Engineering Inc. - July/August 2013 - (Page 40)

Business Insights ACEC/FHWA Training Program for Federal Audits ACEC and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) National Highway Institute (NHI) have teamed up to provide an industrywide training program on audit and procurement practices under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This important three-part training program, taught by leaders of the AASHTO Audit Guide Task Force, is designed to educate publicand private-sector transportation practitioners about government contracting for A/E services, and the administration and oversight of contract costs. The one-day introductory course reviews A/E contract cost components, regulations and standards, risk factors, and auditor roles and responsibilities. Following the introductory course, a two-day workshop details how to apply the AASHTO Audit Guide in the development and administration of A/E consultant direct and indirect costs and rates. The third course in the series focuses on audit requirements and procedures in reviewing compliance with federal regulations and guidance. Mysteries of the FAR Revealed: Using the AASHTO Audit Guide, a comprehensive FAR compliance and oversight training program for state DOTs and A/E firms, was held for the first time in Harrisburg, Pa., June 10–14, offered jointly by ACEC, ACEC/PA, NHI and FHWA. It will be offered in other states in the coming months. For future dates and locations, visit www. acec.org. SEI Website Gets a New Look for Class 19 Launch The ACEC Senior Executives Institute (SEI) has a new online presence that is easily accessible from desktop, tablet or smartphone, and offers a faster and more intuitive visitor experience. Despite the online upgrades, SEI’s mission remains the same: Turn effective A/E managers into successful executives and forward-thinking industry leaders. SEI’s program works on multiple levels to help executives identify and explore their unique leadership styles with the goal of developing stronger, more effective corporate leaders. Over 18 months, participants work to build core knowledge, skills and business acumen. SEI’s program encourages creative thinking and vision beyond the day-to-day or year-to-year approach of A/E business management to facilitate a greater awareness of the industry. By strengthening the effectiveness of their leadership, executives can better clarify what matters for themselves and their businesses, thus creating an environment where compelling visions, goals and strategies emerge and take root. Applications are being accepted for SEI’s Class 19, which starts in September in Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit sei.acec.org. 40 ENGINEERING INC. JULY / AUGUST 2013 Tools, Contracts, Publications for Mechanical/ Electrical and Site/Civil Firms Business management and safety risks are two critical concerns for mechanical/electrical and site/ civil firms. To address these issues, the Council for American Mechanical and Electrical Engineers (CAMEE) and the Land Development Coalition (LDC) offer several publications, tools and contracts to help firms navigate around risk. CAMEE publications cover planning, compensation, communications, education, quality, M/E submittal checklists and contracts. Each focus area includes worksheet and sample documents for M/E engineers to use in the daily business of their firm. LDC publications cover marketing, project management, financial management, risk management and staffing. Each LDC focus area also includes worksheets and sample documents. New Releases CAMEE Tool 2-3—Ratio Analysis. This tool provides a method for determining the financial health of an engineering firm. The ratios give business leaders the ability to compare the current financial performance of a firm against past financial performance, or against national averages for similar firms. LDC 1-A-1—Successful Qualifications. This tool puts together General Qualifications meant to inform clients of an engineer’s abilities and experience to perform the work, without including a lot of “marketing mumbo jumbo.” LDC 1-A-2—How to Approach New Clients. This white paper provides a roadmap for initial client meetings, taking firms through essential upfront planning to post-meeting follow-up. LDC 1-A-3—Writing Successful Proposals. A successful project proposal provides all the information a client needs to make an informed decision about a firm, while offering necessary protections for the firm if and when it gets the contract. This resource helps firms write successful proposals. All ACEC Coalition-developed products are available at www. booksforengineers.com. The ACEC Institute for Business Management provides comprehensive and accessible business management education for engineering company principals and their staffs. Visit ACEC’s online educational events calendar at www.acec.org/calendar/index.cfm or bookstore at www.acec.org/publications, or call 202-347-7474, ext. 338, for further information. http://www.acec.org http://www.acec.org http://www.booksforengineers.com http://www.booksforengineers.com http://www.acec.org/calendar/index.cfm http://www.acec.org/publications http://sei.acec.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - July/August 2013

Engineering Inc. - July/August 2013
Contents
From ACEC to You
Legislative Action
Market Watch
An Unfair Duty
Keys to Growth
2013 Professional Liability Insurance Survey of Member Firms
Healthy Solutions
Insights of Outsourcing
Risk Management
Fall Conference Preview
Business Insights
Guest Column
Members in the News
Mergers and Acquisitions

Engineering Inc. - July/August 2013