The New York City Parks Department held a meeting on September 29, 2025, to address concerns regarding its contracting practices and vendor accountability. The session focused on the department's efforts to expand its pool of contractors and improve the overall procurement process.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment of a previous decline in contractor participation, which the department has been working to reverse. Officials highlighted their collaboration with the Small Business Services (SBS) to conduct numerous pre-bid conferences and vendor meetings aimed at attracting a diverse range of contractors. Adjustments to contracting specifications were made to accommodate both smaller and larger vendors, with contract values now ranging from under $1 million to $13 million, compared to the previous uniform range of $1 to $3 million.

Despite these efforts, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of current methods. A deputy commissioner was questioned about the department's strategies to further broaden the contractor base. The response indicated a willingness to explore new ideas and approaches to enhance vendor participation.

The meeting also addressed specific instances of vendor selection, particularly the awarding of a $25 million landscaping contract to Griffin Landscaping, a company whose owner is currently serving time for bribery. Questions arose regarding the criteria for defining "critical specialized services" that Griffin was deemed capable of providing, especially in light of the limited number of bidders—between two and ten—on such contracts.

Officials clarified that many contracts, particularly for tree planting, must be awarded through competitive sealed bidding, which restricts the evaluation process to the bids received. This raised further concerns about transparency and the implications for public trust in government spending.

The meeting concluded with a call for more rapid changes to address the issues discussed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Parks Department's operations and the responsible use of taxpayer funds. The department committed to ongoing outreach and support for new vendors as part of its strategy to improve contracting practices.