News

Â鶹ÊÓƵcontinues to update its stimulus website to provide comprehensive information on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and the impact on the construction industry. Included on the site is a breakdown of construction spending by program, with additional details on allocations. The site also includes analysis of the various tax provisions within the legislation that affect the construction industry and an overview of some of the policy implications of the legislation. Â鶹ÊÓƵhas posted information on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council's recently-released reporting requirements for contractors and procurement officials disbursing stimulus funds. Â鶹ÊÓƵencourages individuals to view the information and participate in the public comment period by June 1.The intent of the site is to provide members, and more broadly the construction community, the widest possible range of current information about the stimulus. Â鶹ÊÓƵalso aims to highlight the stimulus funds at work and Â鶹ÊÓƵmembers hiring employees based on stimulus awards. The section "Stimulus At Work" highlights the work our members are doing to help ensure the success of the stimulus package. Visit www.agc.org/stimulusatwork to share your success stories related to the stimulus.

The 4th Annual AGC/ACI-NA/ACC Airport Project Delivery Systems Summit will focus on the theme "Accomplish More with Less" as it offers valuable insights to all organizations involved in airport construction June 3-4, 2009 in Savannah, GA.  This Summit is presented by Â鶹ÊÓƵof America, Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), and the Airport Consultants Council (ACC).  Click here for the latest draft agenda. Early-bird registration and discounted hotel room rates are only available through Monday, May 18.  Discounts on multiple registrations from Â鶹ÊÓƵMember company firms are also available.  For more information, click here or contact the ACI-NA Meetings Department at meetings@aci-na.org.

On May 14, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to modernize, upgrade and green America's schools by a vote of 275-155. The 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187) invests billions of dollars in school repair and renovation projects that would create safer, healthier and more energy-efficient learning environments for students.  The bill would authorize $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2010, and would ensure that school districts quickly receive funds for projects that improve schools' teaching and learning climates, health and safety and energy efficiency. The measure distributes funds by allocating the same percentage of funds to school districts that they receive under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, except that it guarantees each such district a minimum of $5,000.Below are estimates of the amount of funding that each state and school district would receive to modernize, upgrade and repair school facilities under the Act, as calculated by the Congressional Research Service:Click here to download state-level data (PDF, 10KB)Click here to download school district-level data (PDF, 775KB)For more information, contact Marco Giamberardino at (703) 837-5325 or giamberm@agc.org.

Join the leaders of the top building construction firms, owners, specialty contractors, and service and supply companies at the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference June 10-13 at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. The Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference will address many important topics, including taking advantage of hidden opportunities, the stimulus, federal labor law changes, and strategies for success in this market.  Â鶹ÊÓƵChief Economist Ken Simonson will offer his expert economic forecast for the construction industry.  Scott Winstead from FMI Corporation will shed light on how contractors are handling the major issues of the day and discuss ways for firms to better manage during these difficult times.  Attendees will also hear directly from owners about the impact of economic stimulus funding.  The conference will also feature an interactive "Tools for Tough Times" moderated panel discussion highlighting what firms are doing to survive in this economy, sharing creative ways in which firms are trying to get business, and outlining what new opportunities exist in this challenging market. Detailed program information, registration details, and hotel/travel information can be found at www.agc.org/homestead.  Please note that the hotel deadline is Monday, May 18!Sponsorship Discount Deadline Today:  Are you interested in sponsoring the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference?  Sign up today and receive 10% off any sponsorship package.  Contact Cassia Griffin at griffinc@agc.org for more information.

June 10-13 in Hot Springs, Va.Join the leaders of the top building construction firms, owners, specialty contractors and service and supply companies at the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference, June 10-13 at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. The Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference will address many important topics, including taking advantage of hidden opportunities, the stimulus, federal labor law changes and strategies for success in this market.  Â鶹ÊÓƵChief Economist Ken Simonson will offer his expert economic forecast for the construction industry.  Scott Winstead from FMI Corporation will shed light on how contractors are handling the major issues of the day and discuss ways for firms to better manage during these difficult times.  Attendees will also hear directly from owners about the impact of economic stimulus funding.  The conference will also feature an interactive "Tools for Tough Times" moderated panel discussion that will highlight what firms are doing to survive in this economy, share creative ways in which firms are trying to get business, and outline what new opportunities exist. Detailed program information, registration details and hotel/travel information can be found at www.agc.org/homestead.  Please note that the hotel deadline of Monday, May 18, is quickly approaching!Are you interested in sponsoring the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference?  Sign up by tomorrow, Friday, May 15, and receive 10% off any sponsorship package.  For more information on sponsorships or the Conference, contact Cassia Griffin at griffinc@agc.org.

Due to the changing landscape in Federal Contracting, it is more important than ever that contractors - those experienced in Federal work or those looking to move into the this market - are aware of the ramifications of the new administration, rule and regulation updates, and the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on the Federal contracting process.  This webinar series will provide an overview of the existing process and walk attendees through the evolution Federal contracting.Webinars will take place on successive Thursdays on May 21, May 28, June 4, and June 11 from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM (ET).  Please click the links below for more information.May 21 - The New and Old of Federal ContractingMay 28 - The Contract Award ProcessJune 4 - How to Handle Claims and DisputesJune 11 - The Recovery Act

How are owners and contractors addressing their needs in today's economy?  How can your firm maintain competitiveness in this market?  The Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference to be held June 10-13, 2009 at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA will bring together members of the Â鶹ÊÓƵbuilding construction community to hear presentations and discuss how best to guide their firms through these challenging economic times. A tentative conference program has recently been posted at www.agc.org/homestead.  This Conference will address many important topics, including contingency planning, taking advantage of hidden market opportunities, the stimulus, federal labor law changes, and strategies on how to come out on top.  Discussions on industry trends such as BIM, green construction, and IPD, as well as multiple networking opportunities make this a Conference you don't want to miss.Who should attend: building construction professionals, owners, specialty contractors, service and supply firms, and anyone who wishes to contribute to the industry and benefit from valuable guidance and best practices.  For more information and to register, visit www.agc.org/homestead.  Please note that the May 18 hotel deadline for The Homestead is quickly approaching.   Interested in sponsoring the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference and showcasing your firm before owners and leaders of this market?  New sponsorship opportunity information is available at www.agc.org/homestead or by contacting Cassia Griffin at griffinc@agc.org.

Â鶹ÊÓƵof America has developed a new publication to address the new ethics and compliance rules governing Federal contractors, "Federal Government Contractor Ethics & Compliance Programs: Toolkit and Guidance."Under these new rules, Federal contractors face a multifaceted and complex regulatory environment.  The landscape is now more complicated due to new additional rules approved in 2007 and 2008 requiring contractors to have a code of business ethics and compliance in place, an internal control system and new mandatory disclosure requirements.  This publication and guidance is designed to provide Federal contractors with all the necessary tools they need to navigate these stringent requirements.To order this valuable resource, visit www.agc.org/bookstore (item #2060).  The toolkit may also be ordered using this form or by calling 800-242-1767.  The cost for Â鶹ÊÓƵmembers is $75.00, and $112.50 for non-members.

Â鶹ÊÓƵof America is a proud cosponsor of the 4th Annual Airport Project Delivery Systems Summit on June 3-4, 2009 in Savannah, Georgia.  If you are involved in airport construction, you won't want to miss this important event, presented by Â鶹ÊÓƵof America, Airports Council International-NA, and the Airport Consultants Council.  For more information about the Summit and to register, please click here.  Hotel reservations must be made by May 11.

June 10-13, 2009, Hot Springs, Va.Register today for the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference, June 10-13 at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va.  Join top building construction professionals, owners, specialty contractors and service & supply companies as they discuss the current market, the challenges it presents and the innovative solutions that industry-leading firms are implementing. Planned program highlights & topics for the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference include:Guiding your firm through tough economic times,How owners plan to address their construction needs in this market,Creative service offerings that customers need in a tight economy,The best ways to "right size" your staff,Best practices and important topics such as BIM, Green Construction, and Integrated Project Delivery, andNetworking opportunities including a luncheon, evening receptions, and a golf tournament.Interested in sponsoring the Â鶹ÊÓƵBuilding Contractors Conference and showcasing your firm before owners and leaders of this market?  Click here for available sponsorship opportunities!For more information and to register, visit www.agc.org/homestead.Â