of New York. The bill is expected to drive significant progress in areas such as housing and energy infrastructure.
