NYCSCA Prequalification

The SCA builds and renovates New York City's public schools, and it only awards contracts to prequalified firms (other than vendor contracts under $10,000). You apply online through SCA's Vendor Access System (VAS), by trade code. Day-to-day school maintenance and repair sits with the Department of Education, but capital construction goes through the SCA.

Bidding SCA school construction in your approved trades. Prime contractors must be qualified at bid opening; named Wicks subs must be prequalified by bid opening; other subs must be qualified, or have applied, before they are approved on a job. SCA-certified M/W/LBE firms can also join the Mentor Program (projects up to $1M) and later the Graduate Mentor Program ($1M to $3M).

Minimum

2 years in business, plus applicable references

Apply in

SCA Vendor Access System (VAS), by trade code

Term

3 years; requalify at least 6 months before expiry

Mentor Program

Projects up to $1M; Graduate Mentor $1M to $3M

• Your business has been operating for at least 2 years
• You have references for completed work in each trade you apply for
• You are registered with the NYS Division of Corporations
• You can show financial capability, a safety record and integrity for the firm and its principals
• For projects over $1M: participation in NYS DOL-approved apprenticeship programs

These are screening indicators only, not a guarantee of eligibility. Eligibility is determined solely by the certifying agency.

Most delays come from missing paperwork, not the questions. Here's what to pull together, organized by where you'll find it.

1. 1Pick your trade codes using SCA's classification guide. Choosing the wrong one is the most common cause of delays and denials.
2. 2Gather references for each trade code before you start the application.
3. 3Use the first-time wizard in VAS and submit online.
4. 4Answer follow-up requests. An application with unanswered requests is treated as incomplete.
5. 5Report substantive changes right away and requalify at least 6 months before your 3 years are up.
6. 6If you are M/W/LBE certified by the SCA, ask about the Mentor Program once you are prequalified.

• Wrong trade classification: SCA says it causes delays, denials and rejections.
• Ignoring requests for more documents makes the application incomplete.
• Insurance on SCA sites runs through SCA's owner-controlled program (OCIP); each contract's insurance addendum sets what you carry yourself.