Construction management and architecture students participate in Associated General Contractors Mock Bid Day

MURRAY, Ky. – On April 24, 40 students from the construction management and architecture program in the School of Engineering at Murray State University participated in a Mock Bid Day competition hosted by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Western Kentucky, a chapter of the AGC of America.

The simulation activity provides a real-world example of the pressures of bid day in the construction industry. It gives students an opportunity to put into practice the skills learned in their program to effectively and accurately review subcontractor and supplier bids. Tasks for the student teams included compiling subcontractor bids, performing “takeoff” (quantifying components of work on the project) and completing other calculations needed to produce a complete and accurate bid for a commercial construction project.

“This was my first Mock Bid Day, I had no idea it was going to be this intense,” said Logan Hatton, a junior in the construction management program. “From the moment the clock started until the final seconds, every team was operating at 100 percent. It was an awesome experience, and I would recommend any student going through the construction management and architecture or civil engineering program to participate in this event. Having faculty and volunteers from local construction companies not only facilitating the event, but providing advice to teams from their years of experience was a great learning moment. I feel better prepared for the actual bidding process having attended Mock Bid Day.”

Kevin Perry, program coordinator for the construction management and architecture program, expressed his appreciation to AGC of Western Kentucky for planning and preparing the annual event.

“It challenges our students: utilizing the skills they have acquired throughout our program and provides an experience similar to what they will find in industry,” said Perry. “In addition to that, students enjoy the experience and networking with AGC members. It is great to see the camaraderie among students, faculty and AGC members.”

Aaron Fennel, a senior in the construction management program added, “Mock Bid Day is a great opportunity for students to experience a real world example of what bid day for a construction project looks like. It can be difficult to re-create this atmosphere in a classroom setting, which makes this event especially important for students to participate in. You will test your ability to perform in a stressful environment, as well as work efficiently with a team. Its fast-paced format tests students’ abilities to think quickly and effectively, showcasing the knowledge they have attained in their studies. I greatly encourage Murray State students aspiring to work in the construction industry to participate in Mock Bid Day.”

This year’s winners of the AGC Mock Bid Day Competition:

First Place Winners: Travis Rotolo, senior, of Mayfield, Kentucky; Raegan Gaskins, senior, of Bowling Green, Kentucky; Eva Edwards, senior, of Norris City, Illinois; and Josh Arnett, sophomore, of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Second Place Winners: Hailey Arnold, senior, of Paducah, Kentucky; Logan Hatton, junior, of Paducah, Kentucky; Sadie Andrews, senior, of Salem, Illinois; and Bryce English, sophomore, of Murray, Kentucky.

Third Place Winners: Ethan Shepard, senior, of Murray, Kentucky; Aaron Fennel, senior, of Murray, Kentucky; Kenny Rose, senior, of Louisville, Kentucky; John Foster, senior, of Murray, Kentucky; and Sean Ellis, senior, of Murray, Kentucky.

See footage from Mock Bid Day 2024 on YouTube at bit.ly/3UnHK4O.

Learn more about Murray State’s construction management and architecture program at bit.ly/4dmSuZO.