News bits

General contractors and subcontractors can easily locate available construction workers and skilled craftsmen nearest to a specific job site using the database on this new Web site. Available workers are listed by location, experience in the trade and current and desired pay. The Web site even includes a Truckpool classified section, where workers can list rides needed and offered.

Called the most comprehensive and current source for information about federal construction on the Internet, this new Web portal includes more than 10,000 searchable documents, including specifications and reference standards from more than 120 industry organizations. The Web site integrates government performance requirements with nongovernment standards and criteria, vendor data and other industry sources.

A/E/C professionals looking for information on specifying and installing copper architectural products should check out this Web site, which maintains four databases of suppliers.

In the extended wake of Columbine and other school shootings, many manufacturers are developing products geared toward increased school safety. For instance, this digital video monitoring system allows school personnel to monitor activity in real-time or quickly search recorded and stored video clips.