Bidders Conference To Be Held September 9 For Minority, Women and Locally Owned

ALBANY, NY (08/30/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner, John C. Egan, today announced a conference designed to help businesses interested in working on the $34 million construction project for a new food laboratory for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets learn about opportunities that may be available to them. The conference, scheduled for September 9 is designed specifically for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and locally owned companies.

"Governor Paterson has made increasing opportunities for MWBEs an important part of rebuilding New York State's economy in the long term," Commissioner Egan said. "OGS has steadily increased the amount of contract payments to MWBE firms and this conference is part of our continuing focus on involving MWBE firms in the state procurement process."

The conference will be held in meeting room 1 on the concourse of the Empire State Plaza from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Registration is required for this event and can be accomplished by calling 518-473-4147 or emailing kristopher.trombley@ogs.state.ny.us.

The food laboratory and weights and measures laboratory will be built on the Harriman Campus at an estimated cost of $34 million. The three-story, 70,000 square foot structure will include testing instrumentation and chemical containments systems that will improve the state's existing food safety and agricultural product testing programs. A weights and measure metrology laboratory is also part of the project. The metrology laboratory certifies standards that verify the accuracy of grocery store scales, gas pumps, fuel meters and other tools.

Business opportunities exist for a number of construction related professionals including general construction, roofing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, flooring, tiling, masonry, doors, windows, painting, scaffolding and more. Bid information is available at www.ogs.state.ny.us.

The New York State Office of General Services provides a broad range of support services that facilitate the operations of state government and assists local governments, public authorities, and public and non-profit agencies. OGS offers numerous services to clients throughout the Empire State, including property management, design and construction, procurement, and various support services.

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