Transcript Between Design and Delivery”

“Between Design and Delivery”
Mark F. Rayome, CET
Weaver General Construction
Certified
Construction
Engineering
TechniciansThe Demand for Solid
Field Support Services in a
Very Fluid World.
RMSAWWA, Steamboat, CO
WELCOME
QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
What value could the water industry place on a
single resource specifically intended to ensure
the substance of a design, while safeguarding
the investiture, performance and long-term
quality of responsible municipal
development and construction?
A great value, indeed. But with that, one cannot
possibly sequester those other interdependent aspects
involved with that resource. Such as helping
safeguard human health, and aid in protecting the
subsequent impact of civil development involving the
environment that we depend so preciously upon.
That is why the comprehensive efforts water
professionals exercise to design practical, economical
and efficient utility systems, demands observant and
attentive administration during its physical inception.
This requires having someone who will prudently and
intelligently extend the influence and contractual quality
of the design and intent in the field. But, are those critical
resources truly given careful regard in themselves?
So is it really such a far-fetched
question to ask,
“Who is really minding the store after
your plans hit the door?”
SITUATION
&
MOTIVATION
The burgeoning growth and
development along the
Rocky Mountain Front
Range will continue to
propel the increased strain
on the natural resources to
support it, and multiply the
cost of construction and
operations to keep pace with
the associated water
treatment demands and
expectations.
Improving engineering practices and their
corresponding technological complexities are placing
greater emphasis on knowledge and dexterity. Broadly
dynamic skills must be intelligently brought to bear
within the allocated expenditures and time.
Higher expectations of
quality and
performance, coupled
with competitive cost
parameters are required
to dovetail prohibitive
environmental
conditions.
As Contractors bear increased risks and a shrinking pool
of competent craftsmen, the “costs of doing business”,
let alone “staying in business”, may result in the
potential for substandard work quality and strained
working relationships between contractual partners.
Without the entire water industry’s active participation
to identify, acquire, train and retain high quality
construction personnel and technicians, could result
in a bottom line that will become harder to define.
RAY’S FIRST LAW OF WATER
CONSTRUCTION
THERE IS NO LIMIT
TO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY
THAT YOU CAN THROW DOWN
A HOLE IN THE GROUND.
“Amen.”
Dallas Bradshaw, TEC
OVERVIEW & APPROACH
For the sake of civil improvements, Consultants and
Engineers are called upon to ascertain and design
projects intended towards the improvement, health
and welfare of the public good.
Contractors are then called upon to physically articulate
those designs into functional creations of influence.
Now, at one time, Summer Interns or Graduates were
employed to provide basic surveying and general
engineering and observation services by both
Consulting organizations and municipalities. But
ultimately, most were eventually absorbed into office
settings to hone and utilize their development and
design potential.
Additionally, Consulting firms, government and
private entities relied on experienced tradesmen to
observe and administer contracts involving capital
improvement projects in the past. Their skills and
knowledge came from years of practical application and
exposure. Plus, they were less likely to be “eaten alive”
by the occasional confrontation with your gardenvariety antagonistic Contractor. But poor wages, lack of
professional development and general dissatisfaction
created not only a revolving door, but a discontinuity of
quality and procedure. The bottom line is, this
situation results in no winners. And the only losers are
the taxpayers, the environment, or both.
But there continued to exist a necessity to adopt a longterm means to create, administer, coordinate, balance
and ensure the accurate expressions between the design
and construction organizations amid the intervals of
Pre-Bid and Close-Out.
One feasible answer is to encourage the creation of a
stabilizing resource. And that is, to provide capable,
knowledgeable and experienced Engineering
Technicians to serve and oversee municipal
construction contracts in the field.
The utilization of a dedicated field organization tailored
specifically for water and wastewater construction field
services offers an authentic indispensability to
Engineers, Owners and Contractors before, during and
after construction.
Because of the highly specialized, diverse and technical
nature of water and wastewater construction, the
creation of a Certification Program to acquire
competent Technicians would ensure both proficiency
and consistency of recognized skills and standards. A
capacity and uniformity that would provide Owners
and Clients a distinct presence and greater level of
confidence at every phase.
Having qualified and certified technicians will provide
both Engineers and Contractors with on-site technical
and practical guidance, along with knowledgeable and
experienced attention to issues of quality, function,
intent of design and cost. But additionally, these
Technicians would also serve as the liaison to
coordinate resources and aid communications.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS?
Which one of you
‘Bucket-Heads’
rejected my submittal?
First, conduct a dispassionate and thorough
examination of your firm or organizations specific
requirements associated with field observation and
engineering support. Establish the fundamental criteria
and skills your Inspector, Technician or Resident Project
Representative should possess.
FAVORABLE TRAITS AND EXPERIENCE
1.
Municipal Construction Experience at a Foreman
position, or higher.
2.
Demonstrated skills, such as a Journeyman
Carpenter, Plumber, Pipefitter or Machinist.
3.
Recent or previous experience in in Construction
and Project Management techniques, estimating,
water, wastewater and utility operations.
4.
Individuals with at least 2-years of higher
education with a propensity towards Civil
Engineering, or related studies.
5.
Practical and applicable hands-on experience,
plus a predisposition towards field
engineering duties and support services.
The broad scope and intensely technical nature of
water, wastewater and utility-related construction is
extraordinary. Many projects see the full spectrum of
simple site development through Programmable
Logic Controller systems. Therefore, keen emphasis is
essential is researching and creating an in-house
development program, or by adopting existing
accreditation programs presently available.
Essentially, training, development and certification
programs should reflect your organizations particular
area(s) of expertise. Field personnel who are qualified
and proficient within their scope of work are obviously
more productive, but they also decrease concerns
involving construction and professional liabilities
inherent to our business.
Authenticated credentials clearly declare that your
employees have achieved a distinct and special
acknowledgement for their experience, demonstrative
scholarship and exercise of unique and practical skills.
These certifications are tangible evidence of
advancement and accomplishment.
Not only do certifications adjoin recognized status and
standing with your field personnel, but sanctioned
credentials present marketable / profitable resources
that Clients, Customers and Contractors will
acknowledge and appreciate.
STATE AND NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS &
ORGANIZATIONS
National Institute of Construction Engineering
Technicians
NICET offers entry level through advanced
certification programs covering areas of Water and
Wastewater Plant Construction, Pipeline Construction,
Transportation, and 27 other specialized fields. NICET
certifications are awarded for verifiable experience in
the applicants specific field of endeavor, and after
successfully passing a rigorous 35-part examination for
each of the four achievable levels.
American Concrete Institute
ACI provides certification programs embracing
concrete sampling, field and laboratory testing,
structural inspections and related functions.
Curriculum specializes in providing exceptional
concrete and masonry quality assurance practices at the
point of delivery.
State Water and Wastewater Operator Schools
Technicians would gain invaluable experience and
knowledge by understanding the different plant
designs, treatment techniques and practical operations
of water and wastewater plants. This exposure also aids
the Technician involving design and system review,
understanding the overall process system cooperative
dependence, and guarding against harmful or
unfavorable conditions to functioning systems during
construction. This would also encourage them to
pursue State Certifications to foster an even closer
working relationship with the operational and system
support personnel that they will be working personally
along side with on a day-to-day basis.
National Technology Transfer, Inc.
NTT offers resident and transportable training
courses that cover a wide variety of topics
specifically for professionals working in the water
industry. Their curriculums combine the principles
of operational theories with the hands-on techniques
with practical operational techniques.
American Water Works Association
AWWA is the worlds largest association dedicated to the
advances and advocacy of public and environmental
health, safety and welfare issues specifically for water
professionals.
American Society of Construction Engineering
Technicians
ASCET provides CET’s from all occupational groups an
organization that promotes advancements in technical,
practical and the enhancement of operational services.
Local Trade Shows
Local Manufacturer’s & Representatives
Seek out and encourage attendance and participation in
local training seminars, professional organizations,
taking courses and entering mentoring programs. Each
organization should strive to identify which special
skills and knowledge each field member will require
during the execution of their assigned duties. Rapidly
emerging technologies become common place by
design. But in turn, they impose real demands on those
technicians to not only understand those applications
and functions, but also the very means and methods by
which they are correctly installed, tested and operated.
In-House Workshops, Operational Standards and Training
Professional organizations stand to benefit greatly from
the creation of company standards and guidelines
specifically for the establishment, organization and
conduct of field operations.
The Rules of Engagement- as it were.
Particular emphasis on training should include
Contract Document familiarization, submittal and
shop drawing comprehension, field administration,
record keeping and reporting, and by understanding
the intent, design and functionality behind the
project(s) they are to administer.
It is absolutely essential to propagate and encourage
real career progression, promotion and rewards
associated with achieving successive levels of
accreditation. And those goals must be based on
definitive and diverse exposure, experience and
comprehension. Technician and Resident Project
Representative duty is a tough and stressful
assignment. Without genuine professional
advancement, both the water and construction
communities remain at risk, and will suffer.
The key to vigorously supporting the
ever-changing Water and
Wastewater Industry, is by making
learning a life-long endeavor at all
levels.
“Excellence is not a goal. It is a habit.”
Thomas Jefferson
SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS
As to the Consulting, public and private operating
water community, skilled technicians would
provide any organization with resources and
capabilities by having an experienced, cost-effective
physical extension specifically intended for on-site
quality assurance services. The significance and
substance of an autonomous and ready source of
construction engineering support cannot be
underscored.
OVERALL BENEFITS WOULD INCLUDE
The creation of a closer working relationship between
engineering, construction and operation teams. This
would promote project-specific collaborative efforts
involving source protection, collection, treatment,
distribution and discharge objectives.
And offer internal construction observation and
coordination services that would advocate vigilance
and consistency towards the contractual quality and
physical integrity of all new and existing systems,
meeting regulations and standards, and protecting
public safety.
Ultimately, greater involvement and participation of
your field staff and operation teams would develop an
overall imminent sense of education, technical
comprehension, proficiency and ability. As well as
marshalling efforts towards the public health and
awareness, environmental impact issues, organizational
insight and importantly-
OWNERSHIP !
I want to sincerely thank each and everyone of you for
attending. This concludes this presentation. Please feel
free to stick around and inquire about specific
programs and opportunities.
Mark “Ray” Rayome, CET
Weaver General Construction
[email protected]
WEAVER GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
MUNICIPAL
COMMERCIAL
INDUSTRIAL
EDUCATIONAL
Providing Engineering, Project Management and Construction Services to
the Rocky Mountain Front Range for over 20 years.
PROJECT PERFORMANCE
WGC provides the very best in engineering support, technical proficiency and
project administration. Our range of expertise encompasses the full
renovation of small office spaces, through the complete development of large
municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities throughout the Rocky
Mountain area.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
WGC prepares independent studies and evaluations for
Design-Build, Construction Management and General Construction. We then
provide the complete spectrum of construction services and project delivery.
These services include:
•Design Coordination Meetings
•Complete Feasibility Reviews
•Thorough Construction Estimates
•Established Construction Schedules
•Established Cost Controls
•Pre-Bid and Bid Coordination
•Close Owner / Contractor Liaison
•General Construction and Development
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Project Management
On-Site Project Supervision
On-Site Construction Engineering
RPR and QA Technical Supervision
Conducting Progress Meetings
Historical Document Management
Operational Start-Up Supervision
1-year Coordination Warranties
CLIENT LIST
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
US VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
US BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD, CO
CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
CITY OF SANTA FE, NM
CITY OF ANGEL FIRE, NM
CITY OF GARDEN CITY, KS
CITY OF LITTLETON, CO
CITY OF BOULDER, CO
CITY OF EAGLE, CO
CITY OF LONGMONT, CO
CITY OF AURORA, CO
TOWN OF TAOS, NM
TOWN OF ERIE, CO
TOWN OF PARKER, CO
TOWN OF RANGELY, CO
TOWN OF SNOWMASS, CO
JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO
PARKER WATER DISTRICT, CO
DENVER WW DISTRICT, CO
ENGLEWOOD WATER DISTRICT, CO
COLORADO DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
COLORADO UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LITTLETON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
BOULDER VALLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ARAPAHOE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY, CO
SCOTTSBLUFF HOSPITAL, NE
BRIGHTON MEDICAL CENTER, CO
MARQUEST MEDICAL
WHEELER OPERA HOUSE, ASPEN, CO
LA PRELE DAM PROJECT
NIXON POWER PLANT PROJECT
IBM
MOBILE OIL CORPORATION
COLORADO BANK AND TRUST
GATES RUBBER COMPANY
“I would not hesitate to work with you again, and would not without
reservation recommend you to someone else for a project of similar complexity.”
Peter Nathanson, PM
City of Santa Fe, NM
$12,700,000 WWTP
“It was a pleasure to work with you and be reassured there are still
organizations and people who can be counted on to deliver…”
Gary Stansbury, Councilman
City of Angel Fire, NM
$7,500,000 WWTP
“I believe that the success of this project has been, and will continue to be
largely due to your efforts.”
Frank Jaeger, Director
Parker WSD, Parker, CO
$40,000,000 + District Improvements