Our History & Our Mission

The Foundation for Fair Contracting of Massachusetts was established to ensure that contractors abide by the laws that govern public construction. Our 27 years of advocacy work has resulted in a number of landmark court cases and helped create a level playing field that rewards contractors who play by the rules.

Boston Skyline on a Sunny Day

Since its inception, the FFCM has:

  • Argued successfully that Massachusetts public bidding and prevailing wage laws apply to contracts on a variety of publicly-funded projects and entities, including charter schools, education collaboratives, leased dormitory buildings, telecommunications and cable work, maintenance contracts and hazardous waste cleanup work
  • Fought to guarantee that certified payroll records are covered under Massachusetts public records laws
  • Helped create responsible employer ordinances for cities and towns

For public construction workers, our work has resulted in a series of “firsts”:

  • First worker class action lawsuit filed under the Private Right of Action Law
  • First civil claim under MGL Chapter 149 section 28 which assisted workers in suing an awarding authority after a contractor failed to pay the prevailing wage
  • First direct mail campaign, educating over 69,000 workers