Critical Thinking Skills for Managing Contract Changes Workshop!
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed a workshop to help Project Managers critically think through contract changes. Construction Project Managers can participate in a 3-day workshop. A condensed 1-day workshop is offered for Project Development Engineers / Project Managers.
The workshop focuses upon the following four questions:
- What does the contact say, including what is stated and what is unstated but implied?
- What does the contract mean, that is, what is the intent of the contract?
- What does a “fair and equitable” decision look like given the challenges of bidding risk in a low bid (design-bid-build) contract?
- How will the final decision affect the critical working relationship between the owner and the contractor?
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The Virginia DOT has held two of the Workshops and are scheduling an additional. Figure 1 shows Mr. Roy Siegel, an FHWA Instructor, leading a class exercise at one of the Virginia DOT workshops. Mr. Robert Poutier, VDOT Richmond District Construction Engineer said “The workshop provides insight on how to overcome contract disputes and still maintain a successful project. Roy provides a contractor's perspective and actively engages the attendees to think outside the box.” Mr. Mark Riblett, VDOT Assistant Richmond District Engineer for Project Development and Planning says, “The workshop allows the opportunity to temporarily step away from our daily tasks and critically discuss each other’s thoughts about construction, from a design perspective”
If you would like to learn more or request a Critical Thinking Skills for Managing Contract Changes Workshop, please contact Mr. Roy Siegel, Construction Contact Administration Engineer, Resource Center, FHWA.
Caltrans Advances Digital As-Builts
"To do new things, we need new ways." Mark Counts, Caltrans
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is on a journey to embrace Digital As-builts (DABs). Caltrans legacy system was built upon point processing, or silos, that advanced as-built plans in either a paper or 2-dimensional flat file format. Caltrans journey with DABs will streamline field inspection, with easy to use click graphics, specifications, checklists, and forms to document quantities and qualities of pay items. This information is automated to then populate the asset management database for future use.
Caltrans has mandated that all construction field staff keep contract administrative files electronically in the document management system. This includes payment documents, daily reports, inspection documents, plans, and specifications. These digital files are useful for stage construction, clash detection, and payment quantities are a very important component of DABs. Caltrans is also investing in the validation and deployment of other tools such as mobile LiDAR, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Terrestrial LiDAR. Figure 1 presents how current digital plans are used in coordination with real-time kinematic (RTK) rover equipment during construction to assure quality placement of a culvert.
 Caltrans recognizes the significance of having an accurate reference network for DABs. They have acquired 87 sets of RTK rover equipment for field use. The state of California currently has approximately 65% coverage of real-time network (RTN) stations. Caltrans currently owns and operates 42 RTN stations or 35% of the State’s coverage. Caltrans is in the process of adding an additional 80 RTN stations with supporting staff for maintenance and operations. This represents the largest investment of any State in field technology as of February 2022.
The vision for Caltrans investment into DABs is reflected in their answer to the question, "What are Digital As-Builts?" Caltrans replies “A dynamic living model that is updated before, during, and after construction, supporting the effective life cycle of asset management.”
For additional information about Caltrans deployment of DABs please contact Mr. Aaron Chamberlin, Senior Transportation Engineer, Caltrans, Mr. Mark Counts, Chief of Surveying Systems, Caltrans, or Mr. Devin Porr, Office Chief, Caltrans. If you would like to learn more about FHWA’s efforts in accelerating the deployment DABs, please contact Mr. David Unkefer, Construction and Project Management Engineer, FHWA.
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e-Ticketing Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
Contact Ms. Kathryn Weisner or phone: 202-823-2267
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Digital As-Builts Forum: Colorado DOT, Mr. Rob Martindale, Utilities Program Manager, March 27, 2023 @ 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
Registration
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e-Construction Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
Contact Ms. Kathryn Weisner or phone: 202-823-2267
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Digital As-Builts Webinar Series: Extract Asset Survey and Model Data to and from GIS and Asset Management Systems, April 27, 2023 @ 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET
Registration
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Probabilistic Risk-Based Cost Estimation Training
Contact Mr. Michael Smith or phone: 202-603-7050
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Digital As-Builts Forum: Texas DOT, Mr. Jacob Tambunga, Director of Digital Delivery, May 22, 2023 @ 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
Registration
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NHI 134077, Contract Administration Core Curriculum Course
Contact Ms. Kathryn Weisner or phone: 202-823-2267
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Digital As-Builts Peer-to-Peer Exchanges
Contact Mr. David Unkefer or phone: 404- 764-7498
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FHWA Emergency Relief Overview (Virtual 2-hr Training)
Contact Ms. Megan Hall or phone: 202-923-5282
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Critical Thinking Skills for Managing Contract Changes, Workshop
Contact Mr. Roy Siegel or phone: 404-764-6053
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Note: The U.S. Government does not endorse products, manufacturers, or outside entities. Trademarks, names, or logos appear in this document only because they are considered essential to the objective of the document. They are included for informational purposes only and are not intended to reflect a preference, approval, or endorsement of any one product or entity.
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