Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
The first bill, Introductory 819-A, was introduced at my request by Council Members Freed and Pagan. This bill would amend seven (7) sections of the New York City Charter in relation to City agencies' responsibility to file contract-specific determinations and approvals with the Procurement Policy Board (PPB).
Section One of this bill would amend Charter Section 312(b)(2) to remove the requirement that agencies file with the PPB a notice of their intention to utilize a procurement method other than competitive sealed bidding. Section Two of the bill would amend the same Charter section to remove the requirement that the Mayor and the contracting agency file with the PPB notice of the agency's intention to award a contract to someone other than the lowest responsible bidder. Section Three would amend Charter Section 315 to eliminate the requirement that agencies file with the PPB notice of their intent to utilize emergency procurement procedures and notice of their selection of a contractor pursuant to those procedures. Sections Four and Five would remove the requirement that agency determinations to solicit bids or proposals from a prequalified vendor list, as well as the written approval of the Mayor to utilize a prequalified vendors list, be filed with the PPB. Finally, sections Six and Seven of this legislation would remove the requirement that agencies file with the PPB written determinations to award a contract utilizing sole source or any other alternative procurement method.
This legislation is consistent with the PPB's and the Administration's ongoing efforts to streamline and increase efficiency in the City's procurement process. Each of the determinations and approvals covered by this legislation will continue to be published in the City Record and be maintained in the contracting agency's files, meaning that they will continue to be available for public inspection. Eliminating the duplicative requirements that each be filed with the PPB will reduce processing time, save administrative costs, and allow City procurement personnel to focus their efforts on ensuring that the City gets the highest quality goods and services for its contracting dollar.
I turn first to the bill's sponsors and to any other elected official who wishes to speak.Is there anybody else who wishes to speak in favor of or against this bill?
There being no other speakers, and for the reasons set forth above, I will now sign this bill.