In honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, NPCA is seeking best-in-class projects utilizing precast concrete to show the power of precast in the built environment

The National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) announced today the call for entries is open for its first “Built for Purpose Awards,” which will honor infrastructure projects showcasing the enduring role precast concrete has played – and will continue to play – in the growth of the United States and American infrastructure. The submission form will open June 1, and entries are due Aug. 31. The awards are open to both member and non-member firms and companies. The awards seek both projects in-progress, as well as those completed within the past five years.

Inspired to coincide with the America250 celebrations happening this summer, the awards will honor projects with true impact – whether that be strengthening civil or municipal engineering projects, supporting environmental stewardship or improving communities for those who live, work and play within them.

“From highways to national parks, bridges to airports, precast concrete offers solutions that do everything from improve public safety to protect natural habitats,” said Nick Rhoad, CEO and President of NPCA. “Precast has been hiding in plain sight – quietly contributing to the resilience and performance of U.S. infrastructure without taking credit. These awards invite precasters to step into the spotlight and share the contributions this innovative material has made in America.”

CRITERIA AND RECOGNITION

Projects will be judged by a jury comprised of NPCA leadership, as well as professionals from the engineering, manufacturing and construction fields. There is no entry fee for NPCA members. For non-members, the fee will be $250. Submissions should focus on projects where precast concrete played a key role in delivering meaningful, lasting benefits for people, places or the environment. Projects of all sizes, locations and applications will be given equal consideration. Winning entries will judged on:

  • A clear and meaningful purpose. The project exists to address an important need such as improving public safety, protecting natural habitats, strengthening critical infrastructure, supporting community resilience or improving environmental outcomes.
  • Tangible real-world benefits. The project delivers observable improvements, including reduced flooding or erosion, improved transportation safety, habitat restoration or wildlife protection, improved access or mobility, or greater durability or resilience in infrastructure.
  • Meaningful part of the solution. Precast concrete is a critical, not incidental, part of the project’s purpose. This is demonstrated by speed of installation, durability and long-term performance, environmental advantages, ability to solve a complex construction challenge or minimizing disruption to communities or ecosystems.
  • Lasting value of the structure. The project delivers long-term benefits, not just short-term improvements. This is demonstrated by improved resilience, extended infrastructure lifespan, reduced maintenance needs or sustainable or environmentally responsible solutions.
  • A story worth sharing. The project illustrates the broader value of precast concrete in the built environment by clearly communicating the project’s purpose, demonstrating the difference the project made and helping others understand how precast can serve meaningful needs.

WINNER SELECTION

Winners will be selected in the following categories, with all winners receiving a commemorative award and all honorable mention receiving a certificate.

  • Gold – one winner
  • Silver – up to three winners
  • Bronze – up to five winners
  • Honorable mentions – unlimited

The short list will be announced in October, with the winners to be announced at The Precast Show, Feb. 3-5, 2027, in Salt Lake City. Winners and honorable mentions also will be featured in NPCA publications and digital media, such as Precast Today and Precast Pulse, as well as on a dedicated microsite. Support also will be given to promote winning entries nationally.

For more information, visit precast.org/BuiltForPurpose where teams can find the entry forms, the rules and regulations, FAQs and more.