Michael D’Onofrio and expert panelists participated in a session titled, Hot Tubbing (a/k/a Concurrent Testimony) Expert Witnesses – a Role Play. Two highly skilled litigators representing opposing parties and their respective expert witnesses demonstrated how opposing experts could be called to present their opinions to the Arbitrator at the same time in a construction dispute. Attendees increased their knowledge of the arbitration process from beginning to end—distinct from mediation and litigation—and participated in virtual clinics for diverse arbitration practice areas.

The Florida Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Section’s inaugural Arbitration Advocacy Institute was a one-day, virtual workshop for attorney-arbitrators that provided coaching on mechanics, technology, and professionalism to help Florida attorneys boost their arbitration advocacy skills.

CPMI enjoyed attending the Women in Construction virtual event today. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person anniversary conference was postponed until October 22, 2021, but they didn’t want to let this year’s conference date pass us by without gathering virtually to discuss important and timely topics. Attendees learned about the state of construction, successful workplace diversity, work-life-covid-balance and the future of work: progressing your career in a dynamic environment.

Todd Mayo is teaching Contract Management at Columbia University in the City of New York fall semester 2020. The course is part of the Masters in Construction Administration program at the School of Professional Studies (SPS). SPS programs are taught by leading educators and leading-edge practitioners giving students the skills and support they need to move their careers, communities and industries forward.

The Future Industry Spotlight Award from American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has been awarded to CPMI’s Smita Yamgar. The award is given annually to bring national industry attention to two women students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at a U.S. college or university who have thus far achieved an outstanding academic record and demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills within and outside the academic environment. Congratulations Smita!

October 14, 2020

Joe Hellenbrand and expert panelists discussed The Impact of COVID-19 on Construction Contracts: Work Stoppage and Delay as part of a webinar presented by the Bergen County Bar Association.

The program was about the profound impact of COVID-19 on the economy in general and on the construction industry in particular. Work stoppage and delay became the norm as Executive Orders and other restrictions took effect across the tristate area and country. The program addressed: contractors’ and their attorneys’ responses to work stoppage and delay; schedule and delay analysis; important contract provisions to consider and employ; the financial of work stoppage and delay.

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Rob D’Onofrio and expert panelists discussed the Update on the Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol – what’s new, what’s better – as part of a webinar presented by the IBA International Construction Projects Committee of the Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL) on October 7, 2020.

The session provided an overview of the main features of the Society of Construction Law’s (SCL) Delay and Disruption Protocol, explored the key elements or aspects that have been updated in the latest edition and opened a discussion on the potential applicability to new jurisdictions across the world. To watch the full recording of the presentation, click here.

Feras Taher joined a panel of industry experts to discuss the impact of delays on your projects. Specifically, this webinar focused on different delay analysis methodologies how they produce different results. Which one works? And why should you use it? The premise, of course, was that there can’t be two right answers to any question subjected to a rigorous analysis. Yet, time after time in schedule-related disputes, each party presents an analysis supporting a different position: unsurprisingly, theirs.

The Project Management College of Scheduling (PMCOS) is a dynamic organization of professionals dedicated to advancing the practice and profession of project planning and scheduling, and promoting the implementation of accurate, ethical schedules throughout the World. To find out more about the college, please visit their website.

Rob D’Onofrio completed his time as President of the ASCE Construction Institute this month. His term started in October and ran for one year. With 15,000 members, CI offers individuals and organizations working in all sectors of the construction industry the opportunity to network with other professionals, sharpen skills, and shape the future of the industry.

July 27, 2020

The 2020 Francis M. Keville Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to CPMI’s Smita Yamgar. The Francis M. Keville Scholarship was established in 2009 by Christine Keville, FCMAA, through her firm, Keville Enterprises, Inc., in honor of her late father, Frank Keville. The Scholarship, administered by the CMAA Foundation, honors Frank’s lifelong commitment to learning and opportunity. The Francis M. Keville scholarship is awarded each year to a female student pursuing a degree in construction management, who has a record of leadership and engagement both on- and off-campus, and who is planning a career in the field. Congratulations Smita!

July 10, 2020

CPMI congratulates William Griffin, P.E., PSP, CCA, on completing his Masters of Engineering degree with a concentration in Construction Engineering Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

June 1, 2020

CPMI’s Joseph Hellenbrand, P.E., PSP was quoted in ASCE’s news article, Industry Seeks Solutions to COVID-19 Disruptions. Check it out here.

March 11, 2020

CPMI Engineers Joe Hellenbrand, David Kendall, and Ryan Clark, taught Construction Project Scheduling today at the Associated Builders and Contractors Eastern Pa. Chapter Allentown location.

Students learned how to properly document and present time extension requests and delay claims. In addition, they learned how to cover detailed baseline schedules for acceptance as per contract requirements, reviewing and analyzing Contractor Monthly CPM updates, providing schedule analysis reports (SAR) and preparing time impact analysis (TIA).

This course will be held again at ABC’s East Norriton, PA location on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Please visit ABC’s website for more information.

March 4 – 7, 2020

Patrick Spare attended the 2020 Trial Academy March 4 – 7 in Dallas, TX. This three-day intensive trial skills training program is presented by the American Bar Association and allows for students to learn how to enhance their construction law trial skills.

This year they used a new and improved factual scenario that focused on issues commonly encountered in construction projects to teach the skills that are needed to successfully try a construction dispute. Expert attendees learned the skills needed to effectively present their opinions in a construction case. The faculty included experienced construction litigators who have tried cases throughout the country. Engaging lectures and demonstrations by the faculty guided students through all phases of a trial.

This program sells out each and every time it’s offered. To find out more, visit the Forum’s website.

February 22, 2020

Joe Hellenbrand participated in a mock trial during the 8th Annual ASCE CI Summit in Los Angeles, California. Contractors, owners, designers, and other construction industry stakeholders from all over the country met to share new developments and innovative practices in the construction industry. Attendees learned about the industry’s best practices, networked with peers, and expanded their knowledge base to successfully deliver their projects.

January 3, 2020

CPMI congratulates William Griffin, P.E., PSP, CCA, for obtaining the Certified Construction Auditor (CCA) certification with the National Association of Construction Auditors (NACA). The CCA credential is a nationally recognized designation for construction auditing and controls that instills confidence in employers and clients when they secure the services of a professional construction auditor. The National Association of Construction Auditors is committed to ensuring the highest standard of construction auditing and controls possible.