Archives: News Items

Cohen Seglias Releases COVID-19 Resource Package 3.0

The law firm of Cohen and Seglias has put together the following “COVID-19” 3.0 package for contractor members to use as the situation dictates for protection and to ensure relief — time, money, etc. This packet is for the use of our members. These forms will need to be edited to a given project’s specific circumstances. This information is not an endorsement, simply a resource as we navigate these uncertain times as an industry. 

With states re-opening, many jobs, including construction will have a new normal on jobsites. The CDC, OSHA, and local and state governments have issued requirements and recommendations for returning to work. In taking the proper precautions, the impact on costs and schedules is inevitable. Questions have come up, but there is no clear answer.

Cohen Seglias’ Construction Contracts & Risk Management Group prepared sample notice letters for use on jobs where construction has or is about to resume under pre-existing contracts. Also included in this packet is sample language to add to change orders and monthly releases.

Additionally, with many companies still bidding and entering into contracts for new work, sample language to include in your proposal to help protect you in the event of a future shutdown or new guidelines is also included in this package. When bidding, remember that COVID-19 is not likely going to be considered a force majeure event due because it should be anticipated when developing your proposal. We suggest that the parties on a project discuss the use of an allowance to cover these costs. A letter to that effect is also enclosed. These forms may need to be revised to fit particular circumstances. 

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Webinar #12: Strategies to Improve Your Business Cash Flow – Kathy Crosby

Cash is the lifeblood of any business. In good times, cash management may slip to the back burner, but with the current pandemic and companies delaying payments, now is not the time to be casual about your money. NEI and UA training instructor, Kathy Crosby, discusses how to keep delayed payments from getting out of control, protecting your rights, and how to measure your company’s cash flow in order to better manage it. You will learn about leveraging relationships with vendors, subcontractors, banks and sureties, as well as how to reduce the risk of delayed cash when it comes to retention, change orders, T&M work and billing issues.

Additional Resources:

This webinar was recorded Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

U.S. Department of Labor Launches Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program Standards Recognition Entity Application Portal

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 11, the U.S. Department of Labor launched its Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP) Standards Recognition Entities (SREs) online application and updated resources, the same day that the IRAP rule goes into effect. 

In June 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on Expanding Apprenticeships in America. Section 4 of the order, “Establishing Industry-Recognized Apprenticeships,” directs the Secretary to consider proposing regulations that promote the development of apprenticeship programs by third parties. The Task Force on Apprenticeship recommended the establishment of Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs to address America’s skills gap and to rapidly increase the availability of high-quality apprenticeship programs in sectors where apprenticeship opportunities are not widespread.

“As workers seek to reenter the workforce following the economic disruption caused by coronavirus, Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs and the SREs that recognize them will provide new opportunities for Americans to earn a living while learning the skills needed in a changing job market,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I encourage industry leaders, educators, and others to consider forming SREs to help drive the expansion of apprenticeships and assist in the economic rebound. In these challenging times, the new apprenticeship opportunities created by IRAPs can open doors to good-paying jobs in industries such as telecommunications, health care, cybersecurity, and other sectors.”

IRAPs are high-quality apprenticeship programs recognized by third-party entities – SREs – under standards established by the department’s recently issued Final Rule. As described in the Final Rule, the department may recognize various types of organizations as SREs, including trade groups, companies, educational institutions, state and local governments, non-profits, unions, joint labor-management organizations, and certification and accreditation organizations. 

“Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs provide an additional apprenticeship pathway that is industry-led and market-driven,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John P. Pallasch. “Through these programs, individuals will be able to obtain valuable workplace-relevant training and learn progressively advancing skills, resulting in an industry-recognized credential, all while getting paid for their work. Now that we are accepting applications to serve as Standards Recognition Entities, we encourage eligible workforce stakeholders, through applying and forming an SRE, to play a large role in the way industries and regions train future workers.”

Over the coming weeks, the department plans to host virtual forums to share how industry and workforce stakeholders are taking advantage of this new opportunity.

Entities interested in evaluating and recognizing high-quality IRAPs, consistent with the department’s standards, should follow the process outlined in the Final Rule to become SREs and submit an application online. Following its evaluation, the Department’s Office of Apprenticeship will notify the applicant.  Once recognized by the Department, SREs will work with employers and other entities to establish, recognize and monitor high-quality IRAPs that provide apprentices with industry-recognized credentials. SRE recognition is valid for five years.

In addition to technical assistance available from the Office of Apprenticeship, the department has developed several digital resources on www.apprenticeship.gov for those interested in becoming an SRE or starting an IRAP, including:

The department remains committed to fulfilling critical workforce needs and addressing the workforce-related impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Strategies like apprenticeship that are innovative, flexible, and responsive to the needs of American employers and workers will be essential to addressing the workforce-related impact of this pandemic. IRAPs will serve as a complement to the successful registered apprenticeship program that has been in place for over 80 years. 

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

Withum Webinar: PPP Forgiveness Guidance Expected to be Released Mid-May

With anticipation of additional guidance being released by the SBA, Withum invites you to join the SBA and Federal Tax Policy experts for a discussion regarding the PPP loan forgiveness process. This webinar will address the new up to the minute guidance in detail, focusing on the knowns, the unknowns, and the strategies for borrowers to make sure they are maximizing their forgiveness through their 8-week covered period. 

When: Thursday, May 21, 11:00 AM  – 12:15 PM EST

REGISTER NOW

Withum COVID-19 Bill Update – 5/12/2020

Demand for the PPP may be fading:  There were a few articles that came out on May 11 (example CBS and Business Insider) indicating that the demand for PPP loans seem to be slowing, one article indicated that as much as 40% of the second tranche of funds remain available. This is likely the result of the recent surge of comments from various sources (Mnuchin, Treasury, etc.) which have led companies to question eligibility, but also an indicator that general demand is finally being met. For those who are still attempting to attain a loan, it appears there is still time.

Comments from the SBA Inspector General:  The Office of Inspector General’s mission is to “provide independent, objective oversight to improve the integrity, accountability, and performance of the SBA.” This group authored an analysis of the PPP implementation process and also outlined some concerns regarding the forgiveness process and the term of the loans. There is a lot to unpack with respect to the document but here are some thoughts that were drawn from and important expert (below).  We don’t yet know if this document will somehow influence changes in the program, given the nature of the covered period, there is very limited time to do so.  It is possible that it will only be informational, we will see:

  • Term of the loan: The CARES act allows for PPP loans to have a maturity of up to 10 years, however in practice a two year repayment term was established for all PPP loans. The Inspector General questions if a two year repayment term creates undue financial distress for borrowers. It will be interesting to see if term are extended.
  • The “75% rule”: The Inspector indicates that a borrow “who do not use at least 75 percent of the loan for payroll may not be able to have all of their loan forgiven.” This is important because the language is a clear indication that the 75% threshold is not a “binary” calculation, meaning if you less than 75% of the proceeds on payroll NONE of your loan is forgiven. There has been a great deal of diversity/debate on how this language should be interpreted, this analysis aligns with our current thinking, which is that a borrower does not need to spend 75% of their loan proceeds on payroll, however, forgiveness on non-payroll costs will limited up to a maximum of 25% of forgivable expenses incurred/paid.  
  • Suggestion to change the 75% rule? – The last sentence urges that it “may be important to consider” that many companies will have significant non-payroll costs in excess of the 25% threshold. This has certainly been a problem for industries such as retail and restaurants.   

“In addition to the 75-percent payroll criteria, the maturity term established by the Administrator and the Secretary would require the borrowers to repay any amount not eligible for forgiveness within the remainder of the initial 2-year term. The Act, however, allowed for a maximum maturity of up to 10 years. SBA’s requirements could result in an unintended burden to the borrowers. For example, PPP borrowers who do not use at least 75 percent of the loan for payroll (therefore use more than 25 percent of their loan proceeds for nonpayroll expenses) may not be able to have all of their loan forgiven. It may be important to consider that many small businesses have more operational expenses than employee expenses. Our review of data from round one found that tens of thousands of borrowers would not meet the 75-percent payroll cost threshold and would therefore have to repay the amount of nonpayroll costs in excess of 25 percent in less than 2 years.”

Reminder Section:  (what should I be doing):

  • Call your payroll company about claiming the payroll tax deferrals and employee retention credits that were made available in the CARES Act.
  • Talk to your payroll company about the Sick Pay Bill (passed prior to the CARE Bill).
  • Be in constant communication with your bank (about status of your PPP application).
  • Consider speaking with your bank to discuss changes to terms of existing debt facilities. The banking system remains strong.
  • If you have already applied for the PPP, start forecasting how you intend to spend the funds and how to qualify for the highest amount of forgiveness possible.

Explore the Latest from DEWALT Industrial Tool Company and SF&P Advisors in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

DEWALT Industrial Tool Company - MCAA Virtual Trade Show

DEWALT Industrial Tool Company
The 60V MAX* Pipe Threader can thread ½ in. – 2 in. black iron pipe, rigid conduit, and more. This pipe threader comes with an innovative pipe clamp and a die arm that helps ensure no direct contact with the die head to begin threads.

SF&P Advisors - MCAA Virtual Trade Show


SF&P Advisors

DOESN’T YOUR MOST IMPORTANT TRANSACTION DESERVE THE MOST EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS? Full-service business valuation, accounting, research, financial analysis and success strategy from the leading experts in residential, commercial and mechanical HVAC and plumbing mergers and acquisitions.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

5/11 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their May 11 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

Hermanson Employs Miller Electric Welder for Innovative Approach

Faced with a tight working space, Hermanson Company took advantage of Miller Electric’s new XMT® 350 FieldPro System welder along with a custom-built pipe turner so the mechanical contractor could make hundreds of high-quality welds in a fraction of the time that hand-turning would have required. The innovative approach not only increased productivity but also contributed to a safer, healthier work environment. 

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

Webinar #14: Navigating Uncertain Times with Radical Self-Care – Beverly Holcomb and Sarah Pozdol

The coronavirus pandemic is forcing us to reevaluate so much of our lives and what is TRULY important to us. It is imperative that all of us focus on our own personal health and well-being. And contrary to how we might feel – we are NOT powerless. The more proactive we act individually – and collectively – the more empowered we become. SATAURA co-founders, Beverly Holcomb and Sarah Pozdol, provide simple strategies on how to nourish and support, not only your mental and emotional health; but also provide practical tools and guidelines that will help you strike a healthy “work-life-home-health” balance. By providing tools for mental and emotional resilience, work-life strategies, REAL whole foods, restorative sleep, moving our bodies, and staying connected to nature and our loved ones – we can invoke deep reservoirs of balance, health and healing. This wellness webinar is sponsored by Women in the Mechanical Industry.

Additional Resources:

This webinar was recorded Tuesday, May 18, 2020.

Withum COVID-19 Bill Update – 5/8/2020

Webinar on Forgiveness – On May 21st at 11am Withum will be hosting a webinar on how to calculate forgiveness.  Feel free to RSVP if you are interested in joining.  Based on recent FAQs Withum “suspects” new guidance will be out by Mid-May and thus we will have time to digest and discuss on the 21st.  Given response rates from previous webinars, we recommend RSVPing as soon as you know you will be joining.

Use of EIDL Proceeds – We are starting to hear of some receiving the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).  The question we are receiving is: Can we have both?  How do they interplay? Yes, you can have both the PPP and EIDL loan at the same time.  Keep in mind that you cannot use both loans for the same purpose, meaning you cannot use the EIDL for payroll costs, then ask for forgiveness of payroll costs relating to your PPP loan. The EIDL allows for a much more broad set of expenses that are “allowable” than the PPP and has a repayment term that can be as long as 30 years at a competitive, fixed interest rate, it can serve as a nice source of liquidity if you are able to receive it. 

Possible changes to the PPP – An article written by the NY Times talks about possible changes to the PPP program.  There has been an undercurrent of discussion around the length of the covered period and if it should be extended.  Withum has not heard anything that leads them to believe that the notion of extending the covered period is getting serious traction, but the article clearly indicates that certain members of Congress are focusing in on some of the PPPs inherent shortcomings.  If this develops, we will certainly let you know.

Inconsistencies on FAQs – As FAQs continue to come out, we are starting to see inconsistencies between old and new FAQs.  As an example, FAQ 3 and FAQ 44 address eligibility.  Importantly it addresses an interplay between the size standard and affiliation with foreign entities (parents, subs and sibling affiliations). FAQ 44 appears to close the loop on how to deal with a foreign entity when it comes to the size standard (i.e. the 500 employee test), but FAQ 3 appears to open the door to the notion that you only look at US employees when considering the size standard.  Issues like this are creating confusion as Borrowers try to understand what the “final” set of rules actually are.  A possible place to look for guidance when this comes up is FAQ 17, which appears to indicate that Borrowers and lenders may rely on the laws, rules, and guidance available at the time of their relevant application if it was made prior to April 2nd.  If it was made after that period and new guidance has come out that is contrary to a position you took, you should consider discussing with counsel.

FAQ 45 – A new FAQ came out confirming if a Borrower returns their PPP loan, they will be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit.  Nothing earth shattering here, but a welcomed clarification.  As a reminder you ARE allowed to take advantage of the Payroll Tax Deferral if you received the PPP. 
45. Question: Is an employer that repays its PPP loan by the safe harbor deadline (May 14, 2020) eligible for the Employee Retention Credit? 
Answer: Yes. An employer that applied for a PPP loan, received payment, and repays the loan by the safe harbor deadline (May 14, 2020) will be treated as though the employer had not received a covered loan under the PPP for purposes of the Employee Retention Credit. 

Reminder of where to find updates on forgiveness calculation – On April 13th Withum authored an article which covered a host of questions that we need to have answered when it comes to flaws/ambiguities in the forgiveness calculation.  Since that date, there have been over 20 new FAQs, Withum has updated this article to address the FAQs and their impact, it is a single source of information for what remains unknown for those who are struggling with issues.

Reminder Section:  (what should I be doing):

  • Call your payroll company about claiming the payroll tax deferrals and employee retention credits that were made available in the CARES Act.
  • Talk to your payroll company about the Sick Pay Bill (passed prior to the CARE Bill).
  • Be in constant communication with your bank (about status of your PPP application).
  • Consider speaking with your bank to discuss changes to terms of existing debt facilities. The banking system remains strong.
  • If you have already applied for the PPP, start forecasting how you intend to spend the funds and how to qualify for the highest amount of forgiveness possible.

MCAA’s COVID Resources Can Now be Searched Using The Industry’s Best Search Tool

With the large amount of information that MCAA has produced related to COVID-19, it can be hard to find exactly what you are looking for. To make it all easier, MCAA has partnered with DADO, a search tool specifically designed for the construction industry. The app is much more than a simple CTRL-F. It uses fuzzy logic and understands construction specific terminology to look across any and all documents that it loads into the system.

While DADO is typically used to search across project documents to find answers for PM’s, Foremen and Estimators, in this case, it can search through position papers, legislative analysis, federal guidelines and other documents to help you find the answers you need. To help MCAA members understand the controls, DADO CEO Jake Olsen recorded a webinar with MCAA’s Director of Innovative Technologies, Sean McGuire recently.

MCAA has procured a 90-day trial of the full version of DADO for all of its members in order to access the COVID-19 related documents. This trial version also allows you to upload project documents at no additional cost during if you would like to test it out on a real project.

Critical Change to CDC’s Discontinuing Isolation Guideline

Based on new COVID-19 research the CDC has recently changed their guidelines regarding discontinuing isolation for individuals with symptoms of the virus who are caring for themselves at home. The original guidelines for discontinuing isolation specified that at least 7 days had passed since symptoms first appeared and, at least 3 days (72 hours) had passed since recovery. Recovery is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). The CDC’s change increases the period of recommended isolation by 3 days, from 7 to 10 days after symptoms begin. Please be sure to change your company’s COVID-19 exposure control plans accordingly.

FURTHER CLARIFICATION & EXAMPLES:

Worker has symptoms, but has not tested positive: Any employee who has not tested positive, but who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 is required to stay off the jobsite until he or she is free of symptoms for 72 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing, or other symptom-altering medications.

Worker tests positive, but has no symptoms: Any employee who does test positive, but is symptom free may return to work when at least 10 days have passed since the date of his or her first positive test, and he or she has not had a subsequent illness. 

Worker tested positive, has symptoms and is caring for self at home: Any employees who does test positive and is caring for him or herself at home may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since recovery, and at least 10 days have passed since the symptoms first appeared. 

Worker tested positive and has been hospitalized: Any employee who tests positive and has been hospitalized may return to work when permitted to do so by his or her medical care provider.

LEARN MORE

5/8 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their May 8 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

New MCAA Change Order Publication Update Provides Valuable Guidance During COVID Crisis

MCAA members can now download the 2020 edition of MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry. The revamped resource provides guidance to contractors that are looking to measure the impact that delays, PPE and manpower limitations have on the construction sites that they are working on. The guide helps contractors identify and quantify activities before and after the start of the pandemic in order to build change orders correctly.

As the guide’s lead author, Paul L. Stynchcomb, CCM, PSP, CFCC of Vero Construction Consultants Corp. puts it, “One way that you are going to have to address this issue is measuring time impacts. So the starting point is to measure any schedule time impacts as of the commencement of the impacts of the pandemic on your project site. That means you need to identify any pre-existing delay conditions.”

As an additional resource, Paul Stynchcomb was joined by Douglas Patin and William Ibbs from the Ibbs Consulting Group on April 15, 2020 to address the Construction Management Consequences of the Coronavirus and Legal Responses. MCAA members can review the webinar for free at any time.

New Chapter Highlights Benefits of Sharing Native CPM Schedule Files

As some of the most labor-intensive trades on any project, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and sheet metal contractors are intently interested in project planning, activity sequencing, timing of the work and efficient crew flows. In a new chapter for the 2020 edition of MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry, lead author Paul L. Stynchcomb, CCM, PSP, CFCC of Vero Construction Consultants Corp. discusses the essential concept of sharing the critical path method (CPM) schedule in its native form between all of the major trades on a construction project as a tool for enhancing cooperation, profitability and timeliness.

Only the prime or construction manager’s CPM schedule for the entire project scope of work provides the full picture that will enable these contractors to deliver projects to the benefit of all parties, Stynchcomb posits. He notes that printouts, bar chart graphics and PDF files of the CPM schedule are a poor substitute since they provide only a snapshot of the plan at a specific point in time.

Shared access to the native CPM schedule files adds transparency to the construction management and scheduling process, which is key to effectiveness on today’s complex and challenging construction projects. In most cases, projects that have a cooperative and interactive management style are more profitable and timely, and efficiently, completed. This means bottom line benefits for all involved.

Lawrence M. Prosen, Esquire of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, LLP provided the case citations and some general commentary contained in some sections of the chapter.

Peer Reviewers Add Industry Expertise

This latest chapter, like the others in the publication, was peer reviewed by a panel of industry professionals. Peer review was performed by Robert Beck, President/CEO of John W. Danforth Company in Tonawanda, NY; Rick Freeman, Executive Vice President, Southern Insulation, Inc. in Hyattsville, MD; Brian Helm, President of The Helm Group in Freeport, IL; and Denis St. Pierre, Executive Vice President & COO of Alterman in Austin, TX.

Endorsing/Supporting Organizations

The publication’s full contents have once again received the endorsements of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) has also renewed its full support for the contents of this publication as applicable to their particular trades.

Other Topics Addressed

In addition to the new chapter, the publication assists labor intensive contractors and subcontractors in concepts of proactive project management such as CPM scheduling, labor planning and productivity tracking, change management and settlement negotiations, dispute resolution, claims avoidance and, if necessary, claims preparation and presentation.

The object of this publication is to sensitize construction professionals of all trades to enable the early identification of obstacles to a successful project, and to proactively manage such obstacles to mitigate or eliminate their impact to the bottom line, to the benefit of all of the project participants.

MCAA Members – Download Your Free Copy!

MCAA members can download the publication free as a benefit of membership. Printed books are also available for purchase at a discounted rate.

If you have questions about the book, contact Adrienne Breedlove.

Withum COVID-19 Bill Update – 5/6/2020

“Grace period” extended and SBA commits to new guidance on eligibility – FAQ 43 was released May 5th, indicating that the May 7th deadline for companies to return PPP funds without penalty if they have determined they are not eligible has been extended to May 14thThe big news is that the SBA committed to providing “additional guidance” on how it will review the certifications made in the application prior to May 14, 2020.  This could mean that the SBA will further clarify (and possibly narrow) the scope of what they meant by the concept of “economic uncertainty.”  This is something that borrowers will need to closely consider. 

Clarification on Foreign Affiliates – FAQ 44 was released May 5th and clarified that, for the 500 employee limit, the employees of foreign affiliates need to be included.  This is important because many companies were under the impression that only US employees were considered when it came to affiliation guidance.  Thus, if a company had a foreign subsidiary, those employees will now need to be included for the purpose of the 500 FTE headcount limitation.  Keep in mind, the 500 employee limit considers ALL employees as a full employee.  So a part time employee is considered 1 person for the purpose of this calculation.  This may require some companies to re-evaluate their eligibility. 

Reminder Section:  (what should I be doing):

  • Call your payroll company about claiming the payroll tax deferrals and employee retention credits that were made available in the CARES Act.
  • Talk to your payroll company about the Sick Pay Bill (passed prior to the CARE Bill).
  • Be in constant communication with your bank (about status of your PPP application).
  • Consider speaking with your bank to discuss changes to terms of existing debt facilities.  The banking system remains strong.
  • If you have already applied for the PPP, start forecasting how you intend to spend the funds and how to qualify for the highest amount of forgiveness possible.

5/6 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their May 6 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

CRW Mechanical and W.E. Bowers Team Up to Support COVID-19 Patient Care

As the number of COVID-19 patients in Maryland has grown, so has the need for additional patient care facilities throughout the region. CRW Mechanical and W.E. Bowers, both members of the MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc., teamed up to meet that need by participating in the construction of several temporary patient care facilities.

The companies’ involvement began when Leonard Murphy of CRW Mechanical was contacted by the Verified Gas System on March 26. The request: produce and install essential headwalls and medical gas containers needed to supply medical gas for the temporary structures. The headwalls contribute to the use of medical air, oxygen and vacuum systems and provide power and data connections to serve patients and their caregivers.

CRW Mechanical and W.E. Bowers, members of MCA of Metro Washington, constructed emergency temporary tents to support the influx of infected patients of COVID-19

Leonard Murphy and CRW Mechanical’s President, Rudy Ford, understood the immediate need and the strict timeline. They contacted Kenny Colburn, Executive Vice President at W.E. Bowers. With collaboration and coordination from concept to fabrication,  the teams completed the first fully functional tent structure at Fort Washington in Prince George’s County, MD by April 1.

“Our group of contractors has been working together 24/7 to meet the deadline of the project. A huge thanks to the suppliers who have helped us reach our deadline. Everyone’s really come together to make this happen. I can’t say enough great things about the work we are all doing. We’re all in this together.”

MCAA thanks CRW Mechanical and W.E. Bowers for their collaboration to better serve patients with COVID-19. We will get through this together.

Webinar #11: Future Planning for the Service Industry Virtual Roundtable – Michael Rosone, Mike McHenry, Mike Star, Rich Happel, David Geith, Pete Chaney

Business as usual is not a phrase we are likely to hear again any time soon – if ever. HVACR and plumbing service contractors need to prepare now in order to remain viable and successful moving forward.  Contractors will need to understand their customer’s new concerns and challenges as well as your changing role in ensuring the safe and proper operations of their facilities’ systems.  A panel of MSCA leaders led an open and enlightening discussion on the “new normal” and how best to prepare your service company for the  unchartered road ahead.  They shared unique strategies and forward-thinking ideas that are being implemented now.

Additional Resources:

This webinar was recorded Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Discover the Latest from Team Industries, Inc. and LENOX in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Team Industries, Inc. - MCAA Virtual Trade Show


Team Industries, Inc.

Designed in accordance with “Lean Manufacturing” concepts, Team’s pipe welding positioners deliver economical, high quality pipe welding. Team’s positioners are designed for the highest quality and peak efficiency in pipe welding.

Learn More

LENOX - MCAA Virtual Trade Show


LENOX®

LENOX has over a century of cutting expertise, delivering solutions that make our tradesmen more productive. LENOX is now redefining performance levels with the introduction of the LAZER CT™ Carbide Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blades.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS