In 1996, DOI created its Integrity Monitoring program, also known as the Independent Private Sector Inspector General (IPSIG) program, which establishes a method to permit the City to enter into or continue contracts with companies that might otherwise be precluded from doing business with the City due to integrity issues. Under the Integrity Monitor program, these companies may be awarded City contracts if they agree to be monitored by an outside, independent monitor that reports to DOI, and to take other steps to ensure they have the requisite business integrity. For example, companies may be required to adopt and implement a Code of Ethics, an ethics training program for employees, and to submit periodic certifications to DOI concerning the business responsibility of the company and its subcontractors.

Integrity monitors are an individual or entity with legal, auditing, investigative, and other skills, designated by the City to help the City monitor the activity of specified City vendors as well as help the vendors reform their business practices so they can be considered for City contracts in the future, or continue with a contract in progress. In addition to monitoring specific companies, DOI has also appointed integrity monitors to help the City oversee integrity issues on important City projects.

Since the program began, there have been numerous instances in which an integrity monitor has been assigned to a company with an integrity-related issue that wanted to do business with the City. For example, after DOI arrested 19 plumbing inspectors on bribery charges in June 2002, both DOI and the Department of Buildings (DOB) sought ways to prevent future corruption. DOB contracted a private firm to conduct plumbing inspections. DOI proposed that a professional monitor work with that firm to prevent a recurrence of corruption in the plumbing division. Other recent integrity monitor assignments involve companies that provide services in the fields of plumbing, electrical, security, computer, consulting, and general construction.

If you are interested in providing integrity monitoring services to DOI, you are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest form to DOI, which can be downloaded below. Applications are accepted on a continual basis. You may also call DOI at (212) 825-5900 for further information.