Technology and Integrated Delivery May End Multiple Prime Contracts
With changes to its controversial contracting law in a budget bill, New York state could become the sole champion of multiple-prime contracts. Other states have abandoned or are reconsidering the method in favor of flexibility while collaborative delivery systems may soon make it obsolete.
The Wicks Law in New York has its roots in a series of laws the legislature passed starting in 1912. It requires the state and local goverments to have separate prime contracts for electrical, heating and plumbing subs as well as for the general contractor on public-works projects above a certain dollar threshold. The subs bid directly to the owner, who pays the subs directly. The idea behind multiple primes is to encourage competition in bidding and eliminate the practice of bid-shopping among subs.