NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization Program Hosts Networking Event

On June 29, NYCHA’s Comprehensive Modernization (Comp Mod) Program hosted a networking event, “Rebuilding NYCHA Housing,” at the NYC College of Technology in Brooklyn. The event, geared specifically towards Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB), and Section 3 businesses, welcomed over 250 attendees to learn more about Comp Mod and how to navigate the competitive procurement process. Attendees also got the opportunity to network with prime contractors, with the goal of accessing potential contracting opportunities.  
 
“Industry outreach events like this are part of NYCHA’s commitment to build an equitable business model inclusive of the MWBE and Section 3 Business community,” said Michele Moore, Director of Comprehensive Modernization. “The goal is to connect qualified firms with prime contractors that could utilize their services, which in turn allows those contractors to meet their MWBE and Section 3 obligations.” 

Comprehensive Modernization considers all the needs of a development and makes much-needed upgrades from top to bottom, repairing systems, apartments, common areas, and grounds that have not been upgraded for decades. The approach allows NYCHA to use funds to combine renovations into one project, fully rehabilitating developments while saving money and limiting the inconvenience to residents. It is part of NYCHA’s work to provide critical improvements to better serve residents and improve their quality of life; it will also bring these developments into compliance with the 2019 HUD agreement by specifically addressing lead-based paint, leaks and mold, heating and elevator services, and pest and waste management.   

The first developments that will receive these large-scale renovations are Todt Hill Houses in Staten Island, St. Nicholas Houses in Manhattan, and Gowanus Houses and Wyckoff Gardens in Brooklyn.  

The networking event was held after the June 24 release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify and select the most highly qualified design-build teams that can submit proposals and designs to NYCHA on how to best renovate the first two Comp Mod sites. 

Read more about the event below: 

New York City’s Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz (second from right) and NYCHA’s Chief Procurement Officer Sergio Paneque (left) welcomed attendees to the event, while NYCHA’s Director of Comprehensive Modernization Michele Moore (second from left) delivered the keynote address and NYCHA’s Team Procurement Manager of Comprehensive Modernization Robin Eichel (far right) served as moderator. 

Michele Moore’s keynote discussed Comprehensive Modernization’s  background, process, goals, and timelines as well as its opportunities for large and small construction firms. 

Attendees had the opportunity to meet with exhibitors to create new relationships and network with each other during the event. The NYCHA team invited general contractors and large subcontractors who are forming design-build teams. Exhibitors included the Regional Alliance of Small Contractors, Adam’s European Contracting, Inc., Navillus, Subcontractors Trade Association, and more. 

Five breakout sessions were held on targeted construction information to help businesses learn more about working with NYCHA on new construction projects. Each session was held twice so that attendees could attend multiple sessions.  

In the “How to Do Business with NYCHA” session, NYCHA’s Deputy Director of Procurement John Englebert provided information about how to prequalify and bid on NYCHA contracting opportunities. NYCHA’s Vice President of Procurement Policy and Performance Management Guy Oliveri also spoke at this session about NYCHA’s dedication to creating contracting opportunities for MWBEs.  

In the “Design-Build Construction” session, Robin Eichel, NYCHA’s Team Procurement Manager of the Comprehensive Modernization Program, explained design-build and how it allows the Comp Mod program to choose contractors based on factors other than price, such as quality and expertise.  

Additional sessions included a primer on project labor agreements with union contractors, Section 3 requirements, and how to become a certified NYC MWBE (which was led by Dynishal Gross, NYC Small Business Services Deputy Commissioner, Division of Economic & Financial Opportunity). 

For more information about Comp Mod, visit: comprehensive-modernization-department (nyc.gov).