A new National Service and Maintenance Agreement will provide service contractors and local unions with the ability to competitively perform all service and building operations work in all sectors of the industry, according to the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA).

The design of the new agreement covers and the new name reflects the range of service the agreement encompasses, including ac, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, ventilation, building automation, and total building operations.

"In addition to being rewritten and reorganized to enhance understanding and clarity," according to MSCA, "the new agreement succinctly defines the scope of service operations that are covered under the agreement. This includes 'all work¿ necessary to keep facilities and existing systems in those facilities operating in an efficient manner.'"

The new agreement is effective January 1.