Integrated Project Delivery for Public and Private Owners explores the varying degrees of collaboration found in IPD, defining it as a philosophy and as a delivery method.  The publication explores why owners should consider adopting IPD principles, how IPD fits in to related industry trends, such as BIM and Lean, and offers suggestions on how to integrate IPD principles into construction projects.

Read more here.

Written by John Lynch from the State of Washington and published as a joint effort of AGC of America and the National Association of State Facilities Administrators (NASFA), this eight page article is targeted toward public owners who construct capital projects and those contractors who are engaged in this type of work.  It is particularly useful in this challenging economy.

Click here to access the article. For more information, contact Mike Stark at (703) 837-5365 or starkm@agc.org.

On September 17, 2009, the House passed H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, which authorizes more than $4 billion for elementary and secondary school facility projects over the next two fiscal years, and ensures that school districts will receive funds for school modernization, renovation and repairs that create healthier, safer and more energy-efficient teaching and learning climates. The bill allocates 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. The bill also provides grants to states to help community colleges finance new construction, modernization, renovation and repair projects.

While AGC supports the overall bill, it includes the same Buy American language as was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act).

AGC has long-advocated for additional investment in school construction, as there is substantial opportunity for investment in upgrading and improving the unmet need for school construction and renovation, which is estimated to be $3.7 billion. The average age of a public school building is estimated to be over 40 years old, the same age that schools have been documented to deteriorate.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. AGC will urge Senators to support the bill without the onerous Buy American restrictions.

For more information, contact Jim Young at (202) 547-0133 or youngj@agc.org.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an emerging technology that is rapidly gaining acceptance throughout the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. AGC is developing a BIM Education Program, consisting of six courses for construction professionals and others in the AEC community eager to learn essential concepts of BIM and prepare for BIM adoption. At the completion of this series of courses, a BIM credential is being explored on a parallel track to content development.

With all six courses being released before the end of 2010, a lot is happening with this exciting program! The first course, Unit 1-BIM 101: An Introduction to Building Information Modeling was released April 6, 2009 and provides participants a broad overview of BIM and to introduce the important concepts that will be necessary for the advanced courses and BIM adoption. This eight-hour course addresses topics such as: what is BIM?, BIM visualization uses and spatial coordination, scheduling, estimating, facility management and getting started with BIM.

Contact your local Chapter to find out if BIM 101 has been added to their training calendar.

In the fall of 2009 Unit 2-BIM Technology will be released. This course is divided in three sessions, allowing participants to receive a broad understanding of all of the available BIM tools, hands-on software training and teach them how get the various compatible software tools to work together on one project.

You can find information on current and future BIM Education Program courses and training locations at www.agc.org/BIMEP, or email curriculum@agc.org.

The theme for Fall BIMForum meeting, to be held on October 8-9, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pa., will be "BIM AS THE EVOLVING STANDARD OF CARE: Driving process transformation for designers, contractors and owners."

The BIMForum Leadership is submitting this call for proposals to solicit ideas for presentations that explore the depth and breadth of this topic. Click here for more details about the Fall BIMForum Call for Presentations.

For more information, contact Dmitri Alferieff at (703) 837-5386 or alferieffd@agc.org.

The leaders of the building construction industry participated in the AGC Building Contractors Conference held June 10-13 in Hot Springs, Va.  This Conference brought together many of the top building construction firms, specialty contractors, service and supply companies and owners to focus on the theme "Guiding Your Firm Through Challenging Economic Times" through informative presentations, interactive panels and dynamic discussions.  Attendees also had several opportunities to network with their colleagues at evening receptions, luncheons and the golf tournament.  

Don't forget to save the dates for the next AGC Building Contractors Conference on January 20-23, 2010 at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

For more information, contact Cassia Griffin at (703) 837-5408 or griffinc@agc.org.

The AGC BIMForum met in Dallas May 28-29 and again proved to be the greatest venue for industry collaboration. The theme of the meeting was "BIM, Now More Than Ever: From the 30 Day to 30 Year Perspective."

The presentations and discussions addressed ways to achieve immediate return on investment with BIM, how models can be created to foster greater collaboration and what owners increasingly want to see. Held in conjunction with two sessions of AGC's new BIM 101 courses, the conference had more 300 architects, contractors, engineers and software providers in attendance over three full days. 

The next BIMForum meeting will be held in Philadelphia, Pa., October 8-9, 2009.

For more information, contact Dmitri Alferieff at (703) 837-5386 or alferieffd@agc.org.

The leaders of the top building construction firms, owners, specialty contractors and service and supply companies will soon gather at the AGC Building Contractors Conference June 10-13 at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. 

Rob Nichols, President & COO of The Financial Services Forum, will join other experts such as AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson and Scott Winstead of FMI Corporation to address many timely topics, including key public policy issues affecting the financial services industry, taking advantage of hidden opportunities, the stimulus, federal labor law changes and strategies for success in this market.  In addition to several networking opportunities with colleagues and owners, an interactive "Tools for Tough Times" moderated panel discussion will share what firms are doing to survive in this economy.

Program information, registration details and hotel/travel information can be found at www.agc.org/homestead. 

For more information, contact Cassia Griffin at (703) 837-5408 or griffinc@agc.org.

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 AGC Building Contractors Conference, June 10-13 at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. 

The AGC Building 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.  AGC Chief 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 AGC Building 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.

June 10-13, 2009, Hot Springs, Va.

Register today for the AGC Building 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 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, and
• Networking opportunities including a luncheon, evening receptions, and a golf tournament.

Interested in sponsoring the AGC Building 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.