Workflow Modernization

How might we modernize internal DOB workflows, from case tracking to speeding up code updates, with flexible, data-driven systems that integrate easily with existing platforms?

APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 24, 2025

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Technologies may include but are not limited to solving the following use cases:

Customizable Case Management: Technologies that provide a configurable government case‑management platform to track summonses and related proceedings end‑to‑end, connect cases across respondents and properties, and provide analytics on outcomes and workloads to inform assignments and policy updates.

Integrated Data Platform: Platforms that integrate technical building information (ownership, financing, zoning, flood zone, and other building data) with existing DOB systems to support enforcement and plan examination through real-time access, reporting, and analytics.

Integrated Finance Platform: Platforms that integrate with various city, budget, procurement systems, and agency financial, HR, and other administrative data to allow for real time access/views and report generation.

Project Management Platform: Tools to streamline the modernization of agency operations by supporting requirements‑gathering, decision‑making, and documentation processes for updating the Microsoft Dynamics‑based DOB NOW platform in response to new laws, regulations and other business needs.

Code & Regulatory Update Tools: Nimble no‑code platforms that track legislative changes to construction, zoning and safety codes, automatically compare them against existing standards to identify key differences, and streamline the complex, multi‑year code update process.

Automated Violation Review & Closure: Tools that automatically review violation documentation and certificates of correction by cross-referencing submitted documents, permits and charges, identifying cases eligible for administrative closure and flagging missing information or outstanding summonses.

Information Session

Join us on Friday, October 10 at 1:00 p.m. ET for a remote information session and learn about applying to the 2025 program. Webinar attendees may submit questions in the registration form.

During this session you can expect to:

Discover the benefits of joining the Lab

Understand evaluation criteria and resources provided by the Lab

Learn directly from DOB experts to guide your application

How the Lab Works

The Buildings Tech Lab is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Partnership Fund for New York City. We provide companies with expedited paths to testing, expert feedback, access to key decision makers from DOB, and an accelerated go/no-go decision.

Companies with exceptional use cases will be selected for a yearlong pilot with the agency.

Key Dates

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Challenge Announcement

Challenges are announced based on DOB leadership’s goals and priorities.

SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 24, 2025

Open Application

Eligible companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1:00PM EST, 2025

Information Session

Interested applicants are invited to attend an information session to learn more (scroll up for more information)

DECEMBER 9-11, 2025 (NYC in-person)

Semi-Finalist Pitch & Demo Day

A subset of applicants are selected to attend in-person pitch and demo-days, showcasing their solutions directly with agency leadership.

Finalists are selected to complete a pilot with NYC DOB.

Q1 2026

Preparation for Pilots

Before starting pilot projects, Finalists must complete scoping, insurance, and cybersecurity requirements.

Q2-Q3 2026

6-month Pilots

Phase 1: technology validation (3 months) - Finishes with a midpoint in-person presentation to present technology test results to DOB leadership; DOB makes a go/no-go decision to proceed with testing*

Phase 2: cost validation (3 months) - Work with DOB to demonstrate economic value of technology and identify a pathway to scale