New York State introduces Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry

Beginning December 30, 2024, a new requirement mandates that all contractors and subcontractors bidding on or performing construction work on public work projects, or private projects covered under Article 8 of the New York State Labor Law, must register with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). This requirement falls under Labor Law Section 220-i and aims to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws across the state.

Who Must Register?

Contractors: Defined as any entity entering into a contract to perform construction, demolition, reconstruction, excavation, rehabilitation, repair, installation, renovation, alteration, or custom fabrication.

Subcontractors: Defined as any entity subcontracting with a contractor to perform similar tasks, as outlined in Article 8 of the Labor Law.

Contractors & Subcontractors need to register before submitting any new bids or commencing new work on a covered project on or after December 30, 2024. NYSDOL encourages all contractors and subcontractors to register as soon as possible to obtain a Certificate of Registration to avoid negatively impacting a bidding period or project schedule. Contractors are responsible for verifying that all subcontractors they engage with are properly registered.

The Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement at the New York State Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing prevailing wage laws in New York State. The Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement publishes the annual prevailing wage schedule every year on July 1. To find information about the prevailing wage rate for your area, or to find contact information for your local Public Works and Prevailing Wage Enforcement District Office, please visit Bureau of Public Work and Prevailing Wage Enforcement website or send an email to labor.sm.pwask@labor.ny.gov.