Report from the Summit with GCs and Subs on Scheduling
Both GCs and Subs learned about the unique challenges finishing subcontractors face when they come on a job site. Seven of ASAMW’s GC Partners listened to their trade partners and collaborated about possible solutions to scheduling issues by both parties.  Significant improvements will take place when we focus on GOOD COMMUNICATION. Your suggestions on how to foster better communication are welcome.  Some other take aways:

• Weekly Planning Meetings: Ensure all relevant trades are invited and participate actively.
• Information Sharing: Establish open communication channels for sharing project information and updates.
• Pull Planning: Break down the project into smaller phases and plan accordingly.
• Quality Assurance: Implement a robust quality assurance process involving all stakeholders.
• Technology Utilization: Leverage project management tools and 3D modeling for better visualization and coordination.
• Owner Engagement: Foster a collaborative relationship with the owner to address concerns and ensure project success.

Delays/Handoffs/Conflict and How They Relate To Scheduling
This Construction Dive Article reiterates some of the issues that were raised in our Summit reported above.  Handoffs between trades is by far the leading cause of delays according to this TouchPlan blog.  The Summit discovered some solutions to this in our discussions.  Members who would like a copy of the PowerPoint may request by reply to this email. Additionally, conflicts are going to happen.  According to this article from Building Design + Construction, conflicts happen in over half of the interactions between GCs and Subs on a daily basis.  In most cases the Sub loses.

Subby Nominations
Look for the Subby Nomination form out soon. We expect this year's Subbys to be the best ever.  Be sure you play an important part. Nominate, sponsor and attend! This is the event of the year in construction.  Click here to be informed with the latest information.

Liquidated Damages – Reality or Ruse?
Have you ever had to pay liquidated damages (LDs)?  Most subcontracts have such a clause, but how often is it enforced?  This article from ConcensusDocs indicates that it can be hard to enforce LDs in most parts of the US.  How about here in the DMV? How often do you see LDs and how often are they enforced?  Thanks for a reply to this email.

Stop Work?
Should a GC be allowed to stop work if it is not paid by the owner? What about the Sub? In the DMV most subcontracts include a provision that a sub who stops work is in breech of the contract. Is that fair? Should it be changed?  This legal article from California explains how GCs and Subs are protected in that state. Do we need something similar in DC, Maryland and Virginia? 

PM Workshop
The 2025 Project Managers’ Workshop is now open for registration. Consider the PMs, APMs, Estimators and others in your company who could benefit from some of the best instructors in workshop to cover the issues PMs face every day. Classes start at noon on Jan. 9^th and run every two weeks for six weeks.  Please register now becausethis has sold out every year for the last eight years. Click here for the curriculum and to register.

Hispanic Heritage Month in the DMV
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association invite you to an exciting evening of networking on Nov. 6^th at 5 pm.  A number of our GC Partners and others will be available to discuss upcoming projects.  Let’s all come out to connect with and explore valuable opportunities for small minority, Hispanic, and immigrant-owned construction firms based in DC. Click here for more information and to register.