Category: Procurement

January 14, 2022

The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction — the prices charged by goods producers and service providers, such as distributors and transportation firms — increased by 0.5% in December and 19.6% in 2021 as a whole, according […]

December 28, 2021

The new agreement on U.S. imports of steel from the European Union will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022, after President Joe Biden issued a proclamation making the adjustments reached by negotiators during the G20 summit in October. The deal […]

December 3, 2021

Due to its complexity, much of the subject matter concerning the economy requires detailed editorial commentary, often supported by relevant tables and graphs. At the same time, though, there are many topics (e.g., relating to demographics, housing starts, etc.) that […]

November 30, 2021

The Biden administration’s Commerce Dept. on Nov. 24 followed through with expected anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber producers, placing duties of 17.99% on their imports, more than twice the old rate of 8.99% from the Trump administration. […]

November 17, 2021

When The Boldt Co. was asked to submit a proposal for a new building’s structural steel package based on very limited drawings of an existing one, the estimating team didn’t flinch. Using BIM software Autodesk Revit, Boldt designers were able […]

November 2, 2021

The agreement somewhat eases import costs as steel prices skyrocket and industries including construction have been left scrounging for supplies. While the deal does not completely remove tariffs, steelmakers say the new quota will address rising prices while still prioritizing […]

November 2, 2021

For almost two decades, Will Pender has been preparing for his new role, Gulf States president at Adolfson & Peterson (A&P). After graduating from college, Pender started working at Seattle-based R.W. Beck, where his father was principal and senior director. […]

October 26, 2021

Construction is typically dirty business for the environment. Building construction and operations combined account for almost 40% of all carbon emissions worldwide, making it the single most polluting sector, according to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. Mitigating these […]

October 18, 2021

At conventions, on Zoom calls and in casual conversation, it’s the only thing contractors talk about anymore. Everyone wants to know how everyone else is dealing with the rapid escalation of material prices, a crisis that revved up last spring […]

October 12, 2021

Mounting shortages and rising costs have left contractors in some cases delaying projects or using substitute materials when possible. Steel, roofing and insulation materials are some of the most difficult products to get right now, said Ken Simonson, chief economist […]