New York City to end its relationship with embattled migrant services contractor
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York City will end its relationship with a medical services company charged with housing and caring for a recent influx of international migrants, following an investigation into the company’s lucrative deal with the city and the quality of its humanitarian services.
Mayor Eric Adams’ office said Tuesday that the city will not renew its contract with DocGo before it expires on May 5, and will instead look for a new migrant housing provider.
DocGo, which previously worked with the city to provide COVID-19 testing, was awarded a $432 million emergency no-bid contract last year to help the city manage a massive new population of migrants.
The arrangement prompted questions from City Comptroller Brad Lander, who in reviewing the contract determined that there were not enough details to justify the costs and that it was not clear how the company had the expertise to transport, house and relocate thousands of migrants to feed.
News reports from the New York Times and Albany Times Union also detailed alleged mistreatment of migrants under the company’s care, including health care issues and food waste, among other issues. The CEO resigned after admitting to lying about his education level.
DocGo currently provides care to 3,600 migrants, half in the city and half in New York state, officials said.
The company will continue to provide services to migrants who have moved to the north of the state until a new supplier is chosen. The city will use an existing contract with the company Garner Environmental Services to care for migrants in the metro area until another provider is selected.
“This will ultimately allow the city to save more money and allow others, including nonprofits and internationally recognized resettlement providers, to apply to do this critical work, ensuring we use city funds efficiently and effectively use,” said Camille Joseph Varlack, chief of staff to the mayor, in a statement.
In a statement, a spokesperson for DocGo said the company is “immensely proud of the exceptional work our team has done and continues to perform in supporting the city’s response to this unprecedented crisis.”
New York is struggling to handle the influx of international migrants who have arrived in the city since 2022, with more than 187,000 people seeking shelter through the influx system.
Politico first reported the news that the city declined to renew its contract with DocGo.