New York Construction Report staff writer
The New York City Housing Authority and construction services company Gordian have launched a mentorship program aimed at helping small contractors gain experience, build their businesses and compete for larger public-sector projects.
The program, announced Aug. 26, will provide participating contractors with training, hands-on project experience and one-on-one mentorship. Participants will also receive guidance on NYCHA construction standards, project management and procurement.
NYCHA has awarded 40 mentorship contracts across three construction trades in the program’s initial phase.
“This mentorship program represents an important step in building a stronger, more inclusive construction ecosystem,” NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said in a statement. “We are creating meaningful opportunities for small businesses while ensuring NYCHA has a growing pool of qualified contractors to meet the needs of our residents.”
The program is structured in two levels, allowing entry-level firms to develop basic skills before moving on to larger projects and more advanced work.
Gordian will provide training and expertise, with a particular focus on job order contracting, a procurement method that allows multiple projects to be completed under a single competitively awarded contract.
The approach is intended to reduce the time and complexity involved in bidding and procurement while giving contractors a more predictable stream of work.
“At Gordian, we’ve seen how job order contracting can be a powerful catalyst for small contractors,” said Arul Elumalai, president of Gordian. “Through this mentorship program with NYCHA, we’re helping contractors build skills, confidence and capacity while delivering quality work faster for the communities that need it most.”
To take part, contractors must qualify as small businesses under New York State legislation and meet requirements related to licensing, experience and capacity.
Contractors who successfully complete the program will be better positioned to compete for larger NYCHA contracts and other public-sector work.
The initiative is intended to expand NYCHA’s pool of qualified contractors while creating new opportunities for smaller construction firms to gain experience working with one of the largest public housing authorities in North America.
