Register today for the 2021 AGC Federal Contractors Conference taking place November 8-9, 2021 in-person in Washington, D.C. The Federal Contractors Conference is the premier conference for federal construction contractors to discuss the latest projects, policies and contracting issues facing the industry with federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facility Engineering Command, General Services Administration, and Small Business Administration.

In addition to substantive discussions and presentations with federal agencies, attendees will hear from experts about the latest federal regulations that will impact their businesses and may have the opportunity to continue a dialogue with federal agencies after the conference. And, when the conference concludes, AGC member attendees will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing dialogue and meetings with agency headquarters later in the year.

The House of Representatives passed the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 4350, and the Senate recently released its version of the NDAA. Many members of Congress view the NDAA as the best chance to quickly move their legislative priorities. It may come as no surprise that the House considered more than 475 Amendments to the defense bill, and AGC has advocated for against amendments that impact the construction industry.

 

The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force has provided further guidance on vaccination requirements for all federal contractors and subcontractors. Additionally, the FAR Council has issued guidance for federal agencies to implement these requirements in the coming days, which includes a contract clause requiring full compliance with all guidance and FAQs published by the task force. Federal agencies have moved rapidly to issue class deviations to immediately implement, including the Department of Defense and the General Services Administration. AGC has retained outside legal counsel to help review legal options. To further this discussion, AGC needs members who perform direct federal work to:

 

• Fill out this survey to provide the association with critical information on this subject

 

• Sign up for this webinar on Thursday, October 14 which will provide further detailed information to AGC federal contractors and subcontractors.

 

AGC continues to wait for more information from OSHA on an emergency temporary standard (ETS) expected to require employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested for infection on least a weekly basis. There is little clarity as to exactly when agency will formally issue this ETS testing mandate or when it will take effect. AGC has also retained outside legal counsel—and is asking some of the brightest legal minds within the industry—to help it review its legal options. Previously, AGC conveyed its serious reservations about such an ETS. The association and its members have encouraged voluntary COVID-19 vaccination for their employees since the vaccines became available. The construction industry has proven throughout the pandemic that it can work in a safe and essential manner. OSHA has previously deemed many construction activities as low exposure risks.

 

 

The US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division published a new resource for stakeholders in the construction contracting community: the Davis-Bacon Wage Determination Conformance Request Guide. The guide details the information and construction types contained in wage determinations and provides additional clarity regarding the limited circumstances in which contractors and contracting agencies may need to request a new class of laborer or mechanic be added to a published wage determination for a specific contract. For AGC DBRA resources, visit AGC’s Labor & HR Topical Resources library and select “Wages and Benefits” as the main category and “Davis-Bacon Act” as the subcategory. You must be logged in as an AGC member to access the materials.

 

 

Deadline to complete an application for the 2022 Construction Risk Partners Build America and the AGC in the Community Awards is fast approaching! The Construction Risk Partners Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions recognize the nation's most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions; those contractors excelling in their partnering and collaborative endeavors; and the charitable contractors and chapters giving back to their communities.

 

Apply by Wednesday, October 20, 2021 for full consideration. Learn more about AGC of America's awards programs at www.agc.org/awards. For questions, please reach out to Nahee Rosso at nahee.rosso@agc.org.

 

As the construction industry constantly evolves, it is important that we look to the future to address the issues that continue to affect us. Whether it's project complexity, jobsite safety or technology hurdles, we want to encourage the free thinkers to provide pioneering solutions to the challenges facing our industry on a daily basis.

 

We want to reward a company that has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and has set a high standard for companies to follow. Please remember that your company must submit an innovation example that is adaptable, exemplifies a strong social impact and has long-term solutions.

 

With the end of the year fast approaching, there's not much time left to submit your company for this prestigious award.

 

If you think your company is worthy of recognition for the Innovation Awards, make sure to nominate your company by October 14, 2021, to be considered.

 

AGC member companies and chapters in good standing who meet the competition requirements are encouraged to apply online for some much-deserved recognition.

 

AGC is committed to understanding and improving the working relationship between its members and architects. To help us do this, we would value you sharing your perspective through this short survey. 

 

We have partnered with AIA (American Institute of Architects), who are surveying their members about working with GCs. The data will inform initiatives to build stronger working relationships, for the benefit of clients and the built environment.

 

This survey should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete, and your response is confidential. Thank you in advance for sharing your perspective.

 

Please click here to access the survey. If you have any additional questions, please contact Sarah Gallegos at sarah.gallegos@agc.org.