Submitting your best work for an award is more than just seeking applause. It is about validating your team’s hard work, showcasing your craftsmanship to future clients and setting a new benchmark for the cast-in-place concrete industry. The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Project of the Year program is the platform for recognizing innovation, technical skill and creativity among concrete contractors across North America.

If you have completed a project that pushed your team to new heights or solved a complex problem for a client, now is the time to share it. The submission window is open until April 24, 2026.

The following steps will walk you through the eligibility requirements, judging criteria and step-by-step submission process to ensure your application stands out.

STEP 1: VERIFY YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Before gathering your materials, you need to confirm that you and your project qualify for the competition. The CFA has specific rules to ensure fairness and high standards.

First, you must be an active CFA member. Non-members are not eligible to participate in the awards program. If you are not currently a member, you can join via the CFA website to unlock eligibility.

Second, the project must be a cast-in-place concrete solution that has not previously won a Project of the Year Award. While projects do not need to be fully completed to be eligible, the CFA notes that finished concrete work often presents stronger during the judging phase. You can submit projects completed in any year as long as they meet these criteria.

Finally, ensure you select the correct category for your work. The competition currently includes:

• Single-Family Residences
• Commercial Projects
• Apartments or Multi-Family Residences
• All-Concrete Homes
• Agricultural Projects
• Non-Foundation Elements
• Non-wall Structural Elements

STEP 2: UNDERSTAND THE JUDGING CRITERIA

Winning projects are not chosen at random. They are evaluated by invited members of the Association using a strict 10-point rating system across five specific categories. Understanding these criteria will help you write a more compelling narrative. Judges evaluate projects based on construction quality, project complexity, the challenge for the contractor, use of technology and whether it set an industry standard.

STEP 3: GATHER REQUIRED DATA AND NARRATIVES

A successful submission relies on detail. CFA advises applicants to be diligent in providing as much information as possible.

Prepare the following technical data before you start the online application:

• Project name and location
• Total amount of concrete and steel used
• Wall heights and thicknesses
• Total project square footage
• Details on finishes, systems and products used

You will also need to write narrative answers for several specific questions. Take your time with these responses, as they tell the story behind the statistics. You will need to discuss:

• Significant footing details (such as steps)
• Outstanding wall features (curved walls, complex corners or columns)
• Why the owner selected you as the contractor
• Your technical approach to the project
• Overall complexity and how you met challenges
• Your approach to estimating the project
• Special materials or processes used

STEP 4: CURATE HIGH-QUALITY VISUALS

Photography is critical. Since judges cannot visit every site in person, your photos are the only window they have into your work. CFA encourages submitting between six and 10 high-resolution images. While professional photography is not mandatory, it is ideal. You are also encouraged to provide photos or video of the construction process itself, not just the finished product. Seeing the work in progress helps judges appreciate the difficulty of the build. Remember to identify any copyrighted material and provide necessary photo credits if a professional photographer was used.

STEP 5: COMPLETE THE ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM

Once your data, narratives and photos are ready, you can proceed to the online application. There is a $65 entry fee per project, which is paid upon entry. Members are welcome to submit as many projects as they wish, provided the fee is paid for each one. Any entries submitted after this date will automatically be rolled over into the following year’s program.

Participating in the Project of the Year program is a powerful way to market your business. Winning projects are used in CFA marketing materials, print publications and public relations efforts. This exposure demonstrates your company’s ability to handle technical challenges and deliver quality results.

If you have a project you would like to submit for an award, visit the CFA website or scan the QR code below.