Businesses can learn about hundreds of New York State contract opportunities through the new, on-line �New York State Contract Reporter�, according to an announcement by Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development (ESD), the state�s economic development agency. �For more than 15 years, the Contract Reporter has, as a publication, successfully provided entrepreneurs and businesses with the latest and most complete information on State contract opportunities,� Chairman Gargano said. �Now, under the leadership of Governor George Pataki, we are applying web-based technology to make New York�s multi-billion dollar procurement process even more open and competitive.�

The official, weekly procurement newsletter, produced by ESD, contains a collective listing of contracting opportunities estimated at $15,000 or more as posted by numerous agencies, departments, boards, authorities, public benefit corporations and other New York State government organizations. The Contract Reporter also contains quarterly listings of contracts for state agencies valued at $5,000 to $15,000 and from $10,000 to $20,000 for State and City Universities. Also included are semi-annual purchasing forecasts of contracts valued at $200,000 or more.

The completely redesigned web site � www.nyscr.org - offers several new and enhanced features including the ability to customize the review of contract notices by category, powerful search tools to view current and archived data by key word, category, agency or date, automatic email alerts, more refined data categories, direct links to additional procurement resources, advanced help and tutorial features, and an online newsletter.

�The Contract Reporter is a valuable tool for businesses to view and evaluate state government contracting opportunities across New York, maximizing potential sales leads and driving down the cost of doing business,� said Chairman Gargano. �Our new web site makes the process even easier.�

The New York State Contract Reporter is authorized by Chapter 564 of the Laws of 1988. Opportunities contained in the Contract Reporter include virtually every type of contract offered by state government for services, commodities and technology in New York, covering 30 separate categories. It is available by subscription only for $175 per year. To take advantage of the free, 30-day trial subscription, to subscribe or receive more information, visit www.nyscr.org . The new www.nyscr.org web site was designed by L&P Media, a New York small business enterprise.

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Media Contact: Scott Flaherty +1 (518) 292-5131 sflaherty@empire.state.ny.us