The ACEC Index tracks the stock performance of ACEC's publicly held Member Firms, as compared to the New York Stock Exchange Composite and Total U.S. Construction Spending.
|
Energy
DOE Announces Nearly $1 Billion Public-Private Investment in Industrial Carbon Capture
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced that a trio of projects have been chosen to receive up to $612 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, matched by $368 million in private funding, to demonstrate large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) from industrial sources...click here for more.
Minnesota Fertilizer Plant Will Use Wind Power to be Carbon-Free
Minnesota researchers are designing a $3.75 million system that emits no carbon and uses wind power from a turbine to produce anhydrous ammonia, a nitrogen-based fertilizer...click here for more.
Buildings/Land
Federal Grants Considered to Make Cities More Livable
Congress is working on a concept to make "livable communities" a part of national law, potentially providing federal grants to help local governments implement comprehensive city planning... click here for more.
Green Roofing Installations up 35% as Concept Enters the Mainstream
There is an explosion in green roofing, with 35 percent market growth recorded in 2008 by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities... click here for more.
Water
United States Faces Serious Water Infrastructure Challenges over Next 20 Years
The challenge of sustaining water infrastructure extends to all U.S. metropolitan regions, and states and urban areas are getting more engaged in the integration of watershed policies with local land use decisions, and are weighing the restriction of new projects in regions without abundant future water resources... click here for more.
Transportation
Smart Work Zones Improve Safety, Speed Construction in Highway Projects
Construction in highway work zones gives rise to constantly fluctuating traffic conditions that require real-time traffic data to keep motorists up to speed on conditions ahead... click here for more.
Rising Challenges Threaten to Knock California's High-Speed Rail Initiative Off Track
California is rushing to break ground on the nation's most ambitious high-speed rail project, but some are urging the state to slow down for a variety of reasons... click here for more.
Click here for more NewsLine.
|
|
Enjoy 25 Percent Savings on the ACEC Job Board
The ACEC Job Board is a founding member of the Engineering & Science Career Network, and we are growing. Now your job postings appear on 37 association job sites, for the price of one.
No other recruitment tool can penetrate the association niche like ACEC's Job Board. With more than 22,000 searchable candidate resumes, the ACEC Job Board's advanced search features produce effective, specific results for both job seekers and employers.
To get you started, we are offering a 20 percent discount on posting in the month of June. Just enter the code 20JUNE to receive your discount. Don't miss these big savings.
Visit the ACEC Job Board to create an account and post your job today.
For more information, contact Nina Goldman at 202-682-4325 or write ngoldman@acec.org.
|
|
Over 450 Searchable Jobs Posted
Over 22,000 Searchable Resumes Posted
Over 2,100 Registered Employers |
|
Last Five "Help Wanted" Open Positions:
Director, Missouri Dept. of Transportation—Jefferson City, MO
Utility Design Engineer—Cambridge, MA
Bay Area Transportation Leader—Oakland, CA
Sr. Water Resources Engineer—Phoenix, AZ
Senior or Principal Geotechnical Engineer—Redlands, CA
A Sampling of Posted Resumes:
Geotechnical Engineers—1,645
Water Resources/Wastewater Engineers—1,937
Transportation—1,644
Civil Engineers—2,519
Structural Engineers—1,754
Environmental Engineers—1,697
View These and Other Resumes and Jobs
on ACEC's Job Board
www.acec.org/jobbank |
|
|
Project Management Resources at the ACEC Bookstore
Project Management for Design Professionals
William Ramroth
To order, click here.
|
Project Management
Strategic Design and Implementation, 5th Edition
David I. Cleland & Lewis R. Ireland
To order, click here.
|
| Click here to see all of the publications and merchandise available at the ACEC Bookstore.
|
|
Save 10% on Industry-Specific Contract Documents
Save 10 percent off the regular price of all EJCDC documents through July 31, 2010. The discount has already been applied throughout our website—no coupon or code needed.
EJCDC Contract Documents are prepared by experienced engineering design and construction professionals, owners, contractors, professional liability and risk management experts, and legal counsel.
EJCDC Contract Documents offer many benefits:
- Created and peer-reviewed by experienced industry experts
- Reduced conflicts and litigation
- Balanced and fair provisions
- User-friendly and easily customizable (provided in MS Word)
The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) is a joint venture of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the National Society of Professional Engineers/Professional Engineers in Private Practice (NSPE/PEPP), the American Society of Civil Engineers — Construction Institute (ASCE-CI), and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
EJCDC has existed since 1975 to develop and update fair and objective standard documents that represent the latest and best thinking in contractual relations between all parties involved in engineering design and construction projects. EJCDC represents a major portion of the professional groups engaged in the practice of providing engineering and construction services for the constructed project.
Click here to browse all EJCDC Documents available through the ACEC Bookstore.
|
|
Download AASHTO Audit Guide Online Seminars
ACEC's popular series of online seminars detailing the new AASHTO Uniform Audit and Accounting Guide are now available for purchase and download on-demand through the ACEC Bookstore.
To order, click on the seminar title of interest:
|
|
|
| Stump Takes On Industry Challenges at Mexican Engineering Summit
ACEC Chairman Jerry Stump headlined a list of distinguished speakers at the international congress in Mexico City. |
At the 2010 Congress of National and International Consulting Companies in Mexico City, ACEC Chairman Jerry Stump addressed a large international audience on major challenges facing the engineering industry.
The biannual meeting marked the 25th anniversary of conference sponsor CNEC, which is ACEC's counterpart in Mexico, and brought together industry leaders from many firms and organizations. FIDIC President Gregs Thomopulos, an ACEC member, was one of the attendees.
Stump noted that the industry faces common core issues, regardless of country, such as a lack of adequate infrastructure funding and the need to attract young professionals into engineering.
"Despite our cultural differences, we have many common challenges, and through dialogue we can find solutions," Stump said.
|
| Member Action Needed to Defeat Proposed S Corp. Tax Increase
ACEC is leading an effort to remove a provision in pending Senate legislation that would increase payroll taxes on certain S corporations.
ACEC encourages members to contact their Senators to voice their objections. Click here for a sample letter. Members should FAX letters to Senate offices—click here for a Senate contact list.
The provision in the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 (H.R. 4213) would apply payroll taxes to S corporation distributions in cases where (1) an S corporation is engaged in a professional services business where the principal asset of the business is the reputation and skill of three or fewer employees, or (2) a professional services S corporation is a partner in a partnership.
Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Michael Enzi (R-WY) are offering an amendment to the legislation that would remove the S corporation tax increase. Their amendment is expected to be considered this week, and ACEC is working closely with coalition allies to build support.
The Council also recently sent a joint letter with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to the Senate in opposition to Section 413 and in support of the Snowe/Enzi amendment. Click here for the copy of the letter.
|
| ACEC Advocates for "Context Sensitive" Solutions at House Hearing
ACEC/Pennsylvania President Steven Bolt told the House Highways & Transit Subcommittee that integrated planning and design of transportation projects can foster the development of sustainable communities. |
ACEC/Pennsylvania President Steven Bolt testified on behalf of ACEC before a House Highways & Transit Subcommittee hearing on the benefits of "Context Sensitive Solutions" (CSS), which take into consideration during the planning process the communities and lands through which streets, roads, and highways pass.
Hal Kassoff of Parsons Brinckerhoff also testified at the June 10 hearing.
Bolt, who is president of Orth-Rodgers Associates in Mechanicsburg, Pa., spoke of his firm's work as the lead consultant for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Smart Transportation Guidebook, which provides CSS project planning and design assistance to state and local officials and engineers.
"The goal is to integrate planning and design of transportation projects that foster the development of sustainable communities, working within the realities of financial constraints, community aspirations, land use and environmental considerations," said Bolt.
Click here for a video of the hearing and copies of the witness testimonies.
|
| Raymond Reports to CEOs on Recent Council Successes
In a letter to principals of Member Firms, Council President Dave Raymond reported on ACEC's recent achievements, including:
ACEC President Dave Raymond (left) and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, discussed pressing industry issues during a June 9 luncheon on Capitol Hill. |
- Project Labor Agreements—Exempted engineering services from the Administration's final rule ordering PLAs for construction site work.
- Retainage—Made "optional" a previously "mandatory 10 percent" retainage on direct federal contracts.
- Liability Protection—Won federal appeals court ruling to protect engineering firms working for FEMA against separate liability under state law.
- FAR Compliance—Developed new guidance with AASHTO and FHWA that compels state DOTs to strictly follow FAR-based procedures.
Raymond also laid out legislative priorities for the coming months:
- Water—Passing a $40 billion water bill, as well as legislation for an additional $6 billion annual private activity bonding authority for water projects.
- Transportation—Passing a $53 billion airport program funding bill; and working with Congressional leaders on a new six-year highway bill and finding revenue sources to pay for it.
- Energy—Expanding market opportunities; opposing restrictive measures.
- Tax—Seeking repeal of 3 percent withholding mandate on government contracts; preservation of cash accounting option; and opposing tax increases that would burden engineering firms.
Click here to see a copy of the letter.
|
| ACEC Critical of DOT Strategic Plan
ACEC stressed the need for a stronger Administration commitment to transportation financing in its comments on the U.S. Department of Transportation's recently released draft Five-Year Strategic Plan.
The plan provides an early indication of DOT's priorities for the next surface transportation bill.
In addressing the plan's five main goals—safety, asset preservation, economic competitiveness, livable communities, and environmental sustainability—ACEC President Dave Raymond highlighted a major shortcoming: the failure of the Administration to provide financing recommendations for transportation programs.
"It is essential that this Administration outline for the nation its preferences for how to pay for the projects that we so desperately need," wrote Raymond. "Without Administration leadership, the long-term viability of federal highway and transit programs will continue to be in doubt."
Click here to see the ACEC's comments.
|
| ACEC/PAC, ACEC/North Dakota Give Support to Senate Candidate Hoeven
ACEC/North Dakota members supporting the U.S. Senate campaign of Governor John Hoeven (R) included (from left to right) ACEC/PAC Champion Jeffry Volk, ACEC/N.D. Executive Director Bonnie Staiger, Gov. John Hoeven, Holly Beck of Holly Beck Surveying & Engineering in Bismarck, Alan Estvold of Ackerman-Estvold Engineering & Management Consulting in Minot, and ACEC/N.D. President John Mercer. |
|
|
| Four Engineering Students Earn
2010 ACEC Scholarships
Kevin Arpin |
Ryan Walter |
Daniel Deery |
Chris Searcy |
ACEC's Committee of Fellows has selected four engineering students to receive 2010 ACEC Scholarships.
Kevin Arpin, who will graduate with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Kansas State University in 2012, will receive the $10,000 ACEC Scholar of the Year scholarship.
Ryan Walter, who is working towards a Ph.D. in engineering at Stanford University, will receive the $7,500 Kennedy/Jenks Consultants Scholarship. Walter received his master's degree in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford earlier this year.
Daniel Deery will receive the $5,000 Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) scholarship. Deery earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Clemson University in 2009 and is working on his master's degree.
Chris Searcy, a senior at the University of Alabama, will receive the $5,000 Small Firm Council Scholarship. Searcy will receive his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in December 2010.
ACEC will recognize Arpin and Walter at the upcoming Fall Conference in Puerto Rico. Deery and Searcy will be recognized by their respective Member Organizations.
For further information about ACEC Scholarships, contact Daisy Nappier at dnappier@acec.org.
|
|
New Health Care Law Requirements, Tax Rules, Challenges Explained
June 30, 1:30-3 p.m.
The new health care law will significantly impact the nation's health care system as well as A/E firms that offer health insurance benefits to their employees. Due to popular demand, ACEC will again offer the online seminar The New Health Care Law: What it Means for Your Firm on June 30.
Firms will take on new responsibilities, and could face financial penalties if they do not provide health care for their employees, or provide coverage that fails to meet certain benefit and cost requirements. The new law also includes a number of changes to the tax code that every firm should know about.
Presented by health care expert Seth T. Perretta, partner at Davis & Harman LLP, the session will provide a comprehensive overview of the new law and what you need to know right now to prepare. Key issues to be covered include:
- Penalties for certain employers that do not offer qualified health coverage
- New group health plan mandates and insurance reforms
- Excise tax on high-cost plans
- Small business tax credits
- Expanded Form 2099 requirements
- New W-2 reporting requirements
- Limits on flexible spending arrangements (FSAs)
- Changes to the incentives for wellness programs
This seminar is a must for firms seeking a better understanding of the new law.
Click here to register.
|
|
By-Product Synergy: Conserving Resources; Generating Revenue
June 22, 1:30-3 p.m.
Andrew Mangan, executive director, U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Development, presents Trash to Treasure—Profit from By-Product Synergy Opportunities, an online seminar on the organization's By-Product Synergy (BPS) program. The seminar will serve as a roadmap for creating solutions that conserve natural resources through collaborative, regional projects that generate economic returns while improving the environment and society.
BPS is the matching of under-valued waste, transportation, energy and other streams from one facility with potential users at another facility to create new revenues of savings, environmental and societal benefits.
Mangan will present successful BPS case studies, including the Chicago Waste-to-Profit Network, and projects in Houston, in addition to targeting future BPS opportunities.
The potential BPS market size is estimated at over $3 billion annually, primarily in major metropolitan areas and industrial zones, through municipal and industrial material recycling and reuse, and in water, carbon, energy efficiency, ecosystems and real estate.
Click here for details and to register.
|
|
Commissioning Has New Importance, Value in LEED Environment
June 23, 1:30-3 p.m.
Owners are increasingly asking for commissioning-documented confirmation that all systems and components of a building are designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained according to the operational requirements of the owner or final client and according to criteria in project documents.
Commissioning is growing in value, particularly among M/E/P firms, which seek compliance to LEED standards and the expectation that a building continue to operate and be maintained according to those requirements after it is occupied.
On June 23, Michael King, ARCOM; Earle Kennett, NIBS; and Patrick Prendergast, GBA/ViroCon, Inc., will present Commissioning: A Growing Market, examining the details of today's commissioning process from overview to markets where commissioning is used.
Concerns to be addressed include:
- Who should provide these services and what are the appropriate qualifications?
- What's the appropriate level of commissioning for a facility or project?
- What commissioning standards are appropriate for a project?
- What building systems should be commissioned?
- What should be included in an RFQ or RFP for commissioning?
- What's the commissioning process for a project?
- What's the impact on the design team's scope of services?
- What's the impact on the Contractor's responsibilities and cost?
- What's the typical cost for commissioning services?
Click here for details and to register.
|
|
SEI Challenges A/E Leaders; New Class Starts in September
In the course of five separate five-day sessions over an 18-month timeframe, ACEC's Senior Executives Institute (SEI) participants acquire new tools and high-level skills and insights to prosper in our changed—and challenging—A/E/C business environment.
The opening session, Your Vision & The World, offers a thoughtful and illuminating five days in Washington, D.C., with leading authorities and visionaries on the changing environment, economic trends, public policy, global practice, and leading a living company.
Since its inception, SEI has attracted public and private sector engineers and architects from firms of all sizes, locations, and practice specialties, who are drawn to a highly interactive, energetic, exploratory and challenging learning opportunity. Class 16 begins in September 2010.
Course size is limited, and registrations for Class 16 are being accepted. Executives with at least five years' experience managing professional design programs or businesses are invited to register for this highly regarded leadership building opportunity.
For an overview of the full SEI program and to register, visit the ACEC SEI website. To inquire, contact Deirdre McKenna at dmckenna@acec.org.
|
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, Editor/Designer |
|
|
