Suggest you can have your outside engineer draft a standard clause or phrase that is included in all contracts that provides a warranty or guarantee from the contractor to you for about a year against sinking, cracking, scaling, flaking, etc.

If it’s a very large job then it would be in the RFP + contract.

If it’s a small project with no real RFP just bids, then it would be in the letter agreement that is signed between the two parties.

Yes, if you are closing down the entire side walk, then you need a permit from Dept. of Transportation DOT.
You should have some written agreement usually it is in the form of the contractors proposal. Read the proposal and it should state who is responsible for the permit, and what kind of concrete will be used as well as any warranty. If this information is not supplied on the proposal then GET IT. Also, Cert of Insurance should be supplied by the contractor, but You (management) needs to give the contractor the limits of the insurance as well as who is the holder and additional insured. Most of the time a good management company will make sure that all of this is done? Ask your management agent. Otherwise, postpone the work until all the requirements are met. Make sure you do not loose your deposit if you postpone the work.
Who is running your building The Contractors or Management?
PGrech

Thanks very much, gentlemen! This is great information. We seem to have a breakdown in communication between Management and one person from the Board has been project managing this job. I have since requested he fax copies of all contracts and a work schedule to at least one other member of the Board so we know what is going on and can put the brakes on if all is not in order.

Peter gives excellent advice here. One more thing you may want to consider is - is this a vaulted space? Then there are waterproofing requirements and more info to obtain. Have a break out in the bid/contract for a set price per square foot, rather than the total contract price - this will set the price for any additional or unforeseen work upfront so the contractor does not charge a higher rate on the change order.

~Usually a regular sidewalk will be 3500psi or more
~ask for an early pour, and you want it to be all one pour as well to ensure consistency.
~Are tree roots underneath? Why is it "pocked?" and a liability? the removal/adjustment of any impedances will need to be spelled out also
~who is responsible to watch the newly poured concrete after it is poured and before it dries? Have the contractor take this responsibility so if someone writes or steps in it. he has to fix it.

OK, that was more than 1

~AR

Thanks for all the great advice! It was all very useful, helped us get a better contract and an guess what? Our cement guy was refused a permit by the DOT due to an outstanding violation he had. Anyone have any referrals for a small job in Manhattan?