IIBEC Calls on Baltimore City Council to Protect the Primacy of the Designer of Record July 10, 2024 On June 28, 2024, IIBEC sent a letter to the Baltimore City Council concerning Council Bill 21-0160, which mandates that all new construction (commercial and residential) and additions must install a cool roof. An earlier version of the bill only applied to buildings partly financed with city funds, but just before the city council voted on passage it was amended to include all residential and commercial roofs. General Interest
Michigan Panel Passes IIBEC-Backed QBS Bill June 23, 2024 On June 18, 2024, a Michigan legislative panel approved legislation that would expand the use of qualifications-based selection (QBS) for the selection of architect and engineering design (A/E/D) professionals, sending it to the full House for a vote. Government Relations
IIBEC Opposition Helps Defeat Anti-QBS Bill in Illinois June 9, 2024 IIBEC, in conjunction with other design and construction groups, succeeded in killing legislation in Illinois that would sidestep the qualifications-based selection (QBS) of architects, engineers, and design professionals. Introduced in the Illinois state senate in late April, S. 3932 would have amended the state procurement code to allow state agencies and school districts to use job order contracting (cooperative purchasing) to procure construction services—which, as defined in the bill, include architecture/engineering/design services. Government Relations
IIBEC Signs Coalition Letters Supporting Building Codes May 30, 2024 During the past month, IIBEC signed two coalition letters in support of building codes that were sent to US congressional committees. Government Relations
Seen A Questionable Public Tender? Let Us Know! April 2, 2024 During the 2024 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show, the Advocacy Committee approved a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document that will be posted later this spring. One of the FAQ answers provides members with guidance on steps to take when they see a questionable tender (i.e., an RFP or RFQ). The FAQ, which will be placed in “Advocacy” area of iibec.org, encourages members to send questionable tenders to procurement@iibec.org, along with a brief explanation as to why they believe the tender is questionable. Government Relations
Technical Advisory No. 24, 2024: Demolition and Restoration of Cavity Wall Constructions After Extreme Weather Events Resulting in Flooding March 21, 2024 To provide an informative advisory regarding remediation and corrective measures after extreme weather events resulting in flooding of exterior cavity wall construction comprised of exterior sheathing, weather-resistive barrier, and exterior cladding. News/Advocacy
Department of Labor Expands Injury, Illness Reporting Requirement for Certain Large Employers December 10, 2023 The Department of Labor recently announced a new rule that requires large employers in high-hazard industries like construction to electronically submit injury and illness data. The final rule takes effect January 1, 2024. Specifically, the rule requires businesses with 100 or more employees in designated industries to submit case-specific information from the OSHA Form 300 Log and the OSHA Form 301 Incident Report. The data must be electronically submitted through OSHA's Injury Tracking Application. (Determine if your company is required to report these data and read more about recordkeeping and the injury tracking application.) Government Relations
IIBEC Promotes the Use of Consultants in Pennsylvania Bill Pushing Solar on Schools October 25, 2023 IIBEC recently commented on legislation advancing through the Pennsylvania state legislature that is designed to promote the installation of solar panels on school roofs . HB 1032, introduced by state representative Elizabeth Fiedler, would establish the Solar for Schools Grant Program to expand the use of solar energy at school facilities across the commonwealth. Government Relations