The design-build method minimizes project risk for the owner, increases the accountability of contractors and accelerates the delivery schedule by eliminating one procurement cycle and compressing the design and construction procurements into one project labor agreement. By overlapping the design and construction phase, critical NYCHA projects can be delivered in a timelier manner, Speaker Heastie states. Contracts would be subject to applicable federal, state and local requirements for disadvantaged business enterprises and minority- and women-owned business enterprises, he adds.

The legislation, which is now before the State senate for approval, calls for greater transparency regarding efforts to reduce and prevent lead-based paint poisoning in children. Under the bill, the chair of NYCHA would be required to provide written reports on the implementation of laws concerning lead-based paint inspections and remediation that NYCHA must adhere to. The legislation will allow residents of NYCHA and various government agencies to gauge compliance.

“NYCHA's outdated boilers and heating systems have led to unacceptable heating disruptions during some of the coldest days of the year,” said State Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, chair of the housing committee. “Expediting the procurement process for NYCHA capital projects will help improve the quality of life for many thousands of families and individuals living in NYCHA apartments.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement in response to the assembly vote on the design-build bill, saying, “Speaker Heastie and the state assembly have the backs of NYCHA tenants. Today, they passed a bill giving NYCHA full design-build authority that will speed up critical repairs by more than a year. The rest of Albany needs to follow the assembly's lead: stop playing games and promoting gimmicks. Deliver the key investments and reforms NYCHA tenants are waiting for.”