N.Y. State Finance Law § 145: Acceptance of final payment under a state contract

§ 145. Acceptance of final payment under a state contract. No

provision contained in a construction contract awarded by any state

department or agency shall bar the commencement of an action for breach

of contract on the sole ground of the contractor's acceptance of final

payment under such contract provided that a detailed and verified

statement of claim is served upon the public body concerned not later

than forty days after the mailing of such final payment. The statement

shall specify the items upon which the claim will be based and any such

claim shall be limited to such items. Any provision of subdivision four,

section ten of the court of claims act to the contrary notwithstanding,

an action founded upon such statement of claim shall be filed within six

months after the mailing of the final payment. No payment to the

contractor shall limit or qualify any defense, claim or counterclaim

otherwise available to the public body relating to the contract

involved.