Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a term often referenced these days, but seldom understood.  What does IPD truly entail, and how can all stakeholders on a construction project benefit?Don't miss this important recording as industry experts John Tocci, Sr. and Jim Frey provide an in-depth look at how IPD is changing the construction industry, lessons learned from early adopters and what you can do to benefit from IPD.  Click here to purchase this webinar recording.  Once you purchase the recording, email Cassia Griffin at griffinc@agc.org for related handouts, including a free complete sample of the ConsensusDOCS 300.

Join us May 28-29 for the Spring 2009 AGC BIMForum in Dallas, TX.  The Spring BIMForum will be an assembly of some of the nation's leading Architects, Engineers, Builders and Owners for a two-day program focused on the timely use of BIM and the bottom line.  Topics to be covered include: The economy of BIM - What is the current state? What savings already exist? How can you increase efficiency?Measuring and optimizing first cost, cost to complete and life-cycle costs.Owner's perspective on BIM and how to achieve goals through scenario-based planning design and budgeting. Who should attend: Architects, engineers, contractors, lawyers, academics, specialty contractors and anyone on the cutting edge of construction!  Click here for more information and to register.

Registration is now open for the AGC Building Contractors Conference, June 10-13, 2009 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 being implemented by industry-leading firms. Planned program highlights & topics for the AGC Building 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 golf tournament.For more information and to register, visit www.agc.org/homestead.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  For details, contact Cassia Griffin at griffinc@agc.org or see the "Sponsors" tab at www.agc.org/homestead.

Recently the U.S. Department of Education announced that $44 billion for states and schools is now available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  This funding includes $32.6 billion under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, which is two-thirds of the total dollars in the fund.  The remaining funds will be released later in the year.  A state-by-state breakdown on this initial release of funds can be found here.  Detailed information on education funding in the stimulus package can be found here.  Details on stimulus funding for school construction, modernization, renovation and repair can be found in Section V (pages 33-37) of the Department of Education's "Guidance on the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program."  The Department's "School Modernization" page can be found here. Visit www.agc.org/stimulus for detailed information regarding the stimulus.For more information contact Mike Stark at starkm@agc.org or (703) 837-5365.

ConsensusDOCS has developed a brochure to encourage construction project owners to use ConsensusDOCS standard contract documents.  This new resource is titled "Top Ten Reasons Owners Should Use ConsensusDOCS".  Feel free to distribute this electronic brochure to all owners with whom you work and to others as you deem appropriate.Top Ten Reasons Owners Should Use ConsensusDOCS Contract Documents For Their Next Project!1.     Owners Sit in the Driver's Seat2.     Save Transactional Costs and Time3.     Attract the Best Contractors and Get the Best Pricing4.     Better Project Results5.     A Balanced Contract Gives Owners a Greater Role6.     Prevent, Mitigate and Resolve Disputes and Claims7.     Establish Positive Working Relationships and Direct Communications8.     Utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Electronic Communications9.     IPD Agreement Takes Collaboration to a Higher Level10.   A Balanced Approach to Liability ExposuresFor more details and a copy of the complete electronic brochure, please visit http://www.consensusdocs.org/information_ownersbrochure.html.For additional questions regarding ConsensusDOCS, please contact Carrie Ciliberto at cilibertoc@agc.org or (703) 837-5367.

AGC of America's officers, CEO, and COO met with the executive vice president and officers of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) two weeks ago in New York City to discuss topics of mutual interest.  Issues included the economy, federal stimulus, ConsensusDOCS, card check, three percent withholding, and project labor agreements.AGC and ASA continue to have a strong partnership through both ConsensusDOCS and a tripartite task group that includes the Associated Specialty Contractors (ASC).

On March 17-20, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) held a series of public hearings on Crane and Derricks in Construction.Several AGC members provided testimony including Art Daniel (AR Daniel Construction Services, Inc.), Mitch White (Manson Construction), Randy Rogers (Williams Brothers Construction), and Richard Voorhees (Weeks Marine, Inc.).For more information on the history of the Crane and Derricks in Construction proposed rule and AGC's comments during the C-DAC process or the SBREFA panel, click here.  Also, visit AGC Advocacy to review regulations and comments submitted by AGC on Safety and Health regulations throughout the year.Previous AGC Safety and Health Newsletter articles related to the same topic:AGC Comments and Requests Public Hearings on Proposed Crane and Derricks StandardOSHA Grants Extension for Public Comments on Crane and DerricksOSHA Publishes Crane and Derricks Proposal

In 2012 a new law will require federal, state, and local governments to withhold three percent from all payments for goods and services as a guard against possible business tax evasion.  Withholding applies to the total contract, not to the net revenue generated from a project.     Contact your U.S. Representative and Senators today and strongly urge them to pass a full permanent repeal of the three percent withholding tax.  Click here for more information and to quickly and easily send a letter to your elected leaders regarding this important issue.  To view the letter AGC of America recently sent to members of Congress to encourage permanent repeal of three percent withholding on government contracts, please click here.

AGC of America and the National Association of State Facilities Administrators (NASFA) have collaborated on research regarding state-by-state information on Construction Management At-Risk (CM At-Risk, CM@R, CM/GC, GC/CM, CMc).  This ongoing project seeks to compile data from every state on CM At-Risk in five areas: state building construction, K-12, higher education, local government, and horizontal non-building Department of Transportation projects.  A clickable map detailing the results and overview PDF can be found linked on the AGC Project Delivery webpage or by clicking here.If you have any questions, updates or edits regarding this project please contact Cassia Griffin at griffinc@agc.org or (703) 837-5408.

June 10-13, 2009Registration is now open for the AGC Building Contractors Conference, June 10-13, 2009 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 implemented by industry-leading firms. Planned program highlights & topics for the AGC Building 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 golf tournament.For more information and to register, visit www.agc.org/homestead.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.