ACEC Backs Utah Gov. Leavitt To Head EPA Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt ACEC is endorsing President Bush's nomination of Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt as the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. ACEC/Utah President Michael Brehm said: "Governor Leavitt is an ideal candidate for EPA Administrator and is someone that our industry can work with at the national level. He brings solid experience to the job, and has a management approach that puts aside partisan differences to get the job done." In a letter to Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK), ACEC President Dave Raymond stressed Leavitt's experience and consensus approach to the issues of concern to the engineering industry.

Michael Brehm, ACEC/Utah president "Governor Leavitt has earned the support of the engineering community in Utah through his specific and steady efforts at advancing technology, education and economic development-initiatives that have distinguished his three terms of office." Raymond also noted Leavitt's commitment to a balanced approach to environmental management, adding, "his leadership and consensus-building approach has earned the respect of both supporters and opponents on both sides of difficult policy matters." Leavitt's nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate. To view the full text of ACEC's letter, click here.

ACEC-Mississippi, Degenkolb Engineers Step Up As Major ACEC/PAC Supporters In Phoenix Judy Adams, executive director of ACEC/Mississippi ACEC of Mississippi and Degenkolb Engineers in California currently lead the pack on behalf of the PAC for the Fall Conference in Phoenix. Both organizations have raised in excess of $2,000 to support ACEC/PAC events in Phoenix, with the Mississippi state organization leading overall with $2,800 raised. Other companies and state organizations that are supporting ACEC/PAC events in Phoenix include Strand Associates, Inc. of Wisconsin, ACEC of North Carolina, and ACEC of Minnesota. "Congratulations to ACEC of Mississippi Executive Director Judy Adams and her team, as well as to Chris Poland and Degenkolb Engineers, for their help in support of ACEC/PAC," said ACEC Chairman Eric Flicker. "This is the kind of support that's needed if we are to achieve our legislative goals so crucial for our industry. "There's plenty of room for additional corporate partners to support ACEC/PAC activities, and I would encourage more firms and state organizations to follow their example," Flicker said.

Corporate sponsors will have their name and logo featured prominently during all ACEC/PAC events. Auction donors will receive special recognition during the auction. Click here for sponsorship information, or contact Lorna O'Hara (202-347-7474 or lohara@acec.org). ACEC members are also encouraged not to miss their opportunity to enter and win a Compaq Tablet PC TC1000, the Grand Prize for the ACEC/PAC Raffle in Phoenix. The Compaq Tablet PC combines the power of a notebook PC with the convenience of pen and paper. Click here to view and learn more about this amazing piece of machinery, which retails for $2,500. Tickets are only $25 each, or six for $100. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold, and you do not need to be present in Phoenix in order to win! Click here for raffle tickets or contact Lorna O'Hara (202-347-7474 or lohara@acec.org).

Procurement Advocacy Committee Presses ACEC's Issues on Capitol Hill

Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), left, and Procurement Committee Chairman Tim Psomas at ACEC headquarters in Washington, D.C.

ACEC's Procurement Advocacy Committee met last week in Washington to advance key elements of the Council's legislative strategy, including eliminating government competition and protecting QBS. The Committee is focusing its efforts on stopping federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Reclamation from competing with ACEC member firms. These Federal agencies continue to market their services to state and local governments.

The Committee also deliberated on several items related to the protection of QBS, including a discussion on the need to reform the GSA Supply Schedule to ensure its compliance with the Brooks Act. Committee members decided to undertake initial discussions with other stakeholders to determine a path forward.

Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) visited ACEC headquarters office to hear the Committee's concerns regarding federal procurement policy. Franks, a champion of private industry, serves on the House Armed Services and Small Business Committees. The Congressman voiced his strong support for eliminating government competition, stating that "government should perform only those services that are not commercially available."

Procurement Committee members also met with key members of Congress and their staff. A lunch meeting with Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA) was held to discuss the Bureau of Reclamation. Mr. Nunes agreed to work with ACEC from his position on the House Resources Committee to resolve the concerns ACEC members have with the Bureau.

Congress Readying 5-Month TEA-21 Extension

Faced with a possible shutdown in federal highway and transit funding on October 1, the House and Senate are working to extend the transportation programs authorized under TEA-21 for five months, through February 2004. The extension legislation will ensure that federal transportation funding continues without interruption, while giving Congress additional time to work out contentious issues, such as funding levels and state formulas.

ACEC is pushing for immediate passage of an extension bill before the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century expires at midnight on Sept. 30.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Finance Committee, as well as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Ways and Means Committee, must each act on their respective components of the extension legislation, which could happen next week.

At the same time, the fate of the final AIR-21 reauthorization bill is unclear due to objections over the privatization of some air traffic control activities. Like TEA-21, AIR-21 expires on Sept. 30, and federal funding for airport projects ceases unless the multi-year bill or an extension is passed.

Workshops/Seminars

Project Management: The Road to Profitability
October 16-17   —   Nashville, Tenn.
November 13-14   —   Houston, Texas

This seminar examines the stages of managing a project and the project manager's role. It will help managers calculate project profitability and understand project budgeting methods and cost estimating. It will also discuss how to build a project team that increases productivity through the allocation of resources, develop a comprehensive and effective project plan, increase client retention and gain referrals using proven client relations tools and techniques. Two great locations provide two opportunities for design professionals to develop valuable skills.

Click here to register.
ACEC members $545/Non-members $745

Business of Design Consulting Leadership Seminar
October 22-25   —   Nashville, Tenn.

This intensive, multi-day course offers up-and-coming design firm leaders the chance to look in-depth into several different management areas and learn from renowned industry experts, including: Leadership and Human Resources for the A/E Firm with Pat Holcomb of the Picus Group, Finance and Business Management with Bill Fanning of PSMJ, Information Technology with Mike Ingardia of Systems Management Consultants, Inc., Legal & Risk Management with Bob Crist of Black & Veatch and Marketing and Project Delivery with David Stone of FMI. Individual modules feature hands-on activities, extensive discussion and interactive workshops to prepare you for difficult issues ahead.

Click here to register or contact Sandrine Mailli at Education@acec.org.

Early bird cut-off date of September 30, 2003
Member early bird rate - $1295, Non-Member early bird rate - $1495.
AFTER September 30, 2003: Member rate - $1495, Non-Member rate - $1695

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