Advanced American Diving Service Brings Home Two National Awards
by AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter, “Construction News Update,” May 2003

>> Click here to view the Miter Gate Repair Project Case Study <<

Local general contractor, Advanced American Diving Service, Inc. (AADS) recently received the national Associated General Contractors (AGC) highest accolades for its work on the Army Corps of Engineers' Miter Gate Repair project, Lower Granite Dam, Washington. Each year AGC searches out contractors for two major awards, “Aon Build America” and “Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering,” to highlight outstanding performances by AGC members and showcase the “best of the best” projects in the industry.

Aon Build America Merit Awards recognize complicated projects that demonstrate innovation, state-of-the-art advancement, environmental sensitivity, community contribution, and excellence in project management client service and safety. “Marvin M. Black, Excellence in Partnering Awards” are presented annually to the construction projects best epitomizing the principles of partnering. Partners who win this coveted prize stand out for their ability to achieve a common goal, resolve conflicts, improve communication, celebrate joint successes and most importantly, incorporate team-building activities.

AADS' President Dee Burch and Project Manager Art Harding knew that their Miter Gate Repair project met all the criteria of both awards, but they were uncertain if it would compete against larger projects at the national level for 2002. As for the principles of partnering, Burch firmly believes that this project could not have succeeded any other way. Burch explains, “The partnering process delivered increased productivity, creativity, pride in the work, and overall enjoyment of the job. We created a safe, trusting, synergistic environment that supported open, honest communication.”

Project Manager Art Harding confirms the need for such a team attitude on a complex, demanding project, “This was a demanding 24-hour/7-day-a-week project, requiring all participants to be available at all times. The instant cooperation of all parties on weekends, at night, and holidays, made the project a fun and prideful job.”

The Army Corps of Engineers discovered that the Miter Gate was in dire need of repair in March 1998, during a routine inspection. The Corps discovered serious cracks in the Lower Granite Navigation Lock Miter Gate, which were considered to be a serious threat to the future integrity and operation of the navigation lock. A major portion of the economy of Clarkston, Wash., Lewiston, Idaho, and the surrounding areas is dependant upon commercial shippers being able to use the Lower Granite Lock and Dam. The Corps needed a contractor that could deliver a solution to this complex, challenging and time and quality sensitive project.

AADS met – and surpassed – the Corps' goals on all fronts. This project received an “Outstanding Performance Rating” from the Corps, and Advanced American Diving Service was awarded the Department of the Army Certificate of Appreciation, and received a $200,000 bonus for early completion.

Advanced American Diving Service is an Oregon City-based heavy general contractor with a stellar track record of excellent performance through its solid 19-year history. AADS has worked in most western states and specializes in marine construction and consulting work in the Columbia and Snake Rivers system. AADS also won the Aon Build America Award in 2000 for its Eastbank Esplanade project in Portland. For more information about the award-winning Miter Gate Repair project, and AADS, please visit www.aadiving.com .