Small Numbers Come Up Huge In Support Of ACEC/PAC In Utah ACEC/PAC Champion of Utah Karen Nichols ACEC/PAC Champion Karen Nichols of Stantec in Salt Lake City worked closely with ACEC/Utah Executive Director Michael Smith to ensure that Utah once again made its goal in 2007. Nichols and Smith held an ACEC/PAC auction and made numerous personal calls and visits to principals of MO firms. "You have to explain that just one small piece of federal legislation can affect their firm in a huge way," stressed Nichols, who was able to get 80 percent participation from just 70 prospects. But she also noted the stakes are even bigger in 2008: "It's an election year and ACEC members need to be well represented in Congress and on the campaign trail as funding in Washington, D.C. means projects back in the state." Nichols added, "If we don't support ACEC/PAC with our personal contributions, no one else is going to do it for us." For more information about ACEC/PAC and how to get involved, please contact ACEC's Executive Director of Political Affairs, Greg Knopp at 202-347-7474 or gknopp@acec.org.

Benchmark Against The Best; Take The New Industry Trends Survey Now In the Mail Want to be part of the best A/E/C industry market report and receive the results free of charge? Simply complete the 2008-2009 Design & Construction Industry Trends Survey by February 15 which was recently mailed to all Member Firms, or use the link below to take the survey electronically and receive a FREE electronic copy of the survey results—a $299 value. Termed "the best in the business" by executives of some of the nation's top engineering firms, the ACEC Design & Construction Industry Trends Survey provides current statistics of Member Firm business practices, finances, profitability, and emerging trends. New this year is a section that examines starting salaries, salary ranges, and bonus programs. The survey not only provides basic financial and employment data, but also looks at industry trends expectations for both next year and the next five years; comparisons on multipliers, benefits, and business indicators; and insights into emerging delivery methods, IT, and new business practices. To receive a FREE electronic copy of the new 2008-2009 Design & Construction Industry Survey, simply complete and return the questionnaire recently mailed to all Member Firms, or complete the questionnaire online by clicking here. For further information, please contact Jeff Beard at jbeard@acec.org

GAO Report Raises Oversight Concerns on Use of Contractors by DOTs The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the use of engineering firms and other contractors by state DOTs that identifies oversight challenges for state and federal officials. The study, carried out at the request of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN), surveyed the 50 state DOTs and overall found that they have increased their use of contractors in recent years. GAO's survey data attributes the increase to growth in the overall transportation program and the fact that in-house staff among the DOTs have remained relatively constant or have decreased in recent years. Addressing growing transportation needs, and taking advantage of special expertise, were cited as major reasons DOT officials contract out to the private sector. Notably, the survey also found that most DOTs anticipate the amount of contracting will level off over the next five years due to uncertainties over future funding levels and other factors. While the DOTs surveyed believe they have sufficient mechanisms in place to oversee the use of firms, the GAO raises concerns over the extent to which they are consistently applied across the country. ACEC has long advocated for the consistent application of federal procurement rules by the DOTs to address these issues, most recently through the passage of legislation in 2005 to close "opt-out" loopholes that allowed certain DOTs to use differing procurement rules. The report recommends that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) work with DOTs to improve oversight and performance measures on the use of contractors. To access the full GAO report, click here.

BIM Profits and Pitfalls Examined in Las Vegas Course; Innovators, Clients Tell All Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Promise and the Reality for A/E/C Firms February 7-8, Las Vegas Designed for COOs, IT management, project managers and company principals, Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Promise and the Reality for A/E/C Firms will be presented in Las Vegas, Feb. 7-8. An ACEC best-seller, the course will examine BIM as a concept, demonstrate how it is being put into practice by the collaborative professional teams involved, present real-life case studies, review BIM technology, and outline associated legal issues and risks. New to the course faculty is Fletcher H. (Bud) Griffis, chairman, Department of Civil Engineering and Professor, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY, who will address "Tomorrow's BIM: From the College Classroom Into the Field." Click here for more information, to view the course brochure, and to register

Business of Design Consulting Course, Highlights Management Best Practices The Business of Design Consulting March 26-29, New Orleans A perennially popular ACEC course for COOs, CFOs, executives (and up-and-comers), business administrators, managers, principals and project managers, The Business of Design Consulting is an intensive four-day experience designed to help participants manage their business more effectively. Presented by a faculty of leading business experts and industry practitioners, course content focuses on eight key areas: leadership, human resources, contracts, risk management, information technology, finance, business management and marketing. Click here for more information and to register.

The American Council of Engineering Companies 1015 15th St., NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-2605 Phone: 202-347-7474 - Fax: 202-898-0068 www.acec.org - E-mail:acec@acec.org Alan D. Crockett, Director, PR • Ann Brandstadter, Editor/Designer