Leverage remote-work solutions to improve business | AEC firms can connect with public through social media | Prime contractor certification allows ASBCA jurisdiction
Remote work necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic presents an opportunity for increased efficiency in work and in securing architecture, engineering and construction business. Experts advise on how technology such as Zoom and GoToMeeting can be leveraged to save time and expense, to enhance collaboration and branding and to improve marketing.
Architecture, engineering and construction companies can benefit from the use of social media to educate the public on projects and promote their business activities, Vicky Jay writes. AEC firms can use social media effectively by holding virtual celebrations for project milestones and providing behind-the-scenes content.
Subcontractor certification of pass-through claims is generally not enough to give the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals jurisdiction over a pass-through claim, according to Lee-Ann Brown and Eric Frechtel. They write that "while the prime contractor's certification does not require the prime contractor to believe that the subcontractor is entitled to recover on the claim, it is necessary that the prime believe that there is 'good ground' for the claim."
The umbrella of artificial intelligence that includes machine learning, deep learning, robotics and automation can help contractors reduce costs while increasing efficiency, safety, accuracy and productivity, Marcus Lawrence writes. Research Dive has examined how BuildingSP, Komatsu, Autodesk and Dassault Systemes advance AI in construction.
Nicolas Mangon, vice president of Autodesk, urges companies to rely on generative design and other software solutions to redesign workplaces for social distancing. "Software can automate the best options to reimagine and optimize space and meet the compliance criteria for COVID-19 safety," he writes.
Noise-induced hearing loss, excessive heat during the summer months, breathing in air contaminants and the physical toll of demanding work are among worker health hazards addressed on a free website established by the American International Health Alliance to assist construction contractors. "Health hazards tend to be much less observable and can be even more damaging to a person and the organization," said Janet L. Keyes of AIHA.
OSHA's final rule on beryllium and beryllium compounds sets a permissible exposure limit of 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter within an 8-hour time-weighted average. Contractors should consider implementing written exposure control plans and medical surveillance programs for affected employees, Cressinda Schlag writes.
More than $9.6 billion in infrastructure projects have been pushed back or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. "We don't have a road building member that isn't very nervous about the foreseeable future when it comes to how much work they have," said Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs at the Associated General Contractors of America.
Sixty-two percent of 358 US metro areas saw a drop in construction employment between June 2019 and June of this year, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Construction employment only increased in 94 metro areas during the 12 months, while it remained steady in 39 metro areas, said Chief Economist Ken Simonson.
So it's your team vs. four other teams in a 45 minute winner take all showdown. What do you say? How do you look unique and creative? How do you prepare? How do you get your message to resonate? Find out in AGC's latest BD Best Practice contributed by Hal Routh, Equalizer9.
