Departments

The goal of the SCA's Business Development Department (BDD) is to develop, expand, and manage a successful minority-owned, woman-owned, and local business enterprise (MWLBE) program that effectively promotes the growth, education, and prosperity of the largest possible group of diverse SCA certified and qualified firms; to facilitate the successful participation of these firms in the SCA's construction program; and to encourage the creation of other opportunities for these firms in the greater construction industry. 

In fulfilling this, BDD conducts outreach to encourage MWLBEs to prequalify and certify to bid on SCA projects and certify vendors as MWLBEs. BDD and Construction Management jointly manage the Mentor and Graduate Mentor programs. BDD has responsibility for the Mentor program training curriculum, loan program, and bonding program. BDD also provides training and capacity building resources to MWLBEs, not in the Mentor program. The department enforces compliance with SCA’s MWLBEs and workforce participation goals on construction projects. BDD also manages a Summer Internship Program for high school students, a year-round college internship program and a construction back-office workforce development program, Opportunity Academy. In performing these and related tasks, BDD works very closely with the Prequalification Unit (which qualifies firms to do business with the SCA), Contract Administration, Construction Management, and other SCA departments.

The Construction Management Department administers all capital improvement program (CIP) projects performed in existing public-school buildings and the construction of new schools. Construction Management does so in a safe and efficient manner, working with the school and community to work quickly and minimizing the impact on the educational process while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

The Design and Construction Innovation Management Department (DCIM) uses a 360-degree approach focused on quality control, innovation, value engineering and agency support aligned with the SCA’s mission to design and construct safe, attractive and environmentally sound accessible public schools for children throughout the communities of New York City.

Promoting interdepartmental collaboration and providing technical support to other SCA departments is at the core of DCIM’s mission to provide leadership to innovate and achieve continuous improvement in all that SCA does.

DCIM also identifies and implements pilot studies based on construction-related observations that warrant attention or offer opportunities for improvement through revisions to the A&E scope and design processes. DCIM collects data, documents information, develops and proposes solutions, and ensures that the findings and lessons learned are captured in updates to SCA standards and procedures.

The Executive Office includes the office of the President and CEO, Chief of Staff and support staff. The Executive Office oversees the successful operation of the School Construction Authority providing direction, vision and goals accompanying the design and construction of safe, attractive and environmentally sound public schools for New York City’s children.

Finance

Finance encompasses the following units: Capital Budgeting, Encumbrance, Accounts Payable, Accounting Operations, State Aid & Financial Reporting, Operating Budget, FEMA Reimbursements & Special Projects, Vendor Management and Operations Data Center.

Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) recruits, engages and manages a civil service compliant and representative workforce and provide a variety of services to that workforce in areas such as employment, benefits, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), payroll, timekeeping, performance management, labor/management relations and training. HR staff will deliver these services accurately and in a timely, professional and collegial manner. HR strives to support maximizing employee productivity and morale in the SCA through special programs and routine tasks.

The Office of the General Counsel is principally responsible for all of the legal services required to support the SCA's design and construction program. Specifically, the Office reviews and drafts contracts and other legal documents; manages litigation initiated by or against the SCA; acquires property for school construction through negotiation or eminent domain proceedings; reviews claims and proposed settlements arising under the SCA's Owner Controlled Insurance Program; responds to Freedom of Information Law requests; represents the SCA in inter-governmental investigations and inquiries; and manages the alternative dispute resolution and contract termination processes.

In addition, the Office provides legal advice to all departments in the SCA and, generally, interprets laws and regulations that govern or impact the SCA's business operations. The Office also has responsibility for managing Real Estate and Labor Law Compliance.