Three local groups with one common goal: making construction project information easily accessible for everyone. The West TN Chapter of ABC, MAMCA, and Memphis Reprographics have teamed up to create The Mid-South Planroom in an effort to create a more inclusive bidding process and to help contractors, suppliers, and vendors find work.
A completely free service, the Mid-South Planroom hosts public projects out for bid in the mid-south region. The objectives are simple: allow every business to have a fair opportunity to win work, assist local firms, and better our community. The initiative is spearheaded by Chris McNally, Owner and CEO of Memphis Reprographics; Stephanie Alexander, Executive Director of Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association (MAMCA); and Amber Harris, President and CEO of West TN Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (WTCABC).
Other platforms require costly subscription fees to access available projects out for bid. For some companies, paying these subscriptions might not be financially feasible, which creates a disadvantage. However, having access to view available projects for FREE in the Mid-South Planroom eliminates this disparity. Furthermore, it allows potential bidders the opportunity to determine whether or not they want to bid a job before they purchase set of plans, thus allowing them to reallocate their time and money on the right projects and helping them grow their businesses.
Documents hosted on the Mid-South Planroom are filtered through Memphis Reprographics. Using a multi-step process, all files are double-checked for any errors that might otherwise be overlooked. In addition, addenda are posted to the planroom as soon as Memphis Reprographics receives them.
So, what projects are hosted on the planroom? You will find current public projects available for bid within the mid-south region. Project documents are pulled from local procurement sites, or sent directly to us from architects and project owners who wish to post their jobs.
The three Memphis-based groups hope that the Mid-South Planroom will further their missions of bettering our community. MAMCA strives to help small, minority contractors with training, classes, mentorship, and provide hands-on training to people who are interested in becoming contractors. Similarly, WTCABC has a goal of providing education, training, service, and networking to West TN's construction community. Memphis Reprographics has pledged to annually donate 20% of all print sales made through the Midsouth Planroom to West TN ABC and MAMCA.
"We aim to simplify the process, increase bid response, and help put money back into our community," said McNally.
To access the Mid-South Planroom, click here.