Committed to Fairness in Construction

ASA Metro Washington

• Is the united voice for subcontractors and suppliers to promote equitable business practices through education and advocacy.
• Is dedicated to improving the business environment in the construction industry.
• Promotes ethical and equitable business practices, quality construction, a safe and healthy work environment, integrity and membership diversity.
• Is a not-for-profit trade association representing subcontractors, specialty contractors and suppliers in the construction industry.
• Serves 150 member firms in the Metropolitan Washington DC area.

As the first and founding chapter of the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) [link to www.asaonline.com], ASA Metro Washington is part of a network of ASA chapters that concentrates exclusively on the business issues affecting all subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, both union and non-union firms, from virtually every trade specialty.

ASA Metro Washington strives to inform building owners, financial representatives, government officials, and others that more than 90% of all industrial and commercial construction is performed by subcontractors. ASA Metro Washington also emphasizes needed reform on such issues as retainage, prompt payment, lien rights, indemnity, bid shopping, bidding practices, hold-harmless agreements and onerous contract clauses.

Along with the national ASA in Alexandria, VA, ASA Metro Washington represents the interests of its members directly before the U.S. Congress; the Maryland legislature; the Virginia legislature; the DC City Council; and federal, state and local regulatory agencies.

 History

The American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington, Inc. was chartered as the DC Metropolitan Subcontractors Association on October 1964. On August 19, 1963, W. Dale Connelly, Anning-Johnson Company, wrote: There are areas in which the general contractors and the subcontractors have conflicting interests. The general contractors are well organized. In contrast, there is neither a local nor a national organization which covers only the subcontractors. While there are a number of trade associations, both national and local, for specialized groups of subcontractors, none of these can speak for the subcontractors as a whole. Thus, the subs have no means of taking concerted action on matters of general concern to them. As a consequence, we find the general contractors usually in the driver’s seat. The subs, in the aggregate, are larger than the generals – numerically, economically and otherwise. It makes no sense for the generals to be dictating all of the terms of the game. The subs could quickly correct this situation by forming and supporting a strong sub-organization. If it works out locally, there is no reason it cannot become the basis of a national organization of subcontractors as a counterpart to AGC.

Connelly went on to point out some of the problems that a subcontractor association could overcome:

• Bid Shopping and Bid Peddling
• Retention
• Unreasonable Contract Provisions

DCMSA began with 18 founding members in 1964, growing to 150 members in 1967.

“Remembering the past gives power to the present.”

ASA Metro Washington's 990 tax forms and tax exemption letter are available for inspection upon request.
Contact the Executive Director at 240.292.0900; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it