1099 Event
It is time to have an open, honest discussion about the status of labor in the DMV. Many members sub out labor from time to time; you need to be sure you are protecting yourself and your company. Click here for more information about the event we are holding at Lerch, Early and Brewer on Sept. 25th to begin these discussions. There are a number of events to pique your interest this month at ASAMW, but this is one that you need to seriously consider.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. This is a big deal to a lot of our members and the workers we depend on. What is your company doing to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month? What should your association do?
Construction Economy Update
- Dodge indicates there is a lot of momentum growing for commercial and institutional construction over the coming months. This video paints a pretty rosy picture for the nation but we will have to see how that momentum reflects on the DMV.
- Cianbro will be shoring up the Tidal Basin over the next two years according to this Construction Dive article. The $113 million project will involve piling, shoring and concrete work.
- Clark will start this Fall on a $524 million building at St. E’s for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Headquarters. This 630,000 sq. ft. building hopes to achieve LEED Gold v4 certification. Read more in this Construction Briefing article. We expect to hear more about this at the Sept. 17th Meet and Greet with Clark.
Meetings with GC Partners
Representatives of your Board continue to meet with the leadership of our General Contractor Partners to address the list of expectations that they developed to enhance our relationship. Each meeting is unique and includes a good back and forth on important issues that you face on job sites each day. If you would like a write-up of any of these meetings, just request one by reply to this email. Some recent highlights:
- Both GCs and Subs need to ask questions and clarify scope and exclusions. Subs feel it is unfair for a GC to throw out their bid, but the GC is under the gun at the last minute on hard bid jobs to get an accurate number.
- GCs need to know that the sub is bidding the plan and specs when they submit their bid. It is important to work out any differences before submitting a final price.
- Subs rely on GCs to emphasize the importance of payment in its (GCs) negotiations with the Owner.
- Subs have every right to the prime contract and information about the Owner’s financing before submitting a final price.
- Finishing Trades have significant issues related to scheduling and payment.
Water Leaks
70% of construction litigation cases and 30% of builder’s risk insurance claims involve water. Construction Dive has published a playbook on "How AI-powered water management technology boosts construction profits" which you can download here.
What about Digital Joint Checks?
This Construction Dive article hypes a digital joint check process that, it indicates, will simplify the payment process. The concept seems positive to me. Read it and let me know if you think it would work for your company.
Ike Casey, Executive Director of ASAMW
Who? Care to listen to me talk about my views on the industry? ASA National provides this Podcast as part of its Foundation.
Is There an Easier Way?
AI issues will be addressed at the joint ASAMW/CFMA event at the Tower Club in Tysons on Sept. 10th. We have found companies that specialize in AI solutions in construction to give you a glimpse into the future that is not far away. Share your experience with other members of CFMA and ASAMW how AI is affecting their business in areas such as: billing, contract review, project management and more. Click here for more information and to register for the AI Event.
Remember Oct. 1st – the Scheduling Summit
Scheduling challenges will be discussed at the upcoming ASAMW event on October 1, 2024, Building Success Together: A Summit for General Contractors & Subcontractors at the Bethesda North Marriott. What are your thoughts? We expect to see all the GC Partners as well as members who wish to discuss strategies to accomplish fairness. Click here for more information and to register.
Addressing the Skills Gap in the Construction Industry
Steel Toe Communications, a leading digital marketing firm serving the commercial contracting industry, launched a new career exploration and workforce development social media campaign, @Chat_CTE. @Chat_CTE that aims to address the critical skills gap in the construction industry by connecting skilled trades professionals with career explorers through TikTok and Instagram. Learn more about this initiative here.
