Government Contracts
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Find Your Requirements
Most required coverages for each profession when bidding on Government Contracts
Engineering
Civil, Structural, & Environmental Engineering
Professional Liability (E&O): Must specifically cover municipal infrastructure.
Cyber Liability: To protect sensitive city blueprints and data.
Hired & Non-Owned Auto: Mandatory for site visits even if the firm owns no cars.
Valuable Papers & Records: Covers the cost to recreate lost or damaged technical drawings.
Mechanical
Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors
General Liability with "Action Over": Without this, they cannot step foot on a NYCHA site.
Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL): Covers mold, legionella, and water-related contamination.
Master Plumber/Electrician Bond: Often required by the city for licensed trades.
Architects
Architects & Design Professionals
Design Professional E&O: Must cover "Residential" if working for NYCHA.
General Liability with "Action Over": Required for any architect performing site supervision.
Workers’ Comp (NYS Form C-105.2): Standard for all NY contracts.
Environmental
Environmental & Abatement Firms (Lead/Asbestos/Mold)
Asbestos/Lead Abatement Liability: Standard GL policies exclude this; it must be a specific "Pollution" policy.
Professional Liability: For firms performing the actual testing and air monitoring.
Transporters Pollution Liability: If they are hauling contaminated waste away from the site.
Pest Control
Pest Control Specialists
Pollution Liability (Pesticide/Herbicide): Specifically covers the misapplication of chemicals.
Care, Custodial & Control: Protects against damage to city property while performing services.
Completed Operations: Ensures coverage remains active after the treatment is finished.
Custodial
Janitorial & Custodial Services
Third-Party Fidelity Bond: Protects the City against theft by the janitorial staff.
Lost Key Coverage: High-priority for firms with after-hours access to city buildings.
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI): Due to high staff turnover, city agencies often look for this to ensure the vendor is stable.
Technology
IT & Technology Consultants
Technology E&O: Covers financial loss caused by software failure or system downtime.
Network Security & Privacy: Broad-form cyber coverage for city data breaches.
Crime & Employee Dishonesty: Covers digital theft or fraud involving city funds.
Landscaping
Landscaping & Tree Services
Herbicide/Pesticide Coverage: Required for chemical weed control.
Over-the-Road Equipment (Inland Marine): To cover mowers, woodchippers, and expensive gear.
Action Over / Labor Law: Mandatory for tree trimming (high-risk height work).
Restoration
Restoration & Water Mitigation Firms
Bailee’s Coverage: Protects the city's property (furniture/records) that the firm takes off-site to dry or clean.
Mold & Fungi Liability: A "must-have" for any water mitigation firm working for NYCHA.
Contractors Professional Liability: For firms that manage the "Emergency Response" strategy.
Don't See Your Sector? Our Expertise Extends Beyond the Basics.
Government procurement is diverse, and insurance requirements vary significantly by agency and contract scope. Whether you are in Social Services, Transportation, or specialized Construction, we have the market access to secure the specific endorsements your bid requires.
Contact us today for a comprehensive review of your contract's 'Schedule A' and let us build a compliant plan for your firm.
Industry-Specific Compliance
FAQ
Q: Why was my Certificate of Insurance (COI) rejected by the Exigis/RiskWorks portal?
A: In New York, the most common reason for rejection is the "Action Over" exclusion. Many standard national policies exclude coverage for injuries to your own employees or subcontractors. NYC agencies like NYCHA require this coverage (Labor Law 240/241) to be explicitly included. At OBVI, we audit your policy to ensure this exclusion is removed before you submit.
Q: Do I need Professional Liability if I’m "just a consultant"?
A: Yes. If you provide advice, designs, or project management, the City views this as "Professional Services." Standard General Liability does not cover financial losses caused by a mistake in your advice or plans. You need a Professional Liability (E&O) policy that specifically mentions municipal consulting to clear the procurement hurdle.
Q: What is "CPL" and why does my plumbing/mechanical contract require it?
A: Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) covers third-party claims for "pollution events." For mechanical trades, this includes things like mold growth from a slow leak, lead paint disturbance, or Legionella in water systems. Standard insurance excludes "Pollution," so a separate CPL policy or endorsement is mandatory for most NYCHA trade contracts.
Q: Why is my insurance broker’s "Best Rating" important for my bid?
A: Most New York City and State agencies require your insurance carrier to have an A.M. Best Rating of A- VII or higher. If your broker places you with a "B-Rated" company to save money, your bid will be disqualified regardless of the coverage.
Q: I don't own any company vehicles. Why do I need "Auto Liability"?
A: Even if you don't own a fleet, the City requires Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability. This protects the City if you or an employee gets into an accident while driving a personal or rented vehicle for a city project. We can easily add this to your package so it doesn't stall your "Notice to Proceed."
Q: How long does it take to get "Bid-Ready"?
A: At OBVI, we prioritize compliance accuracy over administrative shortcuts. The timeline for becoming "bid-ready" varies depending on the complexity of the "Schedule A" requirements and the current state of your coverage.
Securing the specialized New York endorsements required by city auditors—such as Action Over/Labor Law or Contract-Specific Professional Liability—requires a meticulous vetting process with our A-Rated carriers. We work diligently to ensure every piece of your insurance program is bulletproof before submission. Our goal is to ensure that when your paperwork hits the auditor’s desk, it passes the first time, preventing the multi-week "Notice to Proceed" delays that common, rushed certificates often cause.
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