COPS Session in Maui Receives High Marks

A record attendance of 1,000 was set at the ACEC Fall Conference in Maui, HI, which took place in late September. During the conference, COPS sponsored a session on high definition surveying which made a business case for investing in 3D laser scanning technology. The session was presented by Bruce Jenkins of Spar Point Research LLC, and was attended by over 40 people. During his presentation, Bruce mentioned that, properly applied, laser scanning work processes can deliver safer, faster, more accurate and complete, and more economic capture of existing conditions of capital assets than conventional survey methods. He gave examples documenting how the technology is improving not only design, but also fabrication, construction and asset management in civil, transportation, building, process, power and offshore/marine industries. He also examined entry costs, payback and return on investment. The session received high marks from the attendees.

ACEC to Request that Surveyor and PLS Licensure Language be Added to Engineering Education Bill

In consultation with ACEC, and in response to the growing shortage of engineers, U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) has introduced legislation that would create new federal education incentives to encourage more young people to enter the engineering profession. The Strategic Technology/Engineering Program (STEP) Act of 2007, H.R. 3634, creates a scholarship program for students pursuing an engineering degree, as well as loan forgiveness for graduates who are employed as engineers and working toward their P.E. license.

Ken Brown, Leading Edge Land Services, Inc., and chairman of the newly formed COPS Legislative Committee, has recommended that surveyors and PLS licensure should be added to the above legislation. In response, Steve Hall, Vice President of ACEC Government Affairs has agreed to work with COPS to ensure that such language is added to the bill. If you are interested in participating on the COPS Legislative Committee please contact David Bixby at dbixby@acec.org.

New National Surveyor's Week Resolution Introduced in Congress

A new National Surveyor's Week Resolution was introduced recently by Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). On behalf of COPS, ACEC will be supporting this resolution, which is designated as H. Con. Res. 223, a Resolution Honoring Professional Surveyors. Rep. Representative Van Hollen's staff person handling the bill is Ken Cummings and his phone number is: 202-225-5341. To view a copy of the Resolution, click here.

COPS Needs You!! Subcommittees Looking for Participation

The COPS Steering Committee is asking its membership to consider participating on one or more of the subcommittees shown below. Those interested in serving on these subcommittees should contact David Bixby at dbixby@acec.org, or phone him at (202) 347-7474, ext. 332.

The Business Practices Subcommittee develops COPS tools, guidelines, contracts and other documents that benefit its members. Among some of the projects being developed are; an equipment inventory spreadsheet; a quality control checklist; a sample agenda for meeting with prospective clients; and updates to the COPS contracts. The subcommittee will be meeting in Charleston, SC on November 3.

The Legislative Subcommittee addresses issues concerning the surveying industry and coordinates with the ACEC Government Advocacy Committee (see earlier articles on legislation).

The Program Subcommittee develops topics for educational sessions and obtains speakers for presentations at ACEC conferences and other surveyor-related conferences.

USGS Announces Updated Standard for Creating U.S. Geologic Maps

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) announced that they have developed an updated geologic time scale and color scheme for use in creating geologic maps of the United States. Geologic maps show the rock types at the Earth's surface and help unravel the history of the Earth. They can help inform land-use decisions such as how planners should design buildings, canals, roads, and drainage of farmland, and can be used to help locate earthquake faults and show where landslides are likely to occur to help plan for safer communities. USGS scientist Randy Orndorff stated that "Geologic maps are important tools for policy makers, planners and the general public, and having a streamlined way to create geologic maps helps make them a credible and viable resource for land-use and environmental planning as well as economic development." For more information, visit the USGS website at http://www.usgs.gov.

ACEC, Industry Partners Meet With House Committee to Examine Transportation Needs

ACEC, along with several industry organizations recently participated in a panel discussion with members of the House Small Business Committee to examine transportation issues of concern to small firms. Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) asked ACEC to lead a discussion on the "Role of the Entrepreneur in Addressing This Nation's Infrastructure Needs." Steve Hall, ACEC's vice president of government affairs, spoke on behalf of the Council, and was joined by Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) in discussing the crucial role the private sector plays in developing innovative solutions to the nation's transportation needs. Hall emphasized the importance of Qualifications-Based Selection in promoting innovation, and stressed the critical role the industry plays in delivering projects to the public. "Our DOT clients rely on the industry to find better ways to solve transportation challenges. They cannot do it without us." Also participating in the meeting were Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA), Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), and Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Participating industry groups included the Associated General Contractors, the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, and the National Corn Growers Association.

On the Lighter Side

"The group was alarmed to find that if you are a laborer, cleaner or dock worker, you are twice as likely to die than a member of the professional classes." [The Sunday Times, August 31, 1980]

Remember, your input is always welcome. Please email COPS staff at dbixby@acec.org with your suggestions and comments.