ConstructionAdvisorToday

Does Bid-Listing of Subcontractors Constrain Competition In Public Works Contracting?

In many jurisdictions across the country, bidders on public works contracts are required to list the key subcontractors they intend to use if awarded the contract. Many times, the list of trade contractors is provided by the public project owner, based on successful sub-bidders on those trade contracts. Sometimes the bidder simply commits in advance to subcontractors it selected. Unauthorized substitution of listed subcontractors typically subjects the bidder to a financial penalty.

Bentley to Establish Shared Services, Sales, Marketing Centre

Bentley Systems Inc., which provides architects, engineers, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure, has committed to establish an international Shared Services, Sales and Marketing Centre in Dublin, Ireland. The investment was facilitated by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

Clark County Regional Justice and Detention Centers at Heart of Another Legal Battle

The key players in the construction of the Clark County (Nev.) Regional Justice Center and the adjacent Detention Center in Las Vegas are back in court. This time, the county is suing its engineering contractor, Pasadena, Calif.-based Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. The projects both ran tens of millions of dollars over budget and finished nearly four years behind schedule. In its latest court filing, on Jan. 20, the county is seeking undisclosed damages for Jacobs’ “gross mismanagement” of the projects as well as for its role that led to major delays and cost overruns.

California Adopts Statewide Green Building Standards Code

California's Building Standards Commission (CBSC) has adopted a mandatory Green Building Standards Code (CALGREEN), which is designed to improve energy efficiency and environmental responsibility for new buildings. CALGREEN, which is believed to be the first such code of its kind in the United States, is scheduled to take effect in January 2011.

The Importance of "Putting It In Writing" In Design and Construction Contracts

While on vacation, I will not provide my typical commentary today but will resume my posting on Construction Advisor Today next week.  Meanwhile, I would like to share a report highlighting recent WPL Publishing webinars, presented by experts in the field of design and construction contracts, scheduling and weather planning.

Las Vegas' New CityCenter Considered One of World's Largest Green Developments

The new CityCenter, billed as an "unprecedented urban metropolis" in Las Vegas, is considered one of the world's largest sustainable developments.

The 18-million-square-foot urban resort is slated to receive a combination of gold and silver LEED ratings from the U.S. Green Building Council. Among the structures included in the development are hotels, residences, restaurants, and retail and public spaces.

Tekla Equips MTSU Program with Suite of 3D BIM Software

Tekla Inc., through its Education Program, has equipped Middle Tennessee State University's (MTSU) Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program with Tekla's complete suite of 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, Tekla Structures. The software will be available to every student and professor and is expected to become an integral part of course work.

Procurement Rules Do Not Always Keep Pace With Communication Technology

People rapidly become comfortable with evolving methods of transmitting information. Technology which was nonexistent a decade or two ago is accepted as commonplace. When it comes to soliciting and bidding public contracts, this can pose a problem. The rigid rules of procurement do not always accommodate contemporary technology.

AceCad Software Releases New Version of SteelWork Modeling System

AceCad Software has released the latest version of its steelwork modeling system - StruCad V15.5. AceCad Software will be unveiling new functionality within the core StruCad system together with the launch of a new StruWalker product.

Ecobuild Attendees Hear Encouraging News About City Green Building Programs, Receive Advice

Green building programs are continuing to flourish in U.S. cities despite the country's economic downturn, an American Institute of Architects (AIA) official told the Ecobuild America annual conference here.