An airport construction contractor refers to an individual, partnership or company performing the construction, renovation or demolition of an airport. These contractors are also referred to as prime contractors, who either work themselves or subcontract a part of the work to other companies.

Understanding the key terms of airport construction contractors will help you to select the most suitable airport construction contractor. This guide covers some of the common terms in the construction business, such as subcontractor, licensed contractor, RFQ, RFP and contract documents.

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Subcontractor

The prime contractor hires a subcontractor to accomplish some specific part of the project. In the airport construction business, subcontracting building, electrical and mechanical work is a common practice.

I recommend: You can read through the glossary by CLiP IT Solutions Limited.

Licensed contractor

Every country has its own rules and regulations for contractors. A licensed contractor is an individual who has passed a certification exam to obtain a license to execute specific projects as a contractor.

I recommend: To learn more about licensed contractors, you can read through the glossary at Fairair, an informative website by AIRAH (Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating).

Contract documents

Contract documents include legal papers, such as construction contract agreements, lists of drawings, payment and performance bonds, lists of subcontractors and any other relevant documents.

I recommend: For more information regarding contract documents, you can refer to the glossary by the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP).

Construction bidding

Construction bidding is the process of submitting a proposal regarding the cost of construction to carry out a project. Agencies finalize the contractor based on the bid submitted by the different contractors.

I recommend: To learn more about bidding, you can read through the glossary by The Boldt Company, a construction firm.

RFQ (Request for Quotation)

RFQ is a standard business process, by which a company, agency or government seeks a price for the specific construction. Information regarding payments terms, quantity of material and quality level is also included in the RFQ. RFQ is a part of the competitive bidding process.

I recommend: GovernmentBids.com, an information source for government business opportunities, offers a glossary of technical terms.

RFP (Request For Proposal)

RFP is a process by which a company, agency or the government seeks a specific proposal from the construction contractors for construction, followed by specific process and standards.

I recommend: You can read through the glossary by ProcServe, a provider of eProcurement and supply chain solutions.

Completing airport construction projects on schedule and within your budget is a real challenge. That is why it is important that you do your homework before deciding on an airport construction company or an airport building contractor for your airport construction.

When choosing an airport construction contractor remember to keep certain criteria in mind.

1. An airport contractor should possess the technical expertise needed for building an airport, including airport runway construction.

2. Airport construction contractors should be willing to furnish references and provide a portfolio of other airport construction projects they handled.

3. The airport construction contractor you select should have competitive prices when it comes to airport construction cost.

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Check out prospective airport construction firms

Construction of an airport calls for a specific type of construction contractor. The contractor must have impeccable credentials in addition to particular expertise in airport construction to comply with the myriad of safety requirements, OSHA government regulations and FAA standards.

I recommend: Aviation Facilities Company specializes in developing, designing, financing, leasing, and marketing airport terminals, cargo, maintenance and other support facilities. ALTO focuses on hangar and hangar floor construction for general and business aviation. Bechtel Limited has planned, designed and constructed some of the most innovative and technologically advanced airports in the world, including multiple projects at 41 major airports, some of them landmark projects.

Seek out specialty airport construction contractors

Airport construction includes runway construction and overall airport expansion.

I recommend: If you are looking to expand your airport consider Turner Construction. Their portfolio includes the Palm Springs Airport and the Orlando Sanford International Airport. If it's airport runway construction contractors you need, check out Hi-Lite Markings, a company with experience in pavement markings and striping airport runways.Their projects include the Nashville International Airport. Granite Construction is noted for its airport runway, taxiway and T-hangar construction for the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.

See the finished product of various airport contractors

Successful airport construction firms should boast a multitude of airport construction projects. A visit to their website allows you to peruse their portfolio of projects, design style and testimonials of satisfied customers.

I recommend: Burns & McDonnell, Mortenson Construction and Parsons Construction Management are just some of the airport construction companies from which to choose.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Airport construction contractors generally require partial payment prior to construction. One-third to one-half of the estimated total cost is the average.
• •  Subcontractors of airport construction firms also must have a contractor's license and be fully insured.

Airport contracting, engineering or construction management are all part of a specialized construction field that needs distinctive training. As an airport contractor, or potential contractor, keeping your training up to date will allow you to stay ahead of the competition and show that you have the skills needed for the job.

Airport construction contractors education and training is available in many different forms from the advanced education degree programs through many universities to the technical training or online courses and programs for specific airport design or engineering aspects. To get the training you need:

1. Advance your education to work with an airport construction company.

2. Look into online training for airport runway construction or terminal engineering.

3. Find help from other construction professionals.

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Get a degree to find a job in airport construction firms

Most airport contracting managers and supervisors are educated as civil engineers or contractors. The civil engineering programs at many major universities and technical schools include airport design and engineering electives. Some colleges will even offer degrees with airport construction emphasis or internship opportunities.

I recommend: For engineering degrees, look to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's civil engineering degree. Their program puts emphasis on infrastructure and includes course work in airport engineering. Take airport-specific training at Purdue School of Civil Engineering or use the electives as a way to gain a degree in civil engineering with an airport engineering emphasis.

Use online degree programs to advance your standing with airport construction companies

An online contractor, design or engineering program provides a way for you to update your airport construction training. Whether you are a civil engineer or contractor working with an airport construction project, there are many online course and degree programs available to suit your needs.

I recommend: Harvard University Graduate School of Design offers an online airport design curriculum that includes many educational offerings by the leading engineers and designers of airports around the world. Penn Foster College offers an associate degree in civil engineering with airport construction enhancements that can be done from your home computer.

Network with others in the airport contractor business

Get some training or advice from other airport contractors and engineers. Networking with your peers allows you to find out about training opportunities that you may not have been aware of otherwise. Find out which degree programs or training classes are worth the time and effort, and which are better left unattended.

I recommend: Airport construction contractors information can easily be found at the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA)website. The FAA information includes information on design, engineering and construction projects. ICivil Engineer's section on airport construction includes many helpful articles and links to other industry information sites.