NYSDOL Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry

What is It?

The NYSDOL Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry is a system designed to ensure that businesses working on publicly funded projects follow state labor laws. It tracks wage compliance, workforce diversity, and contractor eligibility. Registration is required for all vendors working on public projects to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability.

By maintaining an updated registry, the NYSDOL ensures that contractors and subcontractors meet state labor standards, follow prevailing wage laws, and contribute to equitable hiring practices. This system helps protect workers' rights and ensures contractors meet their obligations.

Who Does This Apply To?

This applies to any business or individual contractor working on a public project funded by New York State. This includes:

  • Prime Contractors – The main company hired to complete a public project.

  • Subcontractors – Companies or individuals hired by a Prime Contractor to complete parts of the project.

  • Vendors and Service Providers – Businesses supplying labor, materials, or professional services for public contracts.

  • Construction and Trade Workers – Anyone performing physical labor, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, who must be paid according to prevailing wage laws.

What Project Types Are Covered?

The registry applies to any publicly funded project that involves construction, repair, maintenance, or service contracts. This includes:

  • Infrastructure Projects – Roads, bridges, tunnels, and public transit improvements.

  • Public Building Construction – Schools, libraries, government offices, and other publicly owned buildings.

  • Renovation and Maintenance – Repairs, upgrades, and facility maintenance for public properties.

  • Public Utility Work – Water, sewage, and electrical infrastructure projects.

  • Professional Services Contracts – Engineering, consulting, and design work on public projects.

Why Register?

  • Legal Requirement: Contractors and subcontractors must register before working on public projects.

  • Fair Wage Compliance: Ensures workers are paid according to NYS prevailing wage schedules.

  • Transparency and Accountability: Helps contractors maintain accurate records and avoid penalties.

  • Workforce Participation Goals: Supports hiring women and minority workers to promote diversity.

  • Contract Eligibility: Only registered vendors can bid on or participate in state-funded contracts.

  • Avoid Penalties: Failure to register or comply can result in fines, contract delays, or disqualification from future projects.

When to Register?

Contractors and subcontractors must register before they begin work on any publicly funded project in New York State. Early registration is crucial to prevent delays and ensure all compliance requirements are met. Businesses that fail to register or maintain compliance may face financial penalties, project delays, and disqualification from future government contracts.

Contractors should also update their registration if their business information, employee details, or labor classifications change to ensure ongoing compliance.

How Much Does It Cost?

There is a nonrefundable fee of $200 to register with NYSDOL. There is a reduced nonrefundable fee of $100 for New York State certified Minority or Women Owned Business Entrepreneurs (MWBE) to register with NYSDOL. There is an additional $1.97 credit card processing fee for all applications.

Resources

To assist contractors and subcontractors in navigating the registration and compliance process, the following resources are available:

  • NYSDOL Registry – Official site for registration and compliance information.

  • Prevailing Wage Schedules – A resource for determining required wage rates for workers on public contracts.

  • Certified Payroll Guide(PDF, 1MB) – A step-by-step guide to submitting payroll reports and maintaining wage compliance.

  • Training Webinars – Online sessions providing guidance on labor law compliance, prevailing wages, and reporting.

  • NYSDOL Support – Dedicated assistance for contractors and subcontractors needing help with registration, payroll submissions, or compliance issues.

For additional information regarding compliance with City of Syracuse requirements, vendors can contact the Division of Equity Compliance & Social Impact for guidance and support.

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