Meeting project timelines and budgets while managing site constraints were some of the criteria for multiple awards recently bestowed upon Western States Fire Protection’s (WSFP) Albuquerque, N.M., branch. The full-service fire protection contractor received five 2014 Best Buildings awards in specialty contracting by the New Mexico chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), a leading industry trade association.

“As the only union fire protection contractor in this area of New Mexico, we’re not the least expensive choice,” said Ralph Parks, operations manager with WSFP Albuquerque. “Our long-time relationships with general contractors are partnerships. They see the value and quality of our work and have helped us earn these opportunities to participate in leading-edge projects.”

The awards for work performed last year cover five AGC award categories: projects between $5 million and $10 million, partnering, outstanding specialty work, LEED® certified projects and building information management (BIM). The projects, respectively, are the University of New Mexico Collaborative Teaching & Learning building; addition to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists headquarters; a branch of the Bank of the Rio Grande; Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) Bookstore & Culinary Arts classrooms; and CNM Westside expansion.

“We really strive to be innovative in devising solutions that meet the customer’s budget and safety requirements,” Parks said, noting all five projects included fire protection design, fabrication and installation. The branch also does pro-bono work, such as a retrofit project for Albuquerque’s ACE Leadership High School that educates students in architecture, construction and engineering.

The Centennial, Colo.-based fire protection company, an APi Group subsidiary since 1989, has operations across nearly 30 locations throughout the Western United States and Midwest.