AQC participants are REQUIRED to meet the following core criteria. Be sure to review all requirements before purchasing the application:

• Be an ABC contractor member.
• Been in business for more than three years.
• Receive a minimum of two quality-based honors within the past five years.
• Receive a minimum of five references completed by third parties.
• Demonstrate financial stability, per the company’s financial institution of choice.
• Bonded adequately for the scope of service provided.
• Maintain a company Quality Control Program.
• Maintain STEP Gold or higher in the current year, demonstrating your incident rate is at, or below, the industry standard average. Contact stepsupport@abc.org with any STEP questions.
• Maintain, and enforce the protocol of, a Corporate Safety Manual.
• Conduct jobsite hazard analyses before work commences.
• Maintain a written substance abuse program that includes a drug and alcohol screening process.
• Conduct a new employee safety orientation.
• Provide and conduct regular safety training.
• Publicly pledge a commitment to a drug-and alcohol-free workplace.
• Provide and require continuing craft training for all craft professionals (for companies that self-perform only).
• Provide and require continuing management training.
• Regularly participate and/or encourage employees to participate in civic-oriented and community activities.
• Maintain an Equal Employment Opportunity policy.
• Maintain, and adhere to, a Harassment-free Workplace policy.
• Provide examples of how your company’s leadership demonstrates commitment to putting the best talent on the construction field.

*RECOMMENDED FIRST STEPS FOR FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS*

1. Gather contact information for at least five companies to provide recommendations. The forms will be sent automatically through the online portal and should be completed by a combination of client/owners, general contractors, construction managers, architects, subcontractors, tier subs, and/or suppliers/vendors. Each application is limited to only one subcontractor, supplier or vendor.
2. Request a letter from your bank that states the length of the financial relationship and the strength of your company’s financial standing. This letter must be dated within six months of the application submission and does not require financial data.
3. If bonded, request a letter from your bonding company that states your company’s bonding capacity is adequate for the scope of service provided. Skip to step 4 if your company is not bonded; additional information will be required in the application.
4. Complete your STEP assessment and receive the verification email. You will be asked to upload the verification email (not the initial email confirming completion) or the STEP certificate. Remember, your company must achieve STEP Gold, Platinum or Diamond to be eligible for AQC.
5. Complete the AQC application. Start Below! 

Once you create an account and log-in, click the "start here" button. You will then complete the company information and payment. Be sure to select "new applicant" from the dropdown menu when asked for your application type. Once you provide the initial company information and select “Checkout”. Note that payment must be made via credit card. Once payment is complete, you will have access to the full AQC application. 

No applications will be accepted after Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. If you have any questions, email aqc@abc.org.