MIC hosts Annual Federal Officials Seminar Words: Alan JohnsonOver sixty architects, engineers and contractors from all over the federal government attended the November 16 Federal Officials Seminar conducted in Washington, DC. The purpose of the Federal Officials Seminar is to keep federal designers and project managers informed on the latest state-of-the-art developments in masonry design and construction. The day long seminar included topics on construction issues, construction details, historic masonry building preservation, and an update on masonry technology. Attendees also learned about the new MCAA contractor certification program. Many of these officials were excited about MCAA’s certification and wanted to learn more. Other topics included new grout provisions including self-consolidating grout, high wind resistance and masonry storm shelters, mortar specifications and testing, and changes to the masonry design standard. Presentations were provided by member organizations of the MIC including the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Brick Industry Association (BIA), the International Masonry Institute (IMI), the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and The Masonry Society (TMS).