Relates to requiring qualification-based criteria for awarding certain contracts for services

This bill requires New York state government entities to use qualification-based criteria when selecting contractors for certain public works projects using design-build contracts. It mandates that agencies evaluate responses to public requests for qualifications based on factors like team experience, financial capability, past performance, compliance with labor laws, and diversity business certifications (minority/women-owned businesses and small businesses). The law specifies that contractors must be chosen based on demonstrated qualifications rather than the lowest bid, particularly for projects covered under existing project labor agreements. This directly affects state agencies and contractors involved in public construction projects governed by Chapter 749 of the laws of 2019.