SMACNews Clean Rooms Critical to Pandemic Response Clean room projects offer SMACNA contractors the opportunity to showcase their expertise Read More
SMACNews Feb 28 2021 Capitol Hill Update: Budget Reconciliation, COVID Relief, Pension Reform Among Items Before Congress The Senate is concentrating on Biden Administration Cabinet appointments, and the Senate and House both remain focused on producing a COVID-19 relief package that meet budget and reconciliation rules to avoid a Senate filibuster. Read More
SMACNews The Hard Work: Developing People Building a great culture is, in part, the result of making hard decisions about finding, keeping, and developing great people. But too often we let the urgency of our need lower our standards. Read More
SMACNews Opening Doors for Diversity in Construction When Fatima Ware finished her apprenticeship in sheet metal construction in 2016, she decided it was time for a change. Not for her, but for the construction business. Read More
Associate Members SMACNA Associate Members represent a select group of companies that are committed to providing member contractors with the best service, latest products and innovative solutions the market offers. Read More
Premier Partner Zone SMACNA’s Premier Partner Zone is a section of our website devoted to Premier Partner news and services. Read more about each company, related events, photos, news, and special announcements pertinent to SMACNA members. Read More
Statement on Diversity and Inclusion SMACNA and SMART recognize that diversity strengthens our workforce, benefits our communities, and makes the unionized sheet metal industry stronger and more competitive. Read More
Safety and Health SMACNA develops safety programs, publications, services and videos to assist members in establishing and managing effective safety programs. SMACNA also communicates with OSHA and other federal agencies on issues affecting members and offers briefings on regulatory compliance issues. Read More
Contractor Operations Manual Feb 10 2021 Navigating Cost-Plus Contracts: Understanding Profit Pockets and Negotiation Strategies A cost-plus and a fixed-price contract are two types of construction contracts. Both are used frequently when entering into an agreement to build a structure or system. Each has its own special advantages and disadvantages for both the contractor and the buyer. For the sheet metal or HVAC contractor, the choice depends upon the situation, the needs of the client and the risk inherent in the construction. This document is free to members in the SMACNA Store. Buy Now PDF $75.00
Letters and Testimony SMACNA Urges House to Support H.R. 447, The National Apprenticeship Act of 2021 SMACNA members know that investing in registered skill training is the only way to ensure long-term viability and growth for the nation's most important industries. This is why SMACNA supports H.R. 8294, The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which will provide statutory authority for the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) within the Department of Labor. Read More
Premier Partner Introducing New R-19 Microlite® FSK Duct Wrap and Case Study In response to a growing demand for optimized energy efficiency, JM is proud to announce the release of the first-ever R-19 Microlite® FSK fiberglass duct wrap insulation. Read More
Podcast Feb 04 2021 Let’s Talk Shop Episode 13 How COVID Is Impacting Operations and Innovations for 2021 Read More
Benefit Funds Feb 01 2021 2021 NPF Contribution Rate Notice This notice from the Trustees of the Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund advises 2021 bargaining parties of their contribution options under the Funding Improvement Plan. Read More Download PDF
OSHA & Regulatory Compliance OSHA Increases Civil Penalties, Revises Site-Specific Targeting DOL announced last week that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration civil penalty amounts for serious and “other-than-serious” safety violations have been adjusted based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2021. Read More
Contractor Operations Manual Jan 08 2021 Proven Practices for Conducting Successful Virtual Meetings This publication covers the importance of foremen meetings to the success of a project. Meetings not only encourage collaboration by bringing stakeholders together, they help hold all parties accountable for on-time project completion. COVID-19 concerns and related safety protocols have mandated the need for increased virtual meetings, bringing the use of new technologies and communications and tracking tools to the forefront of project management. With regular meetings critical in construction, firms will continue to look for ways to limit on-site meetings while ensuring access to information, engaging participants and tracking accountability through virtual meetings and other technologies. This document is free to members in the SMACNA Store. Buy Now PDF $75.00
Technical Resources Jan 01 2021 ICC/International Code Adoption This file is an updated (2021) International Code Council (ICC) State Adoption of the I-Codes. Read More Download PDF
Contractor Operations Manual Dec 31 2020 Maximizing Contractor Bonding Capacity This publication helps the contractor better understand the bonding process, the different types of bonds and how to maximize bonding capacity within your company. Contractor bonding is becoming increasingly important. Bonds ensure owners that the contractor can deal with any problems and challenges that may arise. Examples of these challenges include labor shortages, material shortages, material delays or cash flow issues. This document is free to members in the SMACNA Store. Buy Now PDF $75.00
Contractor Operations Manual Dec 18 2020 Integrated Project Delivery Guide This Guide provides an overview of the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method from the perspective of sheet metal, HVAC, and mechanical contractors and can serve as a guide for those interested in expanding their market share into healthcare and other IPD market sectors. IPD is found at the intersection of quality, cost and scheduling on a construction project where project teams, systems, business structures, and practices are all working collaboratively and tapping into the talents and insights of all team members in an effort to optimize efficiencies and reduce redundancies or waste throughout the construction life cycle (e.g., design, fabrication, installation, etc.). This document is free to members in the SMACNA Store. Buy Now PDF $75.00
Webinar Dec 16 2020 HVAC Contractors Forum Webinar: Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) for HVAC & Mechanical Contractors Matt Barrows, Assistant Professor of Practice, Construction Programs at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, facilitated this discussion with SMACNA contractors Matt Cramer of Dee Cramer, Inc., Kevin Louis of Martin Petersen Company, Inc., and Ross Mitchell of T. H. Martin, Inc., about their experiences with Integrated Project Delivery. Read More
Webinar Dec 10 2020 Webinar: Federal Bidder Protest Process This webinar offered contractors a tour through the protest process and presented various options a contractor may have, depending upon the type of contracting vehicle the government is using, for contesting an outcome. Read More
New Horizons Foundation Dec 08 2020 Best Practices for Field Leader Succession Field Leader Succession is the process of developing and transitioning new leaders so they can replace their predecessors at the foreman, general foreman, or superintendent level. This white paper focuses on best practices in field leadership transition from one generation to the next. Read More Download PDF
SMACNA Press Release Dec 07 2020 SMACNA Names Iowa Contractor Guy Gast as 2020 Contractor of the Year The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the leading voice in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, today announced Guy Gast, president of The Waldinger Corporation, Iowa Division, as the recipient of this year’s Contractor of the Year Award which was presented during SMACNA’s Annual Business Meeting. Read More
Letters and Testimony SMACNA Urges Congress to Support Tax Extenders A collection of targeted tax provisions that expired in 2020, SMACNA would like to extend provisions, including 179D, offer building owners tax incentives to facilitate the retrofitting of existing commercial building indoor air quality ventilation and filtration systems. Read More
Letters and Testimony SMACNA Supports The American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020 - S. 4897 In a letter to the Senate, SMACNA expressed its support for S. 4897, The American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020. Introduced by Senators Barrasso joined by Senators Whitehouse, Booker, Crapo, and Moore-Capito as original cosponsors. S. 4897 passed out of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week as amended with overwhelming support by a 16-5 demonstrating its strong bipartisan support. Read More
Letters and Testimony Dec 02 2020 SMACNA Encourages Congress to Ensure Small Businesses Can Deduct Eligible Expenses In the approved CARES Act, the PPP was designed to help small businesses survive major liquidity shortfalls, retain employees, and withstand an unprecedented economic disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, IRS notice 2020-32 undermines the PPP and creates severe challenges for small businesses by stating that normally deductible business expenses will not be deductible if the business pays the expense with a PPP loan that is subsequently forgiven. SMACNA members strongly endorse efforts to reverse this misguided IRS interoperation of the CARES Act. Read More
SMACNews Dec 01 2020 Capitol Hill Update: Composite Plans and Pension Relief Negotiations Falter Bipartisan agreement on pension relief, along with authorization of Composite Plans, could not be reached in time to be included in the final bills of this session of Congress. Read More
Letters and Testimony SMACNA Urges Senate Passage of H.R. 8294, The National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 SMACNA seeks statutory authority for the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) withing DOL. SMACNA members support the DOL registered apprenticeship program and Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs). Read More
Letters and Testimony SMACNA Endorses H.R. 7079, The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act Though Congress included funds through expanded Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to businesses, SMACNA is concerned that the countless unanticipated safety, sanitation and health protocols for construction sites and firms can burden recovery from the economic downturn created by COVID-19. This oversight would be corrected if Congress passes H.R. 7079, The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act. Read More
Letters and Testimony SMACNA Urges Senate to Support Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Reform Bills Extending the loan forgiveness period for PPP loans would allow SMACNA businesses to use PPP loan funds to buy personal protective equipment for staff, and to pay for virus mitigation measures to comply with public health guidelines. Guidance is also sought for small business protections to keep workers connected to their jobs and to ease the financial burden on small businesses with regard to changing IRS guidelines. Read More
Safety & Health NFPA 70E 2021: Significant Changes in Electrical Safety in the Workplace Standards The NFPA 70E 2021 Standard for electrical safety in the workplace has been revised, updated and put into effect. It replaces all previous versions of the standard. Read More
Contractor Operations Manual Nov 19 2020 Recruit to Retire Best Practices Employees are one of a company’s biggest expenses — and also one of its most important assets. Unlike major capital costs (like buildings, machinery, technology, etc.), human capital is volatile. Employees need to understand that a company invests in them with a hiring decision, and that the company wants them to stay until they retire. In this publication, we explore the influence and impact of the pandemic; generational expectations; the advantages of remote work ; how to lead, communicate and incentivize behavior; the impact of this shift on organizational strategy and culture. This document is free to members in the SMACNA Store. Buy Now PDF $75.00
Webinar Nov 12 2020 Architectural Contractors Forum: Copper, Brass, Bronze and Related Alloys in Architectural Metals Applications Copper has become a metal of choice on many projects due to its durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, and the use of brass and bronze has also increased in building designs. Read More
Labor Relations Industry Fund Webinars Recorded webinars for new chapter executives and trustees on Industry Fund management. Read More Download PDF
Webinar Nov 10 2020 Webinar: Construction Claims Involving the Federal Government Construction projects are complex enough, but layer in the unique processes involved with Federal contracting make it that much tougher to manage. With so many moving parts and players involved, it’s no surprise that contractual disputes and claims often arise. Read More
Webinar Nov 05 2020 Residential Forum: Leadership & Company Culture This informative session, led by Jeff Plant of BDR, will help you find out where you can have the most impact on your company culture. Read More
Labor Relations Industry Fund Seminar Materials Held once every two years, the industry fund seminar provides guidance to chapter executives and industry fund trustees on proper administration and permissible uses of industry funds. Read More Download PDF
SMACNews Sheet Metal Contractor SSM Goes Nuclear Three decades have passed since the last new nuclear power plant became operational in the United States. Read More
SMACNews ‘A Pretty Good Win’ Even a global pandemic couldn’t sideline the construction of Allegiant Stadium, the new $2 billion home of the NFL Las Vegas Raiders and one of the most anticipated stadium projects in the Western United States. Read More
SMACNews Contractors Breathe New Life into Sacramento Districts The City of Sacramento is currently renovating and expanding its downtown convention center and performing arts district, which includes the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and the Community Center Theater. Read More
SMACNews Contractor Takes HVAC Work to the Extreme Access to the exclusive members-only Yellowstone Club ski resort is restricted to residents and members only, but a select team from Norpac Sheet Metal, Inc. passes through the security checkpoints each workday. Read More
SMACNews Contractors Taste Success with Craft Malt Beer Brewers Next time you try a bottle of craft beer, or drink a glass at a local brew pub, be sure to toast a couple of your fellow SMACNA member companies. Read More
SMACNews Oct 31 2020 Capitol Hill Update: Pensions in Legislative Limbo Pension relief and Composite Plans were in previous House-passed bills and Composites were included in the Grassley-Alexander pension proposal, so there had been high expectations pensions and Composite Plans would be included in a negotiated stimulus package. Read More
COVID-19 CDC Updates Definition of Close Contact The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has modified its definition of what constitutes “close contact” with persons infected with COVID-19 and the potential elevated risk of contracting the virus. Read More
Webinar Oct 28 2020 Scheduling and Planning Best Practices This webinar offered an overview of a recent SMACNA Contractor Operations document Scheduling and Planning Best Practices which summarizes proven scheduling and planning processes. Read More
Premier Partner Press Release – Johns Manville Announces New VVSD Spiracoustic Plus Duct Liner for 6-8” Ducts Johns Manville (JM), a Berkshire Hathaway company and leading building products manufacturer, announced the release of VVSD (very, very small diameter) Spiracoustic Plus® spiral duct liner. Read More
Webinar Oct 15 2020 Driving Project Success in A Remote Working Environment The “new normal” of remote work has changed the climate of how projects are managed. This EDGE Conference presentation featured innovative strategies designed to increase productivity in a remote working environment. Read More
Webinar Oct 15 2020 Turning Field Obstacles into Opportunities Supervisors and field leaders are constantly faced with field obstacles that prevent them from being successful and profitable. This EDGE Conference session offered extremely valuable insights to help you work towards mitigating, and eventually, eliminating these challenges. Read More
Webinar Oct 15 2020 Change Order Management for Field Supervisors – It Takes Teamwork Effective change order management can dramatically reduce a subcontractor’s risk and increase profitability. This EDGE Conference session explored the change order process from a subcontractor’s viewpoint and reviewed the proper workflow necessary to ensure success. Read More
Webinar Oct 15 2020 SMACNA’s System Air Leakage Test Standard: Aspects to Testing an Entire HVAC System This EDGE Conference session covered SMACNA’s newest standard, the System Air Leakage Test Standard (SALT) and gave a brief history of how and why testing ductwork and the system has changed over time. Read More
Contractor Spotlight Video Oct 15 2020 Contractor Spotlight: Vidimos, Inc. SMACNA recently spoke with Scott Vidimos, president and third-generation leader at Vidimos, Inc., and his team about how the industrial sheet metal contractor has evolved its business and technology to meet customer demand and needs over its last 75 years in business. View Now