Frequently Asked Questions
- Why form another group, don't we have enough already?
It does seem that there is a group for every interest and that may be true as they have a focus on issues that are critical to that market segment. Historically we have been a very fragmented industry and hence many groups have formed to represent those important market segments. Unfortunately no one organization has been established to coordinate the industry overall and that is where the buildingSMART alliance comes in. It is first an alliance of all those separate groups which is focused on the overall good of the real property industry.
- If I join buildingSMART alliance™ can I drop participation in other groups?
Unfortunately no. The work being done in the individual groups in the alliance is still important and critical to the ultimate outcome. The buildingSMART alliance will have projects that bring together efforts in the individual market segment groups as well as helping to fund the extra needed to connect to other groups efforts which will ultimately provide the overall interoperability we are seeking.
- How do I get involved in a project?
Simply go to the project or program section of this site and fill out the interest form which will be sent to the coordinator of the group you are interested in. The form will provide some background on yourself and your interests so that your talents can most effectively be put to work.
- How do I join the alliance?
Whether you are a student, individual, corporation, organization or agency you can be a member. There are also sponsorships available. Simply go to the participants section to sign up. You can do it on line and also pay your participation fee there.
- Do I have to be a member of the buildingSMART alliance in order to participate on a project team?
Yes you do. We do need resources to make the buildingSMART alliance work and that is one of the reasons we need you to join. The good news is that you can participate at a level comfortable to you. And you will be doing something worthwhile. NIBS is a non-profit 501.c.3 organization.
- Where will the money go?
We are very focused on ensuring that the majority of the money raised will go toward products that can help the industry meet our common goals of interoperability. Some of that will be through direct grants to others and some will be directed toward providing staff coordinating work for the programs and projects to be undertaken by the buildingSMART alliance.
- Who decides where the money will be directed?
The Board of Direction is made up of individuals like yourself. More information will be coming on how to get involved at this level.
