NYC Comptroller Lander Declines to Approve $432 Million DocGo Contract for Work on Asylum Seeker Emergency

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander announced he declined to approve a $432 million contract with DocGo, Inc (formally known as Rapid Reliable Testing NY LLC), the first time during Comptroller Lander’s term that his office has done so regarding an emergency contract. Lander returned the contract to the Department of Housing & Preservation Development (HPD) citing numerous concerns associated with vendor selection, vendor responsibility, fiscal capacity and subcontractor selection.

Since January 1, 2022, the Comptroller’s Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) has registered over 30,000 contracts submitted by City agencies, registering 98.8% and returning just 0.22% (fewer than 75) to contracting agencies as a result of procurement concerns. In addition, during the same time period, BCA approved all of the other 303 emergency contracts submitted by the Administration, including 69 emergency contracts for asylum seeker related services.

“My office did not make this decision lightly. After a careful review, we are declining to approve this contract due to numerous outstanding concerns,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “The agency’s contract submission to our office fails to describe how the $432 million price tag was reached. There was little evidence to show that this company has the experience to provide the services it has been contracted for. Contradictory information was provided regarding their fiscal capacity and serious questions were raised about the integrity and responsibility of this vendor and their subcontractors. After thorough review, we are returning the contract to HPD and encouraging them to reconsider whether this vendor is appropriate for the services described.”

Read the full letter Lander sent to HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.

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