Change Order Payment

Washington state now requires contractors on both public and private construction projects to issue change orders within 30 days of completing additional work, with interest penalties and potential attorney fees for delays. This speeds up payment for subcontractors and suppliers, who are now included in the law's protections.  Here is an article that explains this new law in greater detail. 

Work Picture

• Data Center – if you are willing to travel to the Richmond area, DPR is starting a $240 million project to be completed in 2025.  The developer is Chirisa, a Dublin-based company. Here is more information from Construction Dive.
• Mixed-Use in Bowie – The Baltimore Sun reports there is a $1.3 Billion job called the South Lake Marketplace in Bowie, anchored by a Giant. One must be a subscriber to read the article here.

Prepare for Industry Event to Address Scheduling and Finishing Trades

The ASAMW Board has been discussing the major issues facing them so that we can bring the most valuable discussions in front of our construction partners that will positively impact your projects. They agree that scheduling is an issue that perplexes even the best companies. What we can do to improve scheduling for all the parties will be discussed on Sept. 24^th at the Bethesda North Marriott. Additionally, Finishing Contractors are particularly impacted by scheduling changes at the end of the project for which they do not get compensated.  What can we do?  Let’s get together to discuss strategies to accomplish fairness. Click here for more information and to register. 

Think About Your Crane Operators on Hot Days Ahead

An interesting Construction Dive article indicates heat stress is a leading contributor to incidents by crane operators.  Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said they were “likely or very likely to be exposed to heat illness on the job, and 58% said the same about fatigue.”

Official Notification of Annual Meeting

As required, this is official notification that the Annual Meeting of ASA of Metro Washington will begin at 11 am on May 29, 2024 at Patsy’s American, 8051 Leesburg Pike in Vienna.  Graduates of the PM Workshop will be recognized, board members and officers will be elected and members will be recognized for service and years of membership support. Click here to register.

PM Dies in Motorcycle Accident

All of ASAMW mourn the death of one of the graduates of our recent Project Manager’s Workshop.  Kaden Olson was a promising project manager with Pillar Construction. Here is his obituary. 

PLA and Wage Theft Discussions:

• The National Association of Minority Contractors in the DMV is holding a session on understanding PLAs on May 7^th at 3:30. Greg Akerman, President of the Building Trade Council, will be leading the discussion. Click here for the flyer.
• This chart shows that construction paid the highest dollar amount in back wages of any industry for improper wage payment.  The Carpenters’ Union is rallying across the US and Canada to protest wage theft and tax fraud according to this Construction Dive article.
• ASAMW is working to address this issue in a way that is fair to all of our members.  Your input is welcome.

MEMBER UPDATES

New Members 

We welcome Alliant Insurance Services and Ground Up Trade & Talent Solutions to ASAMW Membership!

• Alliant Insurance Services in Columbia, MD will be a welcome member of our association. We look forward to working with Dave Saul, Tim Lambdin, and their team.
• Ground Up Trade & Talent Solutions – We welcome and look forward to working with Daniel McGuire, Eric Menchaca, and Jayme Delano from this company based in Fairfax, VA that provides plumbing pre-apprenticeship training.

Siteline

One of our board members, Martin Press, has signed on to use a software that claims to help improve cash flow and get you paid faster.  We will report on its effect.  

Chad Prinkey with Well Built Construction Consulting 

wrote an article in Construction Dive about how to position yourself and your company to get jobs, even if you are not the low bidder.  Click here for the article.

Vandalism on Your Property 

Ryan Hogan with Preferred Insurance offers advice on how to prevent vandalism.  Click here for the article.