As a proud sponsor of the Ohio Contractors Association’s (OCA) 2025 Student Estimating Competition, construction software leader HCSS attended the important event, held February 7-8 at the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center just outside Columbus, OH. Hosted annually – and now in its 24th consecutive year – this event continues to be an outstanding platform for the future class of estimators in construction.
Amanda Ayles, Group Product Manager for Estimating at HCSS, helped moderate the competition and its 10 unique teams of university students. A genuine champion of the next generation, Ayles is largely responsible for helping the flagship construction estimating software HeavyBid continue to evolve and solve the uphill challenges of modern estimators. With construction battling a labor shortage these days, she emphasizes how important it is for a company like HCSS to support this event.
“We have been putting investment in our university space,” Ayles comments. “Everything aligned. We happened to be in a good spot where we could bring some sponsorship money to the table.”
Through HCSS’s education initiatives, the company has actively worked to make estimating and operations software an integral part of college curriculums, helping students get comfortable with technology and preparing them for success in their construction careers.
This year’s OCA competition centered around a demanding Ohio Department of Transportation project, which was a bridge replacement for State Route 159. Specific challenges involved the seldom-utilized A+B bidding method, along with the use of EV Foam, a construction material which is far from traditional. From structural stabilization to environmental considerations like difficult subsoil conditions and creating a path for wildlife, the exercise required real-world thinking straight out of today’s infrastructure work.
The team representing the University of Cincinnati emerged victorious and displayed exceptional abilities. They claimed their fourth title in the competition’s history and their first win since 2017. Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University rounded out the top three, each demonstrating impressive capabilities and teamwork.
As the event’s inaugural financial sponsor, HCSS’s involvement marked a pivotal moment for the OCA Estimating Competition, helping to keep this crucial event going well into the future. David Rule, OCA Director of Member Events, noted the significance of this support, which helped ease any financial strain and make the competition successful.
“This event not only highlighted the importance of demonstrating estimating principles to the next generation but also underscored the value of mentorship and industry collaboration,” Ayles says. “It was clear to see how much each team seemed to benefit from the industry coaches they worked with to prepare for the competition.”
With a keen eye on the future, HCSS is already planning its involvement in the 25th OCA Estimating Competition, scheduled for March 13-14, 2026. Partnerships like this one promise a brighter future for aspiring estimators in Ohio and beyond.
Visit HCSS University to learn more about HCSS for Education and how it helps prepare students for industry careers.
