Sign Up Now For Fall Conference; Early Registration Discount Ends Sept. 4 Former Mexican President Vicente Fox will deliver the keynote address at the ACEC 2009 Fall Conference. Take advantage of registration discounts and multiple attendee incentives for the upcoming 2009 Fall Conference, October 7-10, in Palm Springs, Calif. Register by September 4 to take advantage of the special early registration discount. Member Firms that register more than one attendee will also save $100 for each subsequent registration. With the theme of Engineering America’s Recovery, the Fall Conference will spotlight opportunities for engineering firms in today’s challenging economy, including insights into leveraging stimulus dollars, identifying new sources of capital, and incorporating new technologies. In a keynote address, former Mexican President Vicente Fox will discuss current global economic and political issues. NASA’s David Doody will present exciting discoveries from the current Cassini Mission to Saturn.

Ralph Peterson, chairman emeritus of CH2M Hill, will receive the 2009 Distinguished Award of Merit. Ralph Peterson, chairman emeritus of CH2M Hill, will receive the 2009 Distinguished Award of Merit at the Conference—the highest honor the Council bestows upon an individual—for his lifetime of contributions to the industry and the nation. Take advantage of the early registration discount—and the multiple attendee incentive—and register now for the ACEC 2009 Fall Conference. Click here for information and to register.

ACEC Relies on Education, Cooperation to Successfully Defend QBS The Indian Health Service’s (IHS) recent decision to modify a contract solicitation to make it Brooks Act compliant is the latest in a series of successful efforts by ACEC to work with federal agencies to promote the use of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS). Earlier in the year, IHS issued a procurement seeking "qualified A/E firms to provide professional design services for projects located throughout the Continental U.S."  In addition to qualifications, IHS also requested labor and overhead rates charged by interested firms. Alerted by ACEC/Oklahoma, ACEC contacted IHS to educate the agency on the benefits of QBS to the agency and the public. After considerable dialogue and several delaying amendments, IHS finally amended the procurement this week to eliminate the requirement to submit rates prior to selection. "This is a textbook example of ACEC’s aggressive defense of QBS, and a good illustration of how the industry and the public sector can work together to protect the public interest," said ACEC/Oklahoma President and CEO Jim Sullins. ACEC has successfully defended QBS in several federal agencies in recent months. ACEC President Dave Raymond credits Member Firms for refusing to participate in cost-based solicitations and alerting the Council on QBS violations. "Our members are often the first to see problems when they arise, and should alert us immediately for corrective action," said Raymond. "Many cases end like this one, where constructive engagement and dialogue lead to a better understanding of the value of QBS." ACEC encourages members to participate on the Federal Agency and Procurement Advocacy Committee, which promotes the interests of ACEC members engaged in contracting with the federal government, including the promotion of QBS. For more information, contact Mark Steiner, senior policy director, at 202-347-7474 or msteiner@acec.org.

New ACEC Publication Analyzes A/E/C Industry’s Health Care Challenges ACEC introduces its newest resource: Health Insurance Coverage for Engineering and A/E/C Firms. This special report examines the past, present, and future of health care coverage to provide an in-depth look at the challenges facing A/E/C firms in providing affordable, accessible, and flexible health care insurance programs. The publication also provides practical and innovative strategies that firms can employ to address these challenges. Available in printed format or as a downloadable PDF. Click here to also visit the ACEC Bookstore and browse and buy from our full catalog of publications and merchandise.

Final Week to Sign Up for CASE Workshop on Sustainable Design Opportunities ACEC’s Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) will present an August 19 workshop in Chicago titled: How Can Structural Firms Benefit by Understanding Sustainable Design? Held in conjunction with the CASE 2009 Summer Meeting, the workshop will provide an overview of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and other recognized rating systems, cover core principles of sustainable building practice and examine environmental impact mitigation through industry case studies. In roundtable discussions, participants will explore technical and business opportunities and barriers within the sustainable design process. Scheduled speakers include Dirk Kestner of Walter P Moore; Helen Torres of Thornton Tomasetti; Terry McDonnell of Halcrow Yolles; Roy Wilson of George Butler Associates, Inc.; and Don Allen of the Steel Framing Alliance. Click here for more information and to register for the workshop. On-site participants will earn four PDHs.

Next Week Online: DOE Details Stimulus Effects; Tips for Recession Marketing Recession Marketing—How to Win in Tough Times August 18, 1:30-3 p.m. In the face of a prolonged economic slump and curtailed budgets, governments as well as private sector clients have slowed down or pulled back on capital improvements, resulting in more A/E firms competing for fewer projects. Clare Ross, The Clare Ross Organization, will focus on the value aspects of pricing and marketing and how engineering firms can hone their competitive edge. For details and to register, click here. Exploring Stimulus Spending Effects on Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) Implementation August 19, 1:30-3 p.m. Get an inside look into the implications of EISA on future federal and private infrastructure—including building designs—and how stimulus spending will integrate with those requirements. Matt Gray, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, addresses the A/E industry’s stake in current and future EISA planning. For details and to register for this seminar, click here.

ACEC's IT Forum to Network and Problem-Solve in Chicago, Sept. 28 ACEC’s popular Forum for IT professionals will convene in Chicago, Sept. 28 to discuss emerging technology trends, share best-practices and address problem-solving and communications in an increasingly technology-driven industry. Topics will include IT legal issues, social networking, virtualization, Microsoft upgrade timing, e-mail management update, and others introduced by attendees. Click here for details and to register.

Expand into Expert Witness Services, Gain Courtroom Skills in October Course Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness October 29-30, Dearborn, MI Adding new services such as expert witness capabilities to your firm’s portfolio is a shrewd business strategy, particularly as an extension of existing skills and expertise. However well qualified your key staff may be, only the court-savvy engineer should take on potentially lucrative assignments as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness, ACEC’s unique 1-1/2 day course to qualify engineers, architects and surveyors for recognition as expert witnesses, will be presented Oct. 29-30 in Dearborn, MI. Participants earn a certificate of course completion equipping them for legal service. For details and course agenda, click here. For an in-depth look at engineers in the expert witness role, read Holding Court in the current issue of ACEC’s Engineering Inc. magazine. In completing this course, attendees take an important first step towards qualifying for the professional designation of Engineer Expert Witness (EXW). For information on the EXW designation program, e-mail ebajer@acec.org.

Business of Design Consulting Updates Firms' Non-Engineering Functions The Business of Design Consulting: Managing for Success in a Climate of Change October 21-24, St. Louis, MO ACEC’s Business of Design Consulting: Managing for Success in a Climate of Change is a unique and comprehensive update of the elements and functions of the successful A/E business…in the context of a challenging business environment. Content covers the eight key areas of business management, finance, marketing, risk management, contracts, leadership, human resources, and information technology—plus real-world technical examples presented by leading practitioners in the A/E workplace. Created for owners, principals, executives, and managers of A/E firms, this state-of-the-art look at the key components of your operation is a cost-effective investment for succeeding in a more competitive than ever environment. For details and to register at the early bird price, click here.

Course Offers Case Study of BIM Technology, Risks, Competitive Advantage Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Promise and The Reality for A/E/C Firms October 29-30, Seattle Is BIM a competitive edge? Is it increasingly a factor in gaining new business for firms that utilize it? According to a McGraw-Hill SmartMarket Report, “the benefits are tangible and the risks of not participating outweigh those of getting engaged.” To address current and future industry challenges, ACEC will present Building Information Modeling (BIM): The Promise and The Reality for A/E/C Firms on October 29-30 in Seattle. This 2009 version of the course will be an informative and timely look into the many components of the increasingly popular BIM interdisciplinary project delivery system. Course faculty will include industry innovators who are transforming the BIM multi-dimensional project planning concept into an A/E/C marketplace advantage. The 1-1/2 day agenda will be segmented into reasons for change; exploring the technology and interoperability; implementation strategies and IT case study; an updated look into risk management and insurance for “BIM-ready” firms; and a new segment on BIM from the M/E/P perspective. This course will be ideal for firm principals planning, considering or beginning to implement BIM. For details and to register at best advance price, click here.

Limited Space Available for September Senior Executives Institute Class 15 ACEC’s prestigious Senior Executives Institute (SEI) still has a few slots remaining for Class 15, which begins in September. Since its inception, SEI has drawn engineers and architects from firms of all sizes, locations and practice specialties because of its highly interactive, energetic, exploratory and challenging learning structure. Through five separate four- or five-day sessions over 18 months, participants acquire new tools to prosper in the changed—and challenging—A/E/C business environment. The program includes lectures from prominent policy makers, presentations and discussions with industry leaders, group discussions and case study work, and extensive reading on cutting-edge leadership and management topics. Executives with at least five years experience managing all aspects of professional design programs or businesses are invited to register now for this important leadership building opportunity. For more information, click here or contact Deirdre McKenna at 202-682-4328 or dmckenna@acec.org.

Best Price for A/E Finance Forum Extended to Aug. 14 ACEC’s Finance Forum for industry finance professionals has opened registration for the next meeting, set for September 14-15 in Chicago. The popular Forum event provides attendees the opportunity to network with peers and exchange valuable information and best practices. Planned topics for the fall meeting include the economic downturn, the stimulus package, cash flow, acquisitions, ESOPs and additional areas of interest that may arise. The Forum is open to members and non-members. Click here to register. Early bird registration deadline to get the best price is August 10.

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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 • Gerry Donohue, Designer