In the early hours of July 1, 2008, a comprehensive, multi-faceted piece of legislation was agreed upon in Albany between legislative leaders and our "accidental governor," David Paterson (i.e. elevated to the position as a result of the resignation of Eliot Spitzer). Among the highly significant changes in New York construction law included in this legislative package was the Wick's Law/PLA "tradeoff," virtually eliminating the Wick's Law in New York State.

However, unnoticed was the fact that pre-qualification rights for New York City public agencies were also expanded beyond just emergency contracts. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration had long sought this increased authority. The ramifications of this aspect of the aforementioned political deal are just now beginning to be felt.