December 9, 2024
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced a new law for contractors and subcontractors. Effective December 30, 2024, those who submit bids or perform construction work on public projects or certain private projects will be required to register with NYSDOL.
Contractors must register before submitting any new bids or beginning work on a covered project starting December 30, 2024. Subcontractors need to register before starting new work on a covered project on or after that date. NYSDOL encourages all contractors and subcontractors to register as soon as possible to obtain a Certificate of Registration, to avoid potential delays in the bidding process or project schedules.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Governor Hochul has been committed to transparency since day one of her administration and the new Contractor Registry embodies that commitment. It provides public funding accountability that will benefit law-abiding contractors and subcontractors while cutting off those who seek to exploit workers.”
To register, contractors and subcontractors must apply through NYSDOL’s Contractor Registry portal via NYSDOL’s Management System for Protecting Worker Rights (MPWR) on the Department’s website. All applications must be submitted electronically, and fees must be paid by credit card.
If approved, a Certificate of Registration will be issued electronically. Contractors and subcontractors are encouraged to download and print the certificate.
Registration is not valid until a Certificate of Registration has been issued, which could take several weeks. Incomplete or inaccurate applications could result in delay. If an application is not approved, contractors and subcontractors will be notified through the portal prior to an unfitness determination. Registrants will have the opportunity to address the issue causing the potential unfitness determination or request a hearing within 30 days of notification.
Each registration certificate is valid for two calendar years from the date of issuance. Contractors and subcontractors must renew their registration at least 90 days before their current registration expires. They can access their Certificate of Registration or check the status of an application at any time through the Contractor Registry portal.
To inform contractors and subcontractors about the Contractor Registry, the Department is notifying building and construction trade labor organizations as well as various contractor groups so they can get the message out to their members. NYSDOL is working with other state agencies and providing standardized language and information to be included in new solicitations and bid packets for public work. The Department hosted several demonstrations of the system for various stakeholders. Guidance, helpful links and a checklist of required information and/or documents is available on NYSDOL’s website.
For more information about the New York State Contractor Registry, visit the NYSDOL website.
For inquiries regarding outstanding wage assessments or judgments, contact the New York State Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement by emailing [email protected] or by calling (518) 457-5589.