Many companies have contacted AGC of Ohio with questions regarding Build Ohio 2003. Below is a list of the common questions and answers. Don't forget that Build Ohio entry materials are due to the AGC office by August 8, 2003. The deadline for the 2,500 written submission is Aug 22, and the loose photos deadline is Sept 12. Entry info and forms are available online at AGC's website.  Direct questions to Andrea Maclam at 614-486-6446 or andrea@agcohio.com.

How do I determine what category to enter my project?

First, what type of project is it: Renovation, industrial/heavy (heavy/utilities/highway projects or industrial settings that use industrial systems such as conveyors), new construction, specialty (this category is reserved for those who primarily work as a subcontractor), or construction management. When dealing with a new construction project, the company's contract amount determines whether it goes in the New Construction Over $10 Million or Under $10 Million category. For example, if a company is working on a large, $100 million project and has a $1 million contract for a portion of that project, the entry would go in the New Construction Under $10 Million category. It would not be fair to ask that company to compete against $10+ million contracts.

The Build Ohio categories are loosely defined to allow AGC to be fair and flexible. Some projects may meet the requirements for more than one category. For example, a company could enter a new industrial building in the New Construction category since it meets the New Construction criteria. A project utilizing the construction management delivery system could be submitted in the New Construction, Industrial Heavy or Renovation categories, depending on the type of project. If a company has a $5 million contract on a large, $100 million project and would like to enter its portion of the project in the New Construction Over $10 Million category, AGC would accept the entry since the total project cost is over $10 million.

The Build Ohio judges have the final say in what category a project is entered, and they will move a project to another category if it is in the best interest of the project. Each project is judged according to the criteria of the category in which it is entered (i.e. CM projects entered in the Renovation category will be judged according to the Renovation criteria.)

Companies may only enter one project per category. If a company with multiple offices in Ohio has separate offices that want to enter in the same category, it would be acceptable. For example, XYZ Construction Co.'s Cleveland and Cincinnati offices may each submit one project in the Renovation Category.

Include any information that you want people to know about your project. AGC of Ohio will use that information when writing the promotional materials for Build Ohio.

Build Ohio judges are retired construction professionals that are far removed from current AGC of Ohio activities and association politics. Beginning this year, AGC will ask each of the AGC of Ohio divisions (Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Central Ohio-Columbus, Northwest Ohio-Toledo, West Central Ohio-Dayton, and Youngstown) to select two people to serve as Build Ohio judges. (In the past, there was one judge from each area.) The additional judges will provide more insight into the selection process.

The judges examine each project according to how it meets the criteria in its category. Each individual criterion in a category is allotted a certain number of points. The criteria and points are as follows:

·Renovation, Industrial/Heavy, New Construction: Meeting the Challenge of a Difficult Job (30 pts), Excellence in Client Service (30 pts), Innovation in Construction Techniques or Materials (20 pts), Excellence in Project Management (20 pts);

·Construction Management: Excellence in Project Management (40 pts), Excellence in Client Service (30 pts), Meeting the Challenge of a Difficult Job (30 pts)

·Specialty: Excellence in Client Service (20 pts), Meeting the Challenge of a Difficult Job (20 pts), Innovation in Construction Techniques or Materials (20 pts), Craftsmanship (20 pts), Performance as It Relates to Schedule (20 pts)

All Build Ohio judges receive a binder containing the submitted 2,500-word written description of each entry and judging sheets. The judges are asked to review each submission, independent of the other judges, and determine each project's preliminary score. After the binders have been reviewed, the judges are brought together at the AGC office in Columbus. There, each judge individually reviews the project boards, and adjusts his scores accordingly. The judges then meet as a group to discuss their individual findings, and adjust their individual scores based on any new information uncovered in the group discussion.

To ascertain the total score for a project, the highest and lowest judges' scores are removed, and the median is taken from the remainder of the scores. The project with the highest average in its category wins the Build Ohio award for that category. One award is provided in each category.

Entrants will be posted in AGC of Ohio's Construction Update newsletter and on AGC's website, by late September.

When will we know who the winners are?

Build Ohio winners will be announced for the first time during the annual Build Ohio awards dinner and presentation. This year's event will be held November 7, 2003 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton Town Center.