ACEC Leverages $15,000 For State QBS Efforts; Application Period Opens Lester Fukuda: "The Grant Program brings industry partners together for the common goal of QBS expansion." ACEC has launched its Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Grant Program for 2005 that assists states with their local QBS efforts. All State Member Organizations were mailed an application on July 15, 2005. Responses are due back to ACEC by November 18, 2005. The grant program began in 1989 to assist states in the creation of programs and materials that are instrumental in familiarizing public owners with the advantages of QBS, and broadening the use of QBS among state and local agencies. To date, over $400,000 has been disbursed to the states through the ACEC QBS Grant Program. This year, ACEC is joining with the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to establish a grant pool of $15,000. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has agreed to join the program in 2006, which will increase the funding level to $20,000. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), which has participated in previous years, has dropped out. "With the expansion of QBS at the local level becoming a focus for many states, the grant program continues to provide an excellent funding resource for the development of educational and grassroots materials," said Lester Fukuda of Hawaii Pacific Engineers. "In addition, it brings our industry partners together at the state level to work towards the common goal of QBS expansion." Click here for more information about the QBS Grant Program and for a grant application.

TEA-21 Conferees Inch Closer To Agreement Lead negotiators on the TEA-21 reauthorization conference continued meeting this week as Congress passed the 10th extension bill to keep the program running until Wednesday July 27. Congress passed a two-day extension on Tuesday, but additional time was needed to hammer out final agreements. An overall funding level of $286.4 billion is still in place, but the primary sticking point has been the percentage rate of return states will receive based on their fuel tax contributions to the Highway Trust Fund. Both the House and Senate agree to a 92 percent minimum return, but the House wants that return to be effective starting in F.Y. 2006. The Senate prefers a gradual increase to an eventual 92 percent return in F.Y. 2009, the final year of the bill. On Thursday night an agreement was reportedly reached to achieve the 92 percent return in F.Y. 2008. Assuming the agreement holds, staff will work to draft a final conference measure for consideration on the House and Senate floors next week.

ACEC/PAC Co-Hosts Fundraisers For Congressmen Weldon, Calvert Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) ACEC/PAC co-hosted fundraising events in Washington D.C. this week for Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) and Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), two important industry supporters on defense and infrastructure issues. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) Weldon currently chairs the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over acquisition issues involving the Army and Air Force. He's been an outspoken proponent of procurement reforms that maximize the use of private sector service providers, including engineering. Weldon also is viewed as a likely candidate to take over as chairman of either the Armed Services or Homeland Security committees in the near future. Calvert also serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and chairs the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee of the House Science Committee. He is a strong proponent of the space program, as well as efforts to boost investment in key infrastructure programs.

Gain Valuable Business Tips; Hear Top-Notch Speakers; Win A Harley At Fall Conference Attendees to the 2005 Fall Conference September 21-24 in Walt Disney World, Florida will experience the premier business Conference of the A/E/C industry with 35 cutting-edge business education sessions from which to choose. Conference attendees also will hear from first-class speakers including Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, and Denver Stutler, new Florida Department of Transportation Secretary. Several special ACEC/PAC activities also are in store for attendees to help support ACEC's legislative efforts—A Dessert Party and Laser Light show at Epcot®; a golf outing at Disney's Eagle Pines Carolina-style golf course; a bass fishing tournament on Central Florida's Butler Chain Lake; and a raffle for the chance to win a Road King® Classic Harley-Davidson. Make your hotel reservation at either the Yacht Club or Beach Club Resort. Room rates are $189 single or double occupancy, plus tax. The group rate is only available by calling (407) 934 -3372 and referencing ACEC. Further information is available by contacting ACEC's meetings and conventions staff at 202-347-7474 or email meetings@acec.org. Click here to view conference details and to save 5 percent when registering online.

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