Working With Vendors
What to Ask & Expect
Most AEDT vendors provide bias audits. But you must verify compliance.
Vendor Responsibilities
What vendors should provide for LL144 compliance
Provide Bias Audit
§20-870(b)(1)
Description
Most AEDT vendors include annual bias audit in their service. Verify audit meets NYC requirements before relying on it.
Loophole
Vendor audit must be by independent auditor. If vendor conducts own audit, employer needs separate independent audit.
Strategy
Ask vendor: "Is your auditor independent per NYC LL144?" Get written confirmation.
Audit Documentation
§20-870(b)(2)
Description
Vendor should provide all required audit elements: selection rates, impact ratios, data sources, auditor info.
Loophole
Vendor may provide partial audit. Employer responsible for ensuring all elements present.
Strategy
Use checklist of 8 required elements. Don't accept incomplete audits.
Update Frequency
§20-870(b)(1)
Description
Vendor must provide updated audit annually. Employer responsible for tracking expiration.
Loophole
Vendor may not automatically renew. Employer must request renewal.
Strategy
Set calendar reminder 60 days before audit expires. Request renewal early.
Audit Cost
Commercial
Description
Some vendors include audit in base price. Others charge $5K-$15K extra annually.
Loophole
Negotiate audit inclusion in contract. Many vendors will include if asked.
Strategy
Ask: "Can you include LL144 audit in our contract?" Often works for enterprise clients.
6 Questions to Ask Every Vendor
Use this checklist when evaluating AEDT vendors
Is your bias audit conducted by an independent auditor?
Why Ask This
NYC requires independent auditor. Vendor self-audits don't count.
🚩 Red Flag
If vendor says "we audit ourselves" - NOT compliant.
Does your audit test all EEOC categories plus intersections?
Why Ask This
NYC requires testing sex, race/ethnicity, and all intersections (e.g., Black Female).
🚩 Red Flag
If vendor only tests sex and race separately - NOT compliant.
Will you provide audit summary with all 8 required elements?
Why Ask This
Employer must publish complete summary. Partial audits create compliance gaps.
🚩 Red Flag
If vendor says "we provide high-level summary" - may be incomplete.
How often do you update the audit?
Why Ask This
NYC requires audit within 12 months of use. Annual renewal is standard.
🚩 Red Flag
If vendor says "audit valid for 2+ years" - NOT compliant.
Is the audit cost included or extra?
Why Ask This
Budget planning. Audits can cost $5K-$15K annually.
🚩 Red Flag
Hidden audit fees are common. Get pricing in writing.
Can we use your audit for our public disclosure?
Why Ask This
Employer must publish audit results. Need vendor permission to publish.
🚩 Red Flag
If vendor says "audit is confidential" - compliance problem.
💡 Pro Tip
Get vendor compliance commitments in writing. Add LL144 compliance clause to your contract requiring vendor to provide compliant bias audit annually.
Sample clause: "Vendor shall provide annual bias audit compliant with NYC Local Law 144, conducted by independent auditor, testing all EEOC categories and intersections."
Manage All Your Vendors
Our platform tracks vendor audits, expiration dates, and compliance status automatically.