Masonry Magazine February 1961 Page. 32
Bid Depositories
(Continued from page 24)
In order to prevent collusion between bidders which might result in the elimination of some bidders for a "cut" of the contract.
Bidding through the depository should not be required of subcontractors; it should be merely encouraged. The principal weapon of the depository must be the force of public opinion in an industry operating to discourage general contractors and subcontractors from by-passing the depository in the pursuit of large profits.
# Some Don'ts
Here are certain features which should not be incorporated into a bid depository plan:
When different specialties are represented in a depository, there is the possibility of tying requirements, i.e. when plasterers and bricklayers are members of the depository, a contractor may have to agree to accept both bricklaying and plastering bids through the depository. Such requirements constitute violations of the anti-trust laws.
Any limitation upon the price of a bid or a combination of bids is invalid.
The requirement that a successful bidder pay to the depository a fee in excess of a minimal fee to cover clerical expenses of the depository tends to increase the prices of bids and is also an invalid provision. An example of a minimal fee is one not exceeding $250.
If the above rules are adhered to, the depository can be a useful agency to inhibit destructive practices in the construction trade. But there is great danger in the use of a depository to discipline unruly members of the industry. Thus members must tread lightly and adhere strictly to rules such as those above which are merely exemplifications of the principle that the depository should be a public agency open to all; an agency which employs as its chief weapon the force of public opinion.
Six Brick Firms Join NADD
WASHINGTON, D. C. Six brick and tile specialist firms have become members of the National Association of Distributors and Dealers of Structural Clay Products. They are: George P. Anderson Co., Lansing, Mich.; Atlas Plaster & Supply Co., Louisville, Ky:; Entwisle Corp., New York, N. Y.; Hydraulic Press Brick Co., St. Louis, Mo.; Old Virginia Brick Co., Salem, Va.; and Smullian Building Supply Co., Jacksonville, Fla.
Columnist Scores Cold, High Cost Glass/Steel Tenements'
NEW YORK, N. Y. New York Tribune columnist John Crosbey, in a widely syndicated article entitled "Vision and Money," scored many of the so-called modern skyscrapers rising in Gotham. Said Crosbey, "Most of them are not fully rented. Their office space is increasingly difficult to rent because no one wants those cold, expensive, glass and steel tenements."
Crosbey calls for a fine arts commission for New York to harmonize its past, present and future in architecture and construction.
Publish Code of Minimum Requirements for RBM
WASHINGTON, D. C.-A code of minimum requirements for reinforced masonry construction has been published by the National Bureau of Standards under the title "Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Masonry." The booklet includes requirements in materials, construction, structural design and allowable stresses. Copies can be purchased-15c each through: Supt. of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C.
NEW! Brick-Handling Lift By Prime-Mover
Here is a basic handling device for mason contractors that handles either packaged brick or palletized brick, also stone, block, tile and mortar. The two-section mast raises the load 7' 6" (8' 6" optional). It retracts to clear the doorways, and tilts to engage, carry, and discharge loads. This machine is made to traditionally high Prime-Mover standards for long, trouble-free, profitable performance.
View of Prime-Mover L-812 on the job, Handles either packaged or palletized brick. Operated by dependable 7 h.p. Wisconsin engine. A heavy duty trans-axle drive powers the front load wheels. Rear wheels are direct steered by a combination steering and clutch control.
Ask your dealer to show you how easily your hod carriers or laborers can operate this new Model L-812 fork lift. You can use this machine on all of your jobs to cut costs of handling all sizes and shapes of masonry materials.
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PRIME-MOVER
THE PRIME-MOVER CO., MUSCATINE, IOWA
MASONRY FEBRUARY, 1961