Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRZcs0bp6gU
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has signed into law a new measure that will significantly enhance the County’s ability to assess and select the lowest responsible bidder for public works contracts—marking a major step forward in transparency, accountability and fiscal stewardship.
Jenkins said: “Taxpayers deserve to know that their dollars are being spent wisely—and that public projects will be completed by contractors who have the track record and integrity to get the job done right. This law gives the County the tools to look beyond just the lowest price and instead focus on who is truly the lowest responsible bidder.”
The newly adopted Local Law amends Chapter 233 of the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Article IV, entitled "Board of Acquisition and Contract." It creates a uniform and comprehensive process for determining bidder responsibility before awarding public works contracts valued at more than $35,000.
Chairman Vedat Gashi said: “This law represents a significant step forward in our commitment to responsible governance and fiscal accountability. By establishing a more thorough vetting process for contractors, we're ensuring that Westchester County not only receives competitive pricing but also quality work from contractors with proven track records. This balanced approach protects taxpayer dollars while maintaining the high standards our residents expect for public infrastructure projects. Sincere thanks to County Executive Ken Jenkins for joining us in this bipartisan effort, which will bring about meaningful reform.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr, Vice Chair of the Public Works & Transportation Committee and co-author of the bill, said: “This legislation gives Westchester the power to look beyond ‘lowest cost’ when awarding contracts. Quality workmanship, efficient operation, safety, and timely completion of projects are not necessarily assured by awarding a contract based solely on price. Bidders will now be required to complete a questionnaire which details their financial health, legal standing, integrity, and past performance. We're raising standards to make smarter decisions with taxpayer money, because the cheapest option isn't always the best deal.”
Legislator Erika L. Pierce, Chair of the Public Works & Transportation Committee and co-author of the bill, said: “Westchester is required to award contracts, in most cases, to the lowest 'responsible' bidder. How we as a County define 'responsible' is the focus of this important good governance legislation. This legislation helps set up a structured system for identifying when a bidder might be deemed non-responsible, and a system for documenting that status for future contracts opportunities, protecting tax payer money and producing better outcomes for our infrastructure projects.”
Under the law, bidders must complete and certify a questionnaire addressing their financial capacity, legal authority, integrity, past performance on government contracts, and compliance with labor and other applicable laws. This information, combined with any additional documentation gathered by County agencies, will allow the County to make a more informed decision before entering into a contract.
The law also establishes a formal appeal process for any bidder found not responsible, and it requires ongoing documentation from winning bidders throughout the term of a contract—ensuring that contractors remain qualified and in good standing until the work is complete.
The law was unanimously passed by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.