Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee has signed a bill that requires certain public works renovation and new construction projects to be completed by North American Contractor Certified (NACC) companies. The companies must also employ at least one Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) certified worker.
Rhode Island House Bill 5074 states that public works renovation projects exceeding $1 million and new public works construction projects exceeding $5 million that require glazing work must have a portion completed by NACC companies that employ at least one AGMT crew member. These rules take effect on July 1, 2024. Additionally, after Jan. 1, 2025, each crew performing work must include an AGMT-certified worker on site.
The bill adds that after Jan. 1, 2026, 25% of crews must be AGMT certified, and after Jan. 1, 2027, 50% of crews must be comprised of AGMT-certified individuals. The bill defines glazing as replacing and installing windows, skylights, storefronts and the general installation of architectural glass.
“We are pleased that Rhode Island has included the NACC and AGMT programs for their project requirements,” says NACC and AGMT program development director Jeff Dalaba. “The House and Senate committees reviewing the proposed language performed thorough reviews of program requirements and allowed us to provide detailed comments and clarifications for committee review.
“The end result of this legislation is that future building envelopes for Rhode Island public buildings will be installed by qualified glaziers and glazing contractors that meet the rigorous personnel testing and contractor quality, safety, process control and quality verification requirements of these glazing industry established programs. This will help ensure that taxpayers in the state get the building performance they are paying for.”
What is NACC/AGMT?
The NACC is North America’s only architectural glass and metal contractor credential open to the entire industry. NACC officials state that the certification process reduces the risk of poor building performance by minimizing errors, improving documentation and establishing standards for business and glazing. The program is designed to create a baseline for competency and adherence to industry-accepted guidelines for glazing.
The AGMT certification program is a personnel certification process that includes a third-party, independent assessment of an experienced glazier’s knowledge of and ability to perform fundamental glazing procedures properly.
According to officials, the programs allow for improved jobsite safety and fewer subcontractor defaults and deficiencies.
“NACC is a simplified way to specify a minimum quality standard and to know you’re getting an expected competency from a contractor or installer,” says David Stutzman, president of Conspectus Inc., an independent specifications consulting firm.
Dalaba states that NACC/AGMT programs have steadily grown, with more than 65 certified contractors and 1,355 certified glaziers in North America. He adds that the programs are recognized in MasterSpec and have been required on more than 750 projects year-to-date in 2023.
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