Clark Construction Group funds Francis Hall conference, bid room

A “bid room” outfitted with state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment for simulating the preparation and negotiation of construction project cost proposals will be built in [Francis Hall] (http://cosc.arch.tamu.edu/francis-hall/) , the future campus home of the Texas A&M Department of Construction Science, with help from a donation from [Clark Construction Group LLC] (http://www.clarkconstruction.com/) , one of the nation’s largest providers of construction services.

The facility, also know as a “ [plan room] (http://www.dictionaryofconstruction.com/definition/plan-room.html) ,” will enable construction science faculty to simulate bid day scenarios in which contractors seek, receive and evaluate subcontractor price proposals when preparing a final bid for a project.

“The Clark Video Conference and Bid Room will be an important space in Francis Hall where our students can collaborate internally and externally through the use of high-quality audio and video communication equipment,” said Joe Horlen, head of the [Department of Construction Science] (http://cosc.arch.tamu.edu/) . “Clark Construction Group LLC has been a tremendous supporter of many educational programs at Texas A&M that have greatly enhanced the quality of facilities and the learning environment.”

The $100,000 gift agreement, signed by Peter Forster ‘63, chairman of Clark Construction Group’s board of directors, is part of a $9 million restoration of Francis Hall. Forster earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and civil engineering at Texas A&M.

A longstanding member of the Department of Construction Science’s [Construction Industry Advisory Council] (http://cosc.arch.tamu.edu/industry/) , Clark Construction Group has contributed to student success through active participation in CIAC meetings, at departmental career fairs where they provide jobs and internships for students, and through a scholarship the company has offered since 2004.

The company also established the Clark Construction Group Endowed Professorship in Construction Science at Texas A&M in 1992 to recognize and promote excellence in undergraduate teaching in construction science and maximize student career opportunities in the construction industry.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Clark Construction Group LLC, with more than 4,000 employees and more than $4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in building iconic structures such as Dulles International Airport and FedEx field, home of the NFL’s Washington Redskins, in addition to convention centers, sports facilities, office complexes, hotels, airports, correctional facilities, manufacturing facilities, water treatment plants, highways and bridges, and high-rise apartments.

The company serves commercial, institutional, and heavy construction customers around the U.S. and is a subsidiary of [Clark Enterprises] (http://www.clarkenterprisesinc.com/) .

For more information about the Francis Hall campaign contact Larry Zuber, assistant vice president for development, Texas A&M Foundation, l-zuber@tamu.edu or 979.845.0939, or Joe Horlen, jhorlen@tamu.edu , or 979.458.3477.