ABC Keystone's 37th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards

ABC Keystone invites you to showcase your work in the 2026 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards program. This program recognizes and publicizes the outstanding work performed on projects built by the members of ABC Keystone. Join the ranks of hundreds of free enterprise companies recognized as “the best of the best” in the construction industry.

Please note: Projects entered, or entrant’s portion of project, must have been completed no earlier than January 1, 2025, and no later than December 31, 2025. The date on the occupancy permit determines a project’s completion.

Please complete an “Intent to Submit” form for each project entered in the 2026 EIC Awards.
Please complete the “Intent to Submit” form by May 8, 2026.
EIC entry materials should be submitted via OpenWater. Further explanation will be available about how to prepare the entry materials.
Project entry and STEP final deadline is June 26, 2026, at 4:00 pm. Payment is also due at this time. An invoice will be generated for your company based on the intent to submit forms.

Click here to start your "Intent to Submit" form.

Each entry must adhere to all entry requirements, must be accompanied by the entry fee and submitted to ABC Keystone no later than Friday, June 26, 2026, at 4:00 pm. (Firm deadline, no exceptions!).

No project with a safety-related fatality or company with a safety-related fatality within the program year can receive consideration for an award.
No points will be given for presentation or appearance of the entry form/package.
Projects entered, or entrant’s portion of project, must have been completed no earlier than January 1, 2025, and no later than December 31, 2025. The date on the occupancy permit determines a project’s completion.

Click here to review the 2026 Entry Requirements.

Entry Fee: Companies will be invoiced for each Intent to Submit form that it submitted via the portal. The entry fee for each submission is $345. ABC Keystone will send an invoice for all Intent to Submit forms you submit. If you need to withdraw a project, please let us know ASAP. Payment must be received by Friday, June 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm to be considered for judging.

Judging and Awards

Judging

ABC Keystone’s panel of volunteer judges represents a cross-section of the industry, including local design professionals and engineers. Projects are judged on execution of design, craftsmanship, safety, attention to detail, proper installation, evidence of extraordinary effort, owner satisfaction, and other considerations. Judges evaluate the projects based on submission and, if necessary, site visits.

An ABC Keystone member accounting firm designated by the Excellence in Construction Committee tabulates the completed forms. Decisions of the judges are final.

Awards

The Excellence Award, the top honor, is given to the highest scoring project in each category, provided the project earned at least 90 points. The Merit Award, second place, is given to all other projects that scored 80 or more points in each category. If none of the projects in a category scored 80 points or more, then an award will not be given. All other entrants earn a Certificate of Commendation.

Being the only project in a category does NOT guarantee an award.
A project must score 80 or more points to be eligible for a Merit Award.
A project must score 90 or more points to be eligible for an Excellence Award.
If more than one project scores 95 or higher, then judges can award up to TWO (2) Excellence Awards per category. Scoring must be very close for this to occur.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

“Insider’s Guide to EIC Entries” FREE seminar: April 8, 2026, 9-11AM

Submit a completed “Intent to Submit” form by: May 8, 2026 by 5pm

Deadline for entry: June 26, 2026 by 4pm

Notification - All entrants will be informed of the results no later than August 28, 2026

Award Acceptors Due: October 16, 2026

Excellence in Construction Awards Gala: November 5, 2026