Federal procurement law on awarding construction contracts states that "contracts should not be awarded to firms that have a history of unacceptable business practices."

To that end, SMACNA recently sent a letter to President Bush, urging his Administration to support "an aggressive federal policy that ensures federal contractors meet high standards of integrity, business ethics, quality and performance."

Specifically, the letter asked that President Bush "oppose any efforts to repeal or reform the recently implemented rules" that could suspend that policy. SMACNA went on to state that it believes that "ignoring the past behavior of lawbreaking federal bidders is no way for our government to do business¿"