Comptroller Stringer Taps Tech Community To Help Speed-Up Vendor Payments And End The Era Of Paper-Based Contract Invoicing

New York, NY – New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced today a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit innovative ideas from the technology community on the most effective way to implement a new electronic processing system for contract invoices and payments made by City government to vendors.

“Billions of dollars are paid every year to vendors, but the process by which we pay them is antiquated, opaque and stuck in the world of paper,” Comptroller Stringer said. “We want to hear from the companies and vendors that work on solving problems through innovative I.T. solutions. This RFI offers the opportunity to approach contracting from a different lens and help break down the barriers to transparency and accessibility of government.”

The RFI, which was released today, seeks responses and information regarding options for electronic processing of contract invoices and payments to inform a strategy for modernization before the issuance of a formal Request for Proposals. The current invoicing process is paper-based and inconsistent across agencies. Transitioning the invoice submission, review and approval process to an electronic solution will improve efficiency and increase transparency for the City and its vendor community.

The Comptroller is seeking to prioritize several elements for the upcoming electronic invoicing solution, including:

• Front-end access for vendors to electronically submit invoices;
• The ability for agencies to issue orders which are then converted to invoices through the electronic system;
• The ability of vendors to track submitted invoices throughout the payment process;
• Improved prompt payment performance through tracking all approval and assignment tasks; and
• The ability to enforce and audit contract payments and compliance through invoice validations.

“The traditional methods of procurement have not kept up with technology and innovation. We want to make this process more nimble, accessible and equitable. This RFI is a blueprint for how government can engage partners across communities and sectors in solving our civic challenges,” Stringer said.

Responses to the Comptroller’s office are due by January 16^th. Respondents are asked to submit questions in writing by January 5^th to RFI@comptroller.nyc.gov.

###