Contractor
Showing 17–32 of 390 results
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Know what you’re getting into with an IDIQ contract
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: For the right type of construction company, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract can be a lucrative revenue stream. But being at the “beck and call” of a federal agency isn’t particularly easy. This article discusses how IDIQ contracts work and what steps a contractor should take to be prepared for one.
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How blockchain could change construction
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 532
Abstract: For reasons both good and bad, cryptocurrency has been in the news in recent months. The trading of these digital investments is made possible by a “digital ledger” technology called blockchain. Could this technology be used for construction contracts? As this article explains, yes, it’s entirely plausible and would offer some intriguing benefits.
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Is it time to formalize your subcontractor prequalification process?
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 663
Abstract: Operating successfully as a general contractor involves engaging and coordinating qualified and competent subcontractors. Or, to put it another way, the failure of a subcontractor can materially affect the reputation and profitability of the general contractor. This article explores how general contractors can mitigate their risk by creating a detailed, comprehensive subcontractor prequalification process.
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Safety first, safety always – Controlling workers’ compensation costs in the current environment
March / April 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: Any experienced contractor will tell you: Every safety incident comes with hidden costs, including rising workers’ compensation premiums. If a construction business suffers multiple incidents, the financial impact can be devastating. This article notes some troubling recent statistics and suggests some best practices for keeping workers safe and controlling workers’ compensation costs. A sidebar urges contractors to double-check their experience modification factors.
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4 ways to wise up to smart buildings
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 456
Abstract: Everything is connected, or so they say. In a smart building, all of the major systems really are connected … to the Internet. And projects to build these types of structures are growing in popularity. This article offers up four ways that contractors can adjust their expectations when working on a smart building.
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CHIPS Act offers opportunities and challenges
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: When the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science (CHIPS) Act was signed into law, most of the hubbub was about how manufacturers would benefit. But not so fast, construction businesses have been handed a great opportunity as well. This article describes how the new law will likely create billions of dollars’ worth of projects for contractors qualified to perform them.
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How to up your financial reporting game
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 656
Abstract: Most contractors would probably rather be on the jobsite than hunched over a spreadsheet. But there’s no denying the key role that accurate and exhaustive financial statements and other reports can play in the success and growth of the business. This article discusses several ways that a construction company can improve at financial reporting.
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What does the future hold? Checking up on backlog: the industry’s and yours
January / February 2023
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 914
Abstract: Few construction companies can get by bidding on, performing and completing one job at a time. The typical practice is to build up a backlog of projects that ensures the business will be busy for the immediate and maybe even long-term future. This article explains how contractors can engage in backlog management using industry data as well as company-focused best practices. A sidebar notes that key performance indicators can greatly aid in this effort.
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Is it time to hire a construction technologist?
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: Construction is all about bricks, lumber and usually a bulldozer or two, right? Not entirely. Technology now plays a huge role in how contractors operate. So much so that some companies are adding a management-level position called a construction technologist. This article explores the purpose of the job, as well as the potential advantages and risks of hiring someone to fill it.
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Occupational fraud continues to hit construction hard
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: Construction companies are no strangers to fraud. The industry has struggled for decades to overcome an image sullied by kickbacks and other illegal activities. While its reputation has improved, the construction sector still suffers from a high percentage of fraud. This article reviews the results of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ “Occupational Fraud 2022: A Report to the Nations,” and offers some antifraud tips.
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Managing your exposure to sales and use taxes
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: Most construction companies pride themselves on their mobility. Within reason, if they can get to a project, they’ll bid on it. When a construction company crosses state lines, however, sales and use taxes may come into play. This article reviews some important points related to this form of taxation, including a landmark legal decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. South Dakota v. Wayfair, No. 17–494, June 21, 2018 (U.S. Supreme Court)
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Build up your defenses – 9 cash-flow strategies to combat inflation
November / December 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 920
Abstract: Remember when the term “high inflation” was generally only associated with the 1970s and early 1980s? No longer, as rising prices have been an issue both nationally and globally this year. This article suggests nine inflation-fighting, cash-flow-boosting strategies for construction company owners to consider. A sidebar sings the praises of cash-flow forecasting as part of sound financial management.
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Becoming more capable at data capture
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 449
Abstract: Construction might not be as data driven as some other industries, but contractors still process plenty of information. That’s why “data capture” has become a critical yet often overlooked capability of construction companies. This article explains what data capture is and offers some tips on getting better at it.
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BABA guidance addresses infrastructure projects
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 544
Abstract: Earlier this year, the federal Office of Management and Budget published guidance regarding the implementation of the Build America, Buy America provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Construction companies intending to pursue federal infrastructure jobs should take note. This article summarizes some important points of the guidance, including key definitions, how materials must be sourced and the availability of waivers.
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Need better benefits? Look into a pooled employer retirement plan
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 670
Abstract: Just like any other type of business, construction companies typically need to offer a solid benefits package to keep up in the race for talent in today’s tight job market. However, the cash-flow strains common to the construction industry make this difficult. This article discusses the promise of a new type of retirement benefits plan: pooled employer plans, which are a variation on multiple employer plans.
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Act now to maximize depreciation-related tax breaks for 2022
September / October 2022
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 922
Abstract: Current tax law allows two valuable depreciation-related deductions on purchases of equipment, tools, machinery and other assets essential to construction companies. But contractors will need to move fast to make the most of them. This article discusses the latest details on the Section 179 expensing election and bonus depreciation. A sidebar notes that, under some circumstances, construction companies might want to skip these tax breaks.