Commissioner Ochoa made his first public appearance as commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction at a Building Congress Industry Breakfast on June 16, 2026.
In his remarks to the group, which included professionals from parts of the industry, as well as selected officials from other government agencies, Mr. Ochoa emphasized the growing success of alternative methods of delivery for major construction projects. He used the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Brooklyn as a positive example of alternative delivery. The use of design-build cut 3 years off the usual schedule for $141 million project. Similar successes include the Far Rockaway Library, completed in 22 months or less than half the time that would have been required for standard project. According to Mr. Ochoa, DDC will be seeking to expand the use of the design-build model. Presently, proposed design-build projects include the Westchester Square Library and the East Side Greenway 14th Street Connector.
Mr. Ochoa spoke about expanding alternative delivery from design-build to CM-Build. At present, this model is being used for the Harlem Stage Gatehouse renovation and Woodside Library.
There is growing evidence that these alternative delivery systems save time and money in public construction, without compromising quality or fairness to bidders. Mr. Ochoa is already planning his efforts to obtain renewal of state authority to continue alternative delivery systems in DDC projects.
By Carol A. Sigmond, Partner, Nossaman LLP
