SUBBYS RESULTS
Outstanding General Contractor companies and individuals were honored at ASAMW's Annual Subby Awards on Saturday, Feb. 22nd, 2024. While all participants demonstrated excellence, click here to see all the recipients and nominees. The following companies received multiple awards:
• Clark – Project Engineer and Scheduling
• Coakley & Williams – Project Manager and Scheduling
• DAVIS – Base Building and Interior
• HITT – Superintendent and Great Team (Redbrick, Owner)
Nominations come from multiple sources, making each nomination a meaningful recognition. Each ASAMW Member gets one vote to select the recipients.
As subcontractors increasingly affect the outcome of project awards by their bidding preferences, a SUBBY nomination is used as a criterion in determining who and how to bid on projects.
Were you one of the 444 attendees at the SUBBYs? Check out these photos from that memorable Saturday night.
TARIFFS AND BUY AMERICA
Members are raising questions about how tariffs will affect material and equipment prices in their bids. While these concerns shift daily, members should note that Buy America requirements remain unchanged from the previous administration. This Construction Dive article addresses BABA (Buy American, Build American).
BisNow provides the latest updates on the 25% tariffs affecting the construction industry that took effect this week. According to this Construction Dive article, even the anticipation of these tariffs caused prices to rise 1.4% in January.
Pay special attention to contracts containing FAR 52.236-7 – Permits and Responsibilities. This clause transfers all risks and responsibilities for local, state, and federal laws affecting your contract. Here is a Smith Currie article that explains it in more detail.
WE NEED BETTER COMMUNICATION ON JOB SITES
Communication, communication, communication – over and over – we hear the word "communication" as the key to success on a project. ASAMW will hold a communication workshop on April 29th in Upper Marlboro for anyone who needs to brush up on their communication skills. We hope to have both GCs and Subcontractors to enhance the interaction at this workshop. Put that date on your calendar and look for more information.
PRE-QUALIFY FOR GC PARTNERS OF ASAMW
Members are encouraged to pre-qualify to bid each of ASAMW's General Contractor Partners. These are 24 of the top GCs in the DMV who want you to be on their bid lists. Using Building Connected seems to be the simplest way to pre-qual.
We have held meetings with most of these GCs to discuss key partnership expectations, including subcontract clauses, change order processes, retention, and risk management. Detailed summaries of these meetings are available to any member—simply reply to this email specifying which GCs you'd like to learn more about.
MARCH 2-8 IS WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK
The National President of the National Association of Women in Construction explains how she has benefited from her participation in that organization and the positive effect women have in our industry. My mother was a founding member of NAWIC in the 1950s in the Carolinas. Let us know what you did to support Women in Construction Week.
YOU DON’T WANT A CLASS ACTION WAGE DISPUTE
Our sister organization in New York City provided its members this paper that lists actions you should take to prevent wage dispute cases that could cost you thousands if not millions
DDOT REQUIREMENTS ON TRUCKS
Members with oversized or overweight trucks coming into the District should review the requirements here even if you are making one trip only.
ASAMW SUPPORTS METRO DC HISPANIC CONTRACTORS GALA
ASAMW is proud to sponsor the eighth annual MDCHCA Gala on March 26th in DC. The Hispanic community plays a vital role in shaping our industry's future, and we support their efforts to promote fair business competition for all subcontractors.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR MID-ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION SAFETY CONFERENCE
The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Conference will be held on April 8, 2025, at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt. Elizabeth McCormick, CSP—a decorated US Army Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot—will deliver the MACSC-2025 keynote address. The program features sessions on Ethics, Heat Stress, Opioids, Electrical Safety, Motor Vehicle Safety, and more. Registration is $150 per attendee. Click here for event details or click here to register. Limited exhibitor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
INTRODUCING "BLUE COLLAR AI" — REAL AI TOOLS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE
We are planning a practical session on AI that will help us make better use of this technology. A subcontractor, Chad Gill will be leading this session. Here is what he has to say,
AI isn't just for tech giants and Silicon Valley startups—it's transforming construction and subcontracting in simple, powerful ways, right now. For a few editions, Blue Collar AI, will introduce you to practical, easy-to-use AI applications designed specifically for subcontractors—tools and techniques you can read today and use tomorrow.
Forget buzzwords and complicated tech. Each issue will highlight actionable AI tips, techniques, or tools—like instantly creating jobsite reports, streamlining contract reviews, automating safety briefs, improving follow-up efficiency, and more.
MEMBER UPDATES
Welcome
- VH Sign Company – We welcome Corey, Cliff, and Deborah back into the fold of the BEST subcontractors in the DMV.
- ABI – Associated Builders Inc. in Upper Marlboro has been approved as a General Contractor Partner of ASAMW. Please welcome Mike and Matt Buck and their team.
- Christman – The Christman Company in Sterling with home office located in Michigan is approved as a General Contractor Partner, joining 23 of the best GCs in the DMV.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 27, 2025 – Paradigm Contractors, LLC Meet and Greet
April 10, 2025 – ASAMW Spring Golf Tournament
April 29, 2025 – Communications Workshop
May 29, 2025 – Annual Membership Meeting & Legislative Panel
