New York Consolidated Laws, General Municipal Law - GMU § 102. Deposits on plans and specifications

1. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of any general, special or local law, the officer, board or agency of any political subdivision or of any district therein, charged with the duty of preparing plans and specifications for and awarding or entering into contracts for the performance of public work, may require, as a deposit to guarantee the safe return of such plans and specifications, the payment of a fixed sum of money, not exceeding one hundred dollars for each copy thereof, by persons or corporations desiring a copy thereof. Any person or corporation desiring a copy of such plans and specifications and making the payment required by this section shall be furnished with one copy of the plans and specifications.

2. If a proposal is duly submitted by any person or corporation making the deposit required by subdivision one and such proposal is accompanied by a certified check or other security in accordance with the requirements contained in the plans and specifications or in the public advertisement for bids, and if the copy of the plans and specifications used by such person or corporation, other than the successful bidder, is returned in good condition within thirty days following the award of the contract covered by such plans and specifications or the rejection of the bid of such person or corporation, the full amount of such deposit for one copy of the plans and specifications shall be returned to such person or corporation, including the successful bidder. Partial reimbursement, in an amount equal to the full amount of such deposit for one set of plans and specifications per unsuccessful bidder or non-bidder less the actual cost of reproduction of the plans and specifications as determined by the officer, board or agency of any political subdivision or of any district therein, charged with the duty of preparing the plans and specifications, shall be made for the return of all other copies of the plans and specifications in good condition within thirty days following the award of the contract or the rejection of the bids covered by such plans and specifications.