In a briefing with ACEC and other stakeholder groups, Mica’s staff said the bill will be financed in part by revenues from expanded oil and gas production on federal lands.

Consistent with Council recommendations, the bill will consolidate or eliminate numerous transportation programs, give the states more flexibility, and streamline the project delivery process. The bill will also expand the TIFIA financing program and capitalize state infrastructure banks to leverage more private sector investment.

The large firms will interview small firms about subcontracting opportunities on federal contracts.

To register for the Annual Convention, click here. For more information on the "Teaming Fair," contact Mark Steiner at msteiner@acec.org.

With the union issue resolved, ACEC will continue to work with congressional leaders to clear up any outstanding differences between the current House and Senate bills, including advocating for the highest possible funding levels for the Airport Improvement Program.

"This is encouraging news, and could result in Congress clearing the first real jobs bill of 2012," said ACEC President Dave Raymond.

During a meeting with the Small Business Committee staff, FAPA members also outlined ACEC's recommendations for the upcoming Small Business Size Standard rule and called for improved acquisition planning and small business programs.

In a separate conference with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FAPA members voiced concerns over insourcing and recent increases in the Corps' engineering staff.

For additional information contact Mark Steiner at msteiner@acec.org.

In Know What Drives Your Clients—Make Your Firm Invaluable, Rich Friedman, Friedman & Partners, will explore four types of client research tools: client/prospect perception studies, continuous client monitoring, project satisfaction surveys/interviews, and reference validation.

Friedman will answer key questions relevant to effective research practices including: When should firms employ each of the four research tools? How can firms leverage the data yielded in real time to address problems and seize opportunities? How can firms use the data to modify their positioning and business development strategies, as well as their project delivery process?

Click here to register.

Wage and hour issues—including who is entitled to receive overtime premium pay, as well as definitions of mandatory meal and rest periods—have become the basis for a growing number of lawsuits nationwide, including large class action and representative lawsuits.

In an invaluable new webinar, Wage and Hour Issues in Today's A/E Industry, Eli Gould, MBV Law, will explain in detail the current exempt and non-exempt designations for employees, cover the various exemptions that may be available to A/E employers, explore some of the exempt/non-exempt issues prevalent in the A/E industry, discuss ways to lessen your firm's risk in the event of a lawsuit, and address specific questions on wage and hour issues.

Click here to register.

You've heard it many times before—landing a new client costs 10, 25, even 100 times more than keeping an old one. So keeping your clients happy in a long-term relationship is just good business—higher profits, lower overheads, less stress and the peace of mind of a continuing supply of profitable work.

In the idea-packed Keeping Clients for Life webinar, David Stone, Stone and Company, examines why clients leave and provides tried-and-true techniques for strengthening your client service practices and keeping your client relationships strong.

For details and to register, click here.

ACEC presents U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 2012 Programmatic Outlook, a timely webinar on the latest status of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) marketplace.

Bruce Ware of the USACE Engineering and Construction Division will provide an update on changes in how A/E services are procured and the impact of fluctuating appropriations, new legislation, and changing regulations.

Click here for details and to register.

Acting as a trial expert witness in hazardous waste lawsuits presents unique challenges in addition to the normal expertise and courtroom skills required.

In this webinar, What You Need to Know as a Successful Hazardous Materials and Forensics Expert Witness, Richard Hughto, a consultant and a highly experienced expert witness on the fate and transport of contaminants, remediation, and professional liability in the hazardous materials industry identifies the necessary credentials, experience, and personal characteristics for an expert witness. Hughto will also explore the unique role of forensic analysis.

Click here to register.

Whether to serve as an expert for your own firm's benefit or to add another service in your firm's business portfolio, ACEC's Applying Expertise as an Engineering Expert Witness course is the one-of-a-kind learning experience that will prepare you for courtroom challenges. This focused 1½-day course takes you step-by-step through the qualifications, ramifications, and expectations of testifying.

For engineers, architects and surveyors interested in gaining credentials and confidence for legal service engagements, this is a don't-miss opportunity. Co-sponsored by ACEC of Georgia.

Click here for details and to register.