This session will cover new tax policies and legislation that relate to the construction industry and how companies can prepare for what’s to come. It will also provide an overall tax update and potential structuring options that construction companies can make to reduce their overall tax burden. The session will further explore IRS examination risks and high-profile issues taken on tax returns. Finally, the session will address any proposed or recent legislation as it relates to tax reform.

Effective project management throughout all phases on the project life cycle is essential to delivering a successful project. This session will focus on best practices that should be utilized by self-performing contractors during all five phases of project management to improve profitability on projects. In particular, the session will explore how construction financial professionals can impact project profitability. Further, it will provide real-life examples of workflows and reports to provide accurate information and timely signals to support the project team.

For Heavy/Highway contractors the cost of equipment and operating their fleet is substantial. Ineffective fleet operations can result in a number of profit leaks. Many of these may not be apparent or seem insignificant, but substantially reduce the contractor’s bottom line. This presentation will expose these leaks and show how current technology can stop them.

Federal funding is the main driver for the number of and dollars available for many Heavy Highway contractors. The presentation will focus on current appropriations, proposals and shortfalls. It will focus on the process in Washington, D.C., and the co-operation, or lack thereof, among the involved parties. It will examine the impact on dollars available due to changes in transportation and use of alternative fuels. Would an increase in the gas tax be enough? How big is the trust fund gap, and will there be a major infrastructure deal during the Trump Administration and is there an infrastructure crisis?

The sudden halt in the economy caused by COVID-19 will create a much steeper decline of economic output than the 2008 recession. The subcontracting community and insurance providers supporting performance security protection (Subcontractor Default Insurance and Surety Bonds) might be exposed to significant losses caused by COVID-19. It will be imperative for construction managers and general contractors to closely monitor subcontractor financial stability, liquidity and ongoing performance. Subcontractors will need to provide evidence of sufficient liquidity to push through this period of uncertainty. When this current COVID-19 crisis subsides, projects that have been delayed or suspended will begin to restart. We will walk you through a sample prequalification process including a 90-day liquidity review that is necessary to provide a satisfactory response to these concerns. We will discuss the importance of making timely decisions and required action steps to avoid the risk that this current situation presents to unfunded schedule impacts and project delays.

The presenters will provide an interactive mock negotiation of a subcontract to identify contract clauses that arise in specialty trade subcontracts, as well as explain specific negotiation points. Key clauses that will be discussed will include such items as risk transfer clauses, indemnification, pay-if-paid and pay-when-paid clauses, retention release clauses, waivers of consequential damages, alternative dispute provisions, and scheduling clauses. The presenters will identify and explain these clauses while conducting a mock negotiation.

How well do you know your contracts? Contractors often focus on work scope believing that other provisions are difficult to negotiate or are fixed. However, all contracts are subject to some negotiation. Even those that are fixed still require attention, especially those that govern the timing of payment, change order requests, additional work directives, monthly releases, claims, delays, and conditions precedent to termination. This session will help to update contractors on the state of relevant contract terms in the industry and how to get paid, when to lien a job or make a bond claim, and how to make sure your billing complies with the contract requirements.