Software Helps Contractors Rebuild Schools After Hurricane Sandy

DULUTH, Minn. — Hurricane Sandy damaged sixty-five schools in New York City alone, along with dozens more across the affected region. Catastrophe risk modeling firm EQECAT said total damage from the storm could be up to $50 billion, second only to Hurricane Katrina. But the millions of dollars of government money that will flow to contractors for rebuilding schools come with strings attached. The Davis-Bacon act requires contractors receiving government money to fill out forms proving they paid prevailing wages.

Duluth, Minn.-based Points North, is a software company that offers a product that automates this process and includes up-to-date necessary state and federal forms (like the Federal WH-347 or the New Jersey EEO Monthly Workforce Report AA-202). In addition, it includes school construction specific forms like the New York City School Construction Authority Certification of Payroll. Since many East Coast contractors are taking on school rebuilding and other government work for the first time, the company is offering a 35 percent discount on implementation fees for all storm-related projects.

“Our offer is to help the companies who are out there doing this, especially those doing certified payroll reporting for the first time,” said CEO and president of Points North John Foucault. “Now they can concentrate on getting the work done.”

The offer is open to all contractors or subcontractors rebuilding schools in the wake of Hurricane Sandy (offer open for other types of work as well). There are three ways to use Certified Payroll Reporting. Contractors already using large payroll providers like Paychex, Ceridian, KTBS, and STG can import their payroll file and easily view the correct forms filled out and ready to sign. Contractors who do not have a payroll file can quickly enter the data into a simple interface. And for very time-strapped contractors, Points North will fill out the forms at an hourly rate.

Since speed is of the essence in a rebuilding effort, the set-up process is quick. Larger companies can expect to be up and running within the week and smaller contractors can often be serviced as soon as the next day.

Many contractors will be working on school projects for the first time in Sandy’s wake, and the software helps them stay on the right side of the law. There are strict penalties ranging from fines to debarment for underpayment, and contractors are ultimately responsible for the mistakes of their subcontractors. The software is web-based so the contractor can keep track of certified payroll reports from any computer. Contractors who enter their payroll information manually will save at least $100 with the discount and the companies who have a payroll file will save $300, but Points North is also offering group discounts on a case-by-case basis if, for example, a contractor wants all subcontractors to use the software.

If you have a school rebuilding project in light of the storm and want to take advantage of the discount, call 888-561-2072 toll-free, or visit www.points-north.com. The program includes free one¬-on-one training and phone support and can be set up in a matter of days. Foucault says his company is committed to helping rebuild schools and other buildings so the region can recover from the damage.

“This offer lasts as long as there’s work for Hurricane Sandy,” Foucault says.

Points North is a leading expert in prevailing wage reporting. The Minnesota-based software firm developed Certified Payroll Reporting, an innovative software application that has streamlined the weekly reporting process for thousands of contractors throughout the country. The software automates the weekly reporting process by integrating with popular payroll solutions, and comes fully equipped with forms that adhere to the Department of Labor requirements. To learn more, visit www.certifiedpayrollreporting.com or call Points North direct at 888-561-2072.