The iSqFt preconstruction application connects general contractors with subs, providing and updating documentation electronically and streamlining estimating.

"No one else provides all of the services that iSqFt provides," says Bobbie Raynor, chief estimator at JM Thompson Co. in Cary, N.C., a Carolinas AGC member. The company uses iSqFt for database storage and subcontractor bidding.

LeChase Construction Services in Durham, N.C., a Carolinas AGC member, posts documents to the iSqFt application, then sends out a bid invitation to subcontractors. John Carter, senior estimator at LeChase, explains it’s faster than searching through contacts in an email program and sending emails.

"We send all of our bid invitations to subcontractors through the system," adds Chuck Moss, vice president of Hickory Construction in Hickory, N.C., a member of Carolinas AGC. "We have better subcontractor coverage, because iSqFt has an extensive database of subcontractors in addition to our own private database that we maintain through the software."

Moss has used the iSqFt database to find specialty subcontractors and been pleased with the results.

In addition, iSqFt provides all documents for public projects and updates the information as it becomes available. Contractors can notify potential bidders that an addendum has been added and to take a look.

"We don’t have to upload, and that saves me a lot of time," Raynor says.

The estimator can watch who responds and whether they have accessed the documents and follow up as necessary. The general contractor can compare submitted bids and contact those firms it is interested in.

"Those tools allow contractors to manage the prebid process," said Doug Hess, communications manager for iSqFt in Cincinnati. "This is an all-in-one solution to managing the bidding process."

The auto search feature allows users five strings of keywords, up to 250 characters each. Contractors can search for competitors or specifications or brand names that match what the company is looking for within a geographic region or a trade.

"It searches the words you have defined as being relevant to you," Hess says. "You no longer have to vet all of the

projects. You can narrow it down." 

The software also includes a copy projects feature, which lets general contractors create a template, making setting up new projects much faster and easier. All settings and even bidders can be carried over.

AGC of America chose the company as a technical partner in 2001. "iSqFt’s staying power as an AGC technical partner for

more than a decade is no accident," says Chris Monek, AGC of America’s senior executive director, business development,

program & industry relations. "iSqFt never fails to deliver outstanding technology solutions based on a keen understanding of the contractors’ business needs."

The firm offers members webinars and access to the online plan room services, in conjunction with the participating

AGC chapters. iSqFt also offers benefits to subcontractors, allowing them access to more general contractors, and manufacturers, giving them information about where their products have and have not been specified and information about the architects, so they can create new sales opportunities.

Because iSqFt is customized to the needs of each business, price quotes require a conversation. But solutions start at just $495. Companies save, helping them become more profitable.

"It’s comprehensive and I cannot think of anything else I would need for it to do," Moss says. "I am real pleased with it."