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ENGINEERINGAWARD-WINNING BUSINESS MAGAZINE ● PUBLISHED BY AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES >> Education for Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders >> Changing Wind Power Marketplace >> Annual Convention Highlights Marketplace Opportunities DESIGNS Of Distinction Tetra Tech-INCA’s Surge Barrier Storms to Top of Year’s Best Engineering Achievements Designed by engineers, for engineers THE Advantage PLAN Now offering stop-loss coverage for firms that ‘self insure’
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*Refund based on overall performance of the plan and firm’s stop-loss claims expereience. ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 ● Vol. 23, No. 3
20 24 Features
2012 ANNUAL CONVENTION WRAP-UP 20 Highlights from the 2012 Annual Convention 8 and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. Cover Feature
2012 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 8 TAKING THE LEAD 24 Honoring the year’s most exceptional ACEC’s Senior Executives Institute helps executives engineering achievements. develop leadership skills to grow their businesses.
Departments FROM ACEC TO YOU 2 BUSINESS INSIGHTS 32 Council advocacy efforts advanced by Opportunities in a growing sustainability member visits to Capitol Hill. market; emerging industry trends analysis; CASE presents 10 foundations MARKET WATCH 4 for risk management. Wind power market set to take off again after near-term slowdown. MEMBERS IN THE NEWS 34 Barry K. Dewberry elected chairman LEGISLATIVE ACTION 6 of the board at Dewberry; Greenhorne House, Senate set to finalize long-term & O’Mara names Joseph T. Skinner transportation bill; ACEC Federal Markets president and CEO. Conference spotlights opportunities. MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS 36 DECISION MAKERS 30 Pace of M&A mirrors economy’s HDR Chairman and CEO fragile recovery. George Little shares views on life 4 and work.
Engineering Inc. promotes the advocacy and business interests of ACEC by offering news, legislative analysis and business practice information to member firms, clients, opinion leaders and policy makers.
The articles and editorials appearing in this magazine do not represent an official ACEC position or policy unless specifically identified as doing so. From ACEC to You ENGINEERING INC. THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES CHAIRMAN Ted C. Williams Council Advocacy Efforts PRESIDENT & CEO David A. Raymond VICE PRESIDENT, Mary Ann Emely Advanced by Member OPERATIONS VICE PRESIDENT, Steven Hall Visits to Capitol Hill GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS VICE PRESIDENT, Jeffrey L. Beard INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS he record-setting 2012 Annual Convention culminated in a massive MANAGEMENT convergence of ACEC “citizen lobbyists” on Capitol Hill—just at a DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS Alan D. Crockett time when a strong, unified industry voice was most needed. and MEDIA T STAFF EDITOR Convention attendees conducted more than 300 meetings with their Andrea Keeney [email protected] congressional delegations to urge passage of long-term transportation, water/ 202-682-4347 wastewater infrastructure and energy legislation. SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS Gerry Donohue Their lobbying efforts couldn’t have been better timed, as the House was WRITER deciding that very week how to move forward on legislation that would open ACEC PUBLIC RELATIONS AND negotiations with the Senate on a final transportation bill. EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Many Convention attendees praised the annual meeting’s business agenda. CHAIRMAN Jackie Fox CH2M HILL CEO and Convention keynoter Lee McIntire predicted TMG “unprecedented opportunities” for the engineering industry in society’s MANAGING EDITOR Corey Murray response to global challenges in climate change, population growth, and ART DIRECTOR Jeff Kibler water and energy shortages. PROJECT MANAGER Katie Mason
Congratulations to all 147 winners at the Engineering Excellence Awards ADVERTISING SALES Gala, attended by 600-plus members and clients. Nina Goldman Special congratulations to Tetra Tech-INCA, which led the design team for Director, Sales and M.O. Services the magnificent Lake Borgne Surge Barrier in New Orleans, winner of the ACEC 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Floor 2012 Grand Conceptor Award. Washington, D.C. 20005-2605 For complete coverage of the Annual Convention and the 2012 202-682-4325 Engineering Excellence Awards, see page 8. [email protected] Rob Shafer Media Director Naylor 770-810-6986 Ted C. Williams David A. Raymond [email protected] ACEC Chairman ACEC President & CEO Engineering Inc., Volume 23, Number 3 (ISSN 1539-2694), is published bi-monthly by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005-2605. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and at additional mailing offices. Annual subscriptions are $24 for members (included in dues as a non-deductible amount); $45 for U.S. non-members; $65 for institutional subscriptions. Back issues are $15.
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WWW.ACEC.ORG 2 ENGINEERINGENGENENGINEEININENEENNEEEEERINRIR NNGG INCINIINC.NCNC. MMAYMAAAY / JUJUNEUNNEE 22012012012 Engineering innovative solutions since 1983.
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AR Ins. Lic. #245544 CA Ins. Lic. #0633005 Brokered and/or administered by Marsh USA, Inc., d/b/a in CA Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management. MarketWatch BY GERRY DONOHUE Wind Power Market Set to Grow After Near-Term Slowdown
ou’ve heard the saying, sion, but not until after voters of the PTC could jump-start have pushed down natural gas “the calm before the go to the polls in November. the industry. With an extension, prices, making it difficult for Ystorm.” For U.S. wind The PTC has expired three annual installations would hover wind projects to compete. Var- power, the past few months times in the past, each time with between 8 GW and 10 GW rone says natural gas prices will have represented the storm dire consequences for the indus- per year from 2014 to 2016. At trend higher as drillers have to before the calm. try. When it happened at the that pace, total wind investment dig deeper and farther afield to The federal renewable energy end of 1999, installations in the would be poised to grow to tap existing reserves. Within
production tax credit (PTC)— wind energy market dropped $16.3 billion by 2016. a few years, PTC-aided wind IMAGES FAINT/GETTY GRANT the prime driver behind the 93 percent during the following power prices will be on par with growth of the wind industry year. The other two times, at the Market Factors natural gas. since its inception in 1992—is end of 2001 and 2003, instal- Slow Down Wind In the past five years, the scheduled to expire at the end of lations dropped 73 percent and While the PTC has an outsized wind industry has added 2012. Armed with this knowl- 77 percent, respectively. impact on the edge, the industry has been A recent study, “Impact of wind industry, U.S. Wind Power Capacity, Installed Since 2007 installing turbines at a feverish the Production Tax Credit on three other 5,258 MW +5,116 MW +6,810 MW pace. the U.S. Wind Market,” by factors could +3,108 MW “We’re busier than all get independent consulting firm contribute to a +1,644 MW out,” says Jack Hand, president/ Navigant Consulting, says that down market in CEO of POWER Engineers if the PTC is not renewed, wind the next couple in Hailey, Idaho. “Everyone power installations would drop of years. is pushing the envelope to get from more than 8 gigawatts The slow done by Dec. 31.” (GW) in 2012 to just 2 GW in national econ- 2013. Total investment in wind omy has weak- Political Jockeying would fall from $15.6 billion to ened underlying Throws Market $5.5 billion, according to Navi- demand for 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 The PTC provides an income gant’s projections. electricity, says tax credit of 2.2 cents per “We don’t expect to see much Chris Var- kilowatt-hour for the produc- new work in the wind sector rone, president tion of electricity from utility- until the PTC is extended,” of Riverview scale wind turbines. The credit says Gary Zahalka, vice presi- Consulting in helped bring the cost of wind dent of generation, planning Irvington, N.Y., power in line with other energy and renewable energy at Ulteig which special- sources and, over the past four Engineers in Fargo, N.D. “A izes in renew- +21,936 MW added from 2007 —2011 years, helped the wind industry lot of the manufacturers have able energy. Source: American Wind Energy Association garner 35 percent of all new already started laying off a “There’s not enough demand to 30 GW of power to the existing U.S. power capacity projects. bunch of people.” get investors motivated about transmission grid with minimal “Wind has been one of the Industry watchers say linger- the sector,” he says. “Producers negative impact, says POWER fastest-growing energy sectors,” ing uncertainty surrounding aren’t looking to grow their mar- Engineers’ Hand. That’s encour- says Fort Felker, director of the the PTC extension will likely kets right now.” aging. But, moving forward, the National Wind Technology depress the wind market in Recent advances in natural- demand for transmission capac- Center at the National Renew- 2013. Farther out, though, Nav- gas extraction technologies, ity will push the limits of firm able Energy Laboratory in igant says a four-year extension specifically hydraulic fracturing, resources. Golden, Colo. “It’s behind only natural gas, and not that far Top 5 States, Largest Percentage of Electricity From Wind 2010 behind.” 15.4% 12.0% 9.7% 8.3% 7.1% Despite impressive gains, election-year wrangling has Iowa North Dakota Minnesota South Dakota Kansas called into question the future of the PTC. Most analysts expect the PTC to get an exten- Source: American Wind Energy Association
4 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 MarketWatch
“One park in the North Sea will produce and Latin America, which are projected to more than 7 GW,” says Varrone. “There experience growth rates of 10 percent to 18 will be 1,000 of these huge machines, each percent between 2010 and 2020. By 2020, more than 160 meters tall and with a rotor the markets outside of Europe, the United sweep area twice the size of the infield and States, Canada and China will account outfield of Yankee Stadium.” for 50 percent of world demand,” the Longer-term, Bloomberg reports in its news service reports. Talk about winds of “Global Renewable Energy Market Out- change. look” that developing countries will also make investments in wind power. “By Gerry Donohue is ACEC’s senior communi- far, the most rapid growth will be seen in cations writer. He can be reached at India, the Middle East, North Africa, Africa [email protected]. GRANT FAINT/GETTY IMAGES FAINT/GETTY GRANT “The amount of investment in transmis- sion is huge right now,” says Hand. “Our company is working on 5,000 miles of 500- kV lines. We hadn’t done that much in the
USE YOUR SMARTPHONE past 30 years combined.” APP TO LEARN MORE In the face of these and other factors, the wind industry will continue to make tech- nological advances that could reduce the cost of wind power. Larger rotors and com- puterized operation, for example, would make it possible to operate in lower-wind sites, bringing wind production closer to demand centers. Most analysts expect tech- nologies to emerge that should make wind power cost-competitive with other forms of power within a few years—even without the PTC. International Market The LEADING Much of the near-term action in wind power will be in international markets. SAFETY IS ENGINEERED In 2010, China accounted for nearly half EDGE of all wind power installations globally, up FROM the ground up oN from barely any five years earlier. Experts say China will continue to be a huge market for the foreseeable future, but the torrid pace will slow. Of particular interest to U.S. firms, the Chinese government is committed to wind as a domestic industry.
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MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 5 Legislative Action AP PHOTO/LAWRENCE JACKSON AP PHOTO/LAWRENCE
Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) will lead House negotiators on the
TOM BRAKEFIELD/GETTY IMAGES BRAKEFIELD/GETTY TOM transportation bill. House, Senate Set to Finalize Long-Term Transportation Bill House-Senate Confer- gives states more flexibility in In the House, Republican guage from the five-year bill that ence Committee has been allocating funds, reforms project leaders were forced to abandon would task state departments of A appointed to negotiate delivery requirements and begins plans for a comprehensive five- transportation with contracting a final long-term transportation implementation of performance year, $260 billion authorization out for engineering services to the authorization bill, a key Council measures for state transportation plan after the bill failed to garner maximum extent practicable. priority, following approval of departments. In addition to for- sufficient support. The House Passage of a final compromise alternative bills by both houses. mula funding to states and local adopted an alternative measure bill to send to the White House On March 14, the U.S. Sen- agencies, it provides $1 billion per to advance the legislative process was a key lobbying objective ate passed an ACEC-backed year in financing support to lever- and begin conference committee for Council members during two-year surface transportation age additional private investment negotiations with the Senate. The the Annual Convention. “This reauthorization bill (S. 1813) that through the Transportation Infra- House bill (H.R. 4348) includes remains the single biggest jobs maintains current funding levels structure Finance and Innovation an additional 90-day extension bill that Congress could complete plus inflation through September Act program. To support highway of current transportation funding this year,” said Ken Wightman of 2013. The bill, Moving Ahead and transit program funding lev- and programs, as well as ACEC- David Evans & Associates, chair- for Progress in the 21st Century els, the bill supplements the High- backed provisions to approve man of ACEC’s Transportation (MAP-21), was approved on a way Trust Fund with $13.9 billion the Keystone XL pipeline and Committee. broad bipartisan vote of 74–22. by redirecting certain import fees improve the environmental review The current extension of federal MAP-21 consolidates many and transferring funds from vari- process for projects. highway and transit programs existing highway programs, ous other accounts. ACEC will seek to retain lan- expires June 30. ACEC Federal Markets Conference Spotlights Opportunities he Annual Convention Hanson Professional Services Fair, which brought together for engineering services, featured a Federal Mar- and incoming chair of the large and small firms to dis- the fair provided needed Tkets Conference that Federal Agencies and Procure- cuss teaming opportunities interaction between ACEC included presentations by 14 ment Advocacy Committee. on specific federal projects. Member Firms of all sizes. federal agencies—including The Federal Markets Confer- With the recent increase in the (See Annual Convention wrap the Departments of Interior, ence also included a Teaming small-business size standard up on page 18.) Homeland Security, and Jus- Terry Edwards (left) of the U.S. Air Force Center for Engineering and Environment was one tice—identifying opportuni- of a dozen federal agency officials who discussed contracting opportunities at the Annual ties and upcoming projects Convention. Also pictured from left: Karl Calvo, U.S. Customs and Borders; Commander that involve engineering and Pete Carroll, U.S. Coast Guard; and Rodger Evans, U.S. Department of the Interior. related services. “Hearing the current and potential detailed acquisi- tion plans—good or bad—of so many present and prospective clients at one time greatly enhances the ability of my firm to strategically plan for the future,” said Joan Freitag of
6 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 Increased Pressure ISSUES ON THE MOVE WHAT’S NEXT For Water Infrastructure Surface transportation bill Conference negotiation could Funding finish by June Water infrastructure Private Activity Bond ater infrastructure funding was a key lobbying priority provision to move as part of for ACEC members during the recent Annual Con- transportation bill vention. In addition to urging Congress to protect W Energy Keystone pipeline may be investment levels for the State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, Council members advocated for new financing mechanisms to added to final transportation help communities fund water needs. bill ACEC members were successful in building support for bipar- tisan legislation—H.R. 1802 and S. 939—that will make it easier for communities to finance water projects through private activ- ity bonds. The Senate has already adopted a modified version of S. 939 as part of the surface transportation reauthorization bill. Council members also expressed their support for a proposed new program—the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innova- tion Act (WIFIA)—that would provide below-market loans and loan guarantees to reduce borrowing costs and unlock more pri- vate capital for water projects. The WIFIA concept has already been included in House legislation (H.R. 3145), and House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) is developing a new bill that would include both WIFIA and private activity bonds. Steven Fangmann of D & B Engineers of Woodbury, N.Y., recently testified on behalf of ACEC in favor of WIFIA at a hearing before Gibbs’ subcommittee. AP PHOTO/JAY PICKTHORN/ARGUS LEADER PICKTHORN/ARGUS AP PHOTO/JAY Clinton O. Robinson of Black & Veatch and vice-chair of ACEC’s Environment and Energy Committee, said, “ACEC ACEC Takes Its Energy Member Firms pressed the point home to Congress that notwith- Agenda to Congress standing budget realities, communities need stable SRF fund- ing and additional financial tools to maintain the progress our nergy issues were front and center at the recently con- federal-state-local partnership has made over the decades in keep- cluded ACEC Annual Convention, with Member Firms ing water safe and clean.” Elobbying for legislation to promote an all-of-the-above approach that encourages all forms of domestically produced energy, as well as expansion of long-distance transmission line capacity. Approval for the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to the United States, which has been delayed by the administra- tion, is a key priority for ACEC. Emphasizing that the pipeline will increase energy security by reducing U.S. dependence on crude oil imported from unfriendly countries, Council mem- bers pressed House and Senate members to back legislation to expedite its approval. ACEC members also lobbied on behalf of extending the Renewable Energy Production Tax Credits (PTC) to support wind, geothermal, hydropower and other renewable energy projects. The wind energy PTC is due to expire on Dec. 31. The Council’s “citizen lobbyists” also urged lawmakers to reduce the financing risks and provide more certainty to the renew- able energy industry by passing H.R. 3307, which would extend the PTC for all renewable energy sources through 2016.
For More News For weekly legislative news, visit ACEC’s Last Word online at www.acec.org. AP PHOTO/JAY PICKTHORN/ARGUS LEADER PICKTHORN/ARGUS AP PHOTO/JAY
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 7 20Engineering12 Excellence AWARD WINNERS
The 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala—known as the “Academy Awards” of the engineering industry—showcased 147 ACEC Member projects from the United States and throughout the world. A panel of 28 judges from across the nation representing a variety of built environment disciplines selected 24 top award recipients—16 Honor Awards, eight Grand Awards and the Grand Conceptor Award for the most outstanding engineering achievement— based on criteria such as uniqueness and originality, technical complexity, social and economic value, and public awareness. Emmy Award-winning comedian Ross Shafer once again hosted the sold-out black- tie extravaganza, which was attended by more than 600 members and guests.
8 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 ACEC 2012 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS GRAND CONCEPTOR AWARD
Lake Borgne Surge Barrier, New Orleans, La. Tetra Tech-INCA—Bellevue, Wash.
Achieving revolutionary new heights in flood protection, this $1.1 billion response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina can withstand a 100-year-level storm surge event. Nearly two miles long and 26 feet tall, the new structure is the largest surge barrier of its kind in the world. During Hurricane Katrina, a storm surge entering the confluence of the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway overtopped and collapsed a 4,000-foot-long levee section causing widespread flooding, death and destruction in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Extending across the marsh from the Gulf Outlet to the Gulf Waterway, the new barrier effectively moves the first line of storm- surge defense more than 12 miles away from downtown New Orleans and eliminated the need for raising approximately 30 miles of existing levees and floodwalls. The structure is supported with 1,271 concrete cylinder piles, 66 inches in diameter, 144 feet long and driven to depths up to 130 feet. Three gates allow vessel passage—a concrete barge swing gate and a buoyant sector gate—both 150 feet wide and weighing more than 675 tons per leaf. Another barrier entrance features a 56-foot-wide vertical lift gate. Tetra Tech-INCA led the design team that included leading flood control engineers from across the United States and Europe. The project is now a model for floodgate and floodwall design worldwide. ACEC 2012 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS GRANDAWARDS Aqua at Lakeshore East, Chicago, Ill. Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Magnusson Klemencic Associates—Seattle, Wash. Singapore Arup—Cambridge, Mass. Majestically towering 87 stories from a once-neglected industrial brownfield site, Aqua at Lakeshore East represents pioneering Breathtaking engineering design produced a fabulous new tourist structural design for vertical construction. The newest addition to destination in the heart of Marina Bay, Singapore’s new downtown. Chicago’s downtown includes 78 distinctive undulating balconies The 38-acre resort includes three 55-story, asymmetrically curved that cantilever up to 12 feet— luxury hotels, each topped and connected by SkyPark, a 2.5-acre more than twice the distance landscaped rooftop that is the of conventional balconies. world’s largest cantilevered public Innovative structural design space, which features a 150-meter provides support exceeding outdoor swimming pool. The traditional systems, yet contains resort also includes the lotus- no elements that would obstruct shaped ArtScience Museum, two views of Chicago’s historic 2,000-seat performance theaters skyline. The 2.3-million- and more than 1 million square square-foot complex features feet of casino, retail and restaurant 264 condominiums, 481 space. The project team overcame apartments, 325 hotel rooms, unfavorable geological conditions two long-span ballrooms, and unusual design geometries to offices, retail, and five levels of produce the spectacular $6 billion parking, and is a breakthrough resort that is now a primary for future urban high-rise tourist attraction for Asia’s busiest construction. seaport.
Co-Digestion and Combined Heat & Power Improvements, Johnstown, N.Y. U.S. Highway 82 Mississippi River Bridge, Malcolm Pirnie, The Water Division of Arcadis— Washington County, Miss. Clifton Park, N.Y. HNTB Corporation—Baton Rouge, La.
Pioneering engineering design produced the first U.S. wastewater The dazzling new 2,500-foot-long, three-span cable-stayed treatment plant that operates entirely on power recovered from bridge is the third-longest of its type in the U.S. and a visually the treatment processes, making it a “net zero” energy facility. stunning new crossing over America’s most-storied river. The The project team reduced system electrical demand while project team incorporated an innovative dredged-caisson/drilled- significantly increasing digester gas production from the treatment shaft foundation design to support two distinctive 425-foot-high process. Two new 350-kW generators fueled by the digester concrete towers. The new structure is more than three times the gas provide heat and electricity for facility operations. Average width of the 1940s-era bridge it replaced and offers two 12-foot power production increased from 143,000 kW in 2009 to more traffic lanes in each direction, two 12-foot exterior emergency than 405,000 kW in 2011. The decreased operational costs help lanes, and two eight-foot median emergency lanes. An aggressive keep customer rates low and established the facility as a leader in construction schedule delivered the new bridge three months sustainable wastewater treatment. ahead of schedule and nearly $1 million under budget.
10 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 GRANDAWARDS The Elwha River Restoration Project, Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge, City of Port Angeles and Clallam County, Wash. San Diego, Calif. URS Corporation—Denver, Colo. T.Y. Lin International—San Diego, Calif.
As part of the second-largest National Park Service river A graceful new pedestrian bridge is one of the longest self- restoration project in U.S. history, two obsolete hydroelectric anchored suspension bridges in the world, and fulfills a century- dams are being removed without adverse sediment impact on old vision of linking Balboa Park and San Diego Bay. The new downstream water quality and the river’s endangered species. To 550-foot bridge provides safe passage over a major highway and safely dispose of more than 18 million cubic yards of sediment six railroad lines and includes a 131-foot-tall, 60-degree inclined that had become trapped behind the two 1900s-era structures, the pylon and a curved deck. The structure contains a unique self- project team designed two treatment facilities—an 11-million- anchored support system that is attached to the bridge itself, as gallon-per-day facility to meet stringent water-quality standards, opposed to traditional ground anchoring. Architectural concrete and an innovative surface water diversion system that provided finishes, textured walking surfaces, stainless steel aircraft mesh safe passage for migrating fish. The result sets a new precedent for and indirect deck lighting enhance the scenic experience of the dam removal, river restoration and fish preservation. city’s downtown and waterfront.
Yorkville Dam Safety Improvements & Bypass Channel, Yorkville, Ill. Teng & Associates—Chicago, Ill.
Creative engineering along the Fox River in Yorkville, Ill., improved water recreational attractions by eliminating a life-threatening turbulence condition generated by a dam. Hydraulic conditions downstream produced a submerged roller effect, which had claimed 28 drowning victims over the last 35 years. The project team incorporated a new stepped dam spillway that eliminated the trapping turbulence, making the river safer for recreation. The design also included an innovative fish ladder and a new bypass channel with waterways for recreational and competitive Olympic-style boating.
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 11 ACEC 2012 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS HONORAWARDS
Kansas Airspace Awareness Tool, Topeka, Kan. Burns & McDonnell—Kansas City, Mo.
A new resource for city and regional planners can now accurately and easily depict the complex network of airspace. The Kansas Airspace Awareness Tool (KAAT) transforms imaginary airspace into a precise, easy-to-understand three-dimensional model. The project team provided programming, research and data testing in development of the program, which accurately depicts Propellants North Facility, location and elevation data Kennedy Space Center, Fla. to avoid potential airspace Jones Edmunds & Associates—Gainesville, Fla. conflicts from structures or takeoff/landing NASA’s first “net zero” facility is a pioneering example of patterns. Developed engineering excellence combined with innovative sustainable within the Google Earth technology. Designed to produce enough energy onsite platform, the KAAT is to offset operational requirements, the Propellants North Internet-accessible and Facility achieved U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum user-friendly for state status—the highest rating for sustainable buildings. It and local governments, features 336 photovoltaic panels, which supply 100 percent allowing planners to make of the building’s energy, saving the agency approximately better airspace decisions, $16,000 in monthly energy costs. Water conservation improve safety and protect and stormwater management are enhanced by innovative valuable public assets. rainwater harvesting and a downstream dry-detention swale.
FHWA Curved Steel Bridge Reference Manual with LRFD, Nationwide I-93 Fast 14 Project, Medford, Mass. Michael Baker Jr.—Horsham, Pa. Tetra Tech and Gill Engineering Associates— Framingham, Mass. A new comprehensive manual for designing curved and skewed steel bridges provides a critically needed industry resource where Resourceful engineering helped meet the formidable none previously existed. Curved and skewed steel bridges feature challenge of replacing 14 structurally deficient bridge many unique complexities, yet represent some of the most elegant, superstructures on I-93—a primary route into Boston— aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective structures in the world. The over 10 consecutive weekends in the summer of 2011. project team produced the first-of-its-kind 1,470-page manual that Predicted to take four years or longer, the largest accelerated addresses specific issues such as erection sequencing and the effects of bridge effort in Massachusetts history features creative skewed supports and lateral bracing. It provides a seamless blending innovations in construction design, including prefabricated of theoretical instruction and practical design examples benefiting bridge elements, special rapid-setting concrete and updated both the novice and the seasoned engineer. The manual, which also traffic management. By providing motorists with a safer incorporates Load and Resistance Factor Design relating to curved highway without protracted construction delays, the project and skewed steel bridges, is considered a breakthrough resource for the now serves as a model for highway infrastructure renewal engineering community worldwide. efforts nationwide.
12 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 HONORAWARDS KFC Yum! Center, Louisville Arena, Louisville, Ky. Walter P Moore— Houston, Texas
A deteriorated, virtually unusable site has been transformed into a new iconic landmark that enhances the downtown Louisville skyline, stimulates the local economy, and is one of the finest college basketball facilities ever built. The new 22,000-seat multipurpose arena rises from a previously unstable, flood-prone site congested with massive underground structures too deep to be removed. The Hickory Ridge Landfill Solar Energy Cover, project team incorporated a labyrinth foundation system to support Atlanta, Ga. loads between the existing obstacles and engineered “smart columns” HDR Engineering—Jacksonville, Fla. to support a curving 406-foot span that forms the arena’s distinctive serpentine roofline. An elegant three-story curved glass exterior Groundbreaking engineering transformed a closed 48-acre provides panoramic views of the nearby Ohio River. landfill into the largest solar energy generating facility in Georgia. Innovative technology was used to apply a high-strength geomembrane across the top of the landfill, anchoring the edges in vertical trenches similar to a bed sheet. Side slopes on the geomembrane provide an ideal, clean and stable surface for 7,000 photovoltaic solar panels, which create more than a megawatt of clean energy—enough to power 224 residences. The cover also eliminates $1.5 million in annual maintenance costs for a traditional grass-covered landfill cap and represents a new, profitable alternative for the more than 17,000 closed landfills throughout the nation.
Mobile LiDAR Mapping for Street Improvements, Austin, Texas Surveying and Mapping—Austin, Texas
State-of-the-art mobile light detection and ranging expedited Austin’s plan to implement major downtown streetscape improvements. The project team used laser-based scanning and high-resolution digital spatial data technology that acquired Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer, millions of 3D design points per minute. The advanced Lake Oswego, Ore. system provided Brown and Caldwell—Portland, Ore. extraordinarily detailed street information for The world’s first-known buoyant gravity sanitary sewer system a seven-block area, in lies just beneath the surface of this popular recreational lake, a fraction of the time replacing an outdated pile-supported system that leaked raw required by conventional sewage after heavy rains. The project team developed an innovative surveying methods. 29,000-foot-long buoyant gravity sewer system featuring high- The detailed data set density polyethylene pipe supported by bedrock-anchored tethers as can be used for 3D deep as 200 feet. Carefully supported depths combined with gravity visualization, modeling maximize free sewage flow to a nearby wastewater treatment plant, and other future urban while its serpentine alignment provides thermal expansion capability planning needs without for fluctuating water temperatures. This creative solution protects additional cost. water quality and has a service life of 100 years.
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 13 ACEC 2012 ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS HONORAWARDS
East Fork Raw Water Supply Project, Seagoville, Texas Alan Plummer Associates—Dallas, Texas
The largest water-reuse project in Texas history successfully averts a critical supply shortage for more than 1.5 million North Texas Water Sacramento International Airport’s Big Build, District customers. When available water supplies could no longer Sacramento, Calif. meet current or future water district demands, the project team used AECOM/Corgan Associates—New York, N.Y. cutting-edge engineering to divert 91 million gallons of effluent per day from the Trinity River. Filtering the water through 2,000 acres of Groundbreaking engineering created the Sacramento International constructed wetlands, the water is then piped 43.5 miles to another Airport’s new showpiece central terminal, new 19-gate lake for storage, blending and distribution to customers. Completed concourse and state-of-the-art automated people mover linking at a fraction of the cost and time of developing a new reservoir, the the two facilities. The five-level terminal features inventive project represents a signature solution in water-reuse innovation. structural design that utilizes exposed steel beams as an aesthetic enhancement. A co-generation system provides reliable and sustainable power. Designed and constructed in a tightly confined area without impacting ongoing airport operations, the $1 billion expansion provides much-needed additional capacity to serve more passengers and carriers.
Stearns Road Corridor, South Elgin and Bartlett, Ill. Alfred Benesch & Company—Chicago, Ill.
Also, Bollinger, Lach & Associates / Bowman, Barrett & Associates / Christopher B. Burke Engineering / Civiltech Engineering / Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick / Huff & Huff / McDonough Associates / Michael Baker Jr. / Omega & Associates / T.Y. Lin International Great Lakes / URS Corporation / Wills Burke Kelsey Associates
The Stearns Road Corridor proves that new infrastructure can be successfully developed while actually enhancing a fragile surrounding environment. The project team West Closure Complex Pump Station, created a new five-mile road New Orleans, La. and bridge over the Fox River Bioengineering/ARCADIS—Washington, D.C. that also included three miles of new multiuse paths, and hand- This new solution for severe Gulf Coast storms is the stained underpass structures to world’s largest interior drainage pump station—larger enhance three regional trails. The than two football fields—and a primary component of the project also involved acquisition overall Gulf Intracoastal Waterway protection system. The and substantial restoration of complex features 11 enormous pumps, each weighing more 216 acres of surrounding green than 70 tons and capable of discharging 20,000 cubic feet space, including the planting of water per second, the equivalent of filling an Olympic- of 150 new deciduous trees, sized swimming pool in less than 21 seconds. Able to 350 shrubs and 200 perennials, withstand Category 5 hurricane-force winds and flying ensuring both transportation and debris, the facility represents an extraordinary engineering environmental enhancement. achievement in major flood prevention.
14 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 HONORAWARDS
SW Moody Avenue, Portland, Ore. Harper Houf Peterson Righellis—Portland, Ore.
Innovative engineering provided critical infrastructure upgrades for a major section of SW Moody Avenue, a key component of Portland’s 120-acre South Waterfront Innovation Quadrant redevelopment. The project team overcame contaminated site soils and a complex public and private utility right-of-way by raising the roadway 14 feet and relocating more than 4,000 feet of water lines and Improvements at the Grand Canyon, 150,000 feet of conduit, along with all supporting access Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz. vaults, manholes and other structures. The 3,200-foot- HDR Engineering—Phoenix, Ariz. long reconstructed highway adds new dual streetcar tracks, pedestrian walkways and a dedicated two-way bicycle track A previously congested, hazardous and confusing Grand Canyon for a new direct connection to downtown. overlook now provides more than 5 million annual visitors with a safer, more intuitive and accessible way to enjoy one of the greatest wonders of the world. Numerous obstacles such as vehicle/pedestrian safety hazards, inadequate signage and narrow rim trails had hampered the visitor viewing experience. The project team utilized advanced geotechnical engineering to blend innovative built elements into natural surroundings, including more accessible ADA-compliant trails and walkways, enhanced directional features, a new stone amphitheater and expanded parking. The upgrades will serve as a model for other planned engineering enhancements along the canyon rim.
Submarine Drive-In Magnetic Silencing Facility, Beckoning Point, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii SSFM International/Moffatt & Nichol Joint Venture— Honolulu, Hawaii
A new state-of-the-art demagnetizing facility minimizes a submarine’s magnetic signature to make it less detectable by enemies and explosive devices. The complex design features two parallel 706-foot-long finger piers for the submarine to pass through, unique low-magnetic structural components Texas Medical Center Energy Upgrade, such as stainless steel alloys and structural aluminum, and an Houston, Texas innovative power supply system. More efficient than previous Burns & McDonnell—Houston, Texas labor-intensive methods, the facility serves as a model for future high-security facilities with equally stringent non- Resourceful thermal energy engineering will contribute more than magnetic criteria. $200 million in energy savings over the next 15 years at the world’s largest medical complex. To meet growing heating and cooling demands at the Texas Medical Center—serving 6 million patients a year in 14 hospitals—the project team designed a massive thermal energy system, including the nation’s largest chiller facility with 32,000 tons of coolant capacity; an 8.8-million-gallon chilled water thermal energy storage tank, the largest of its type in the world; and a 48-megawatt combined heat and power plant capable of producing 330,000 pounds of steam per hour. The system also taps waste heat from the power generation process to produce high-temperature water for distribution to the Center’s 18 buildings.
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 15 2012 EEA NATIONAL RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS FIRM NAME PROJECT NAME FIRM NAME PROJECT NAME
ACEC/ALABAMA CH2M HILL/Neel-Schaffer OCU Landfill Gas-to-Energy Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Tennessee River Modeling System Cannon Hardesty & Hanover Ben Sawyer Bridge Jones Edmunds & Associates Propellants North Facility ACEC/ALASKA Kimley-Horn and Associates Downtown Promenade and HDR Engineering William Jack Hernandez Sport Street Reconstruction Fish Hatchery Walter P Moore Salvador Dali Museum
ACEC/ARIZONA ACEC/GEORGIA HDR Engineering Making the Point: Improvements CH2M HILL Georgia Regional Water Planning at the Grand Canyon Project Stanley Consultants CAP Superstition Mountain HDR Engineering Hickory Ridge Landfill Solar Recharge Project Energy Cover
ACEC/CALIFORNIA ACEC/HAWAII AECOM/Corgan Associates Sacramento International Airport’s Masa Fujioka & Associates USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Big Build Center Replacement Degenkolb Engineers Stanford Law School William H. SSFM International/ Submarine Drive-In Magnetic Neukom Building Moffatt & Nichol Silencing Facility HNTB Corporation Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Pedestrian Bridge ACEC/IDAHO International Bridge Technologies Coast Meridian Overpass Project Horrocks Engineers I-84, New York Canal Modeling RBF Consulting, a Company of Camp Pendleton Desalination and Mitigation Michael Baker Corporation Feasibility Study H. W. Lochner I-84, Ten Mile Road Interchange T.Y. Lin International Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge Progressive Engineering Group Lapwai Valley Regional Wastewater URS Corporation The I-5 Gateway Project
ACEC/COLORADO ACEC/ILLINOIS CTL/Thompson Mount Carmel Church Alfred Benesch & Company Stearns Road Corridor Renovation Bollinger, Lach & Associates FIGG 4th Street Bridge Bowman, Barrett & Associates Frachetti Engineering Georgetown Water Treatment Christopher B. Burke Engineering System Improvements Civiltech Engineering URS Corporation Delta Wastewater Effluent River Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick Diffuser Huff & Huff URS Corporation The Elwha River Restoration McDonough Associates Project Michael Baker Jr. Omega & Associates ACEC/CONNECTICUT T.Y. Lin International Great Lakes Kleinfelder/S E A Consultants Armed Forces Reserve Center, URS Corporation Middletown, Conn. Wills Burke Kelsey Associates
ACEC/FLORIDA Alfred Benesch & Company Wabash River Bridge Atkins Courtney Campbell Causeway Collins Engineers One Weekend; One Bridge- Interchange EJ&E Bridge Roll-In Design CDM Smith 2-mgd NF/RO Design-Build HDR Engineering Resource Recovery at Wild Rose WTP Teng & Associates Yorkville Dam Safety Improvements & Bypass Channel 2012 EEA National TranSystems Corporation Historic Wood Paver Restoration Recognition Award winner ACEC/INDIANA Christopher S. Bond Bridge, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Georgia Street Reconstruction Kansas City, Mo., designed DLZ Indiana I-69 Tier 2 Section 4 EIS and ROD by Parsons Transportation DLZ Indiana Water Resources Program Group, Chesterfield, Mo. Management HNTB Corporation Accelerate 465 Strand Associates New Wastewater Treatment Facility
ACEC/IOWA Stanley Consultants University of Iowa Combined Heat and Power Plant Stanley Consultants Waverly Dam Reconstruction
ACEC/KANSAS Burns & McDonnell Kansas Airspace Awareness Tool Cook, Flatt & Strobel, Engineers Echo Ridge Subdivision GBA Architects and Engineers K-7 and Johnson Drive Interchange H.W. Lochner Bull Creek Bridge Rehabilitation
16 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 2012 EEA NATIONAL RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS FIRM NAME PROJECT NAME FIRM NAME PROJECT NAME
ACEC/KENTUCKY Parsons Transportation Group kcICON Project–Christopher S. Biagi, Chance, Cummins, University of Kentucky Veterinary Bond Bridge London, Titzer Diagnostic Laboratory GRW Northern Ditch Interceptor ACEC/MONTANA Qk4 City of Shepherdsville IFAS DOWL HKM Big Hole Diversion Dam Implementation Replacement Stantec River Road Bridge Widening HDR Engineering Pablo Pedestrian Bridge Over Harrods Creek HDR Engineering, Inc./ Bozeman Water Reclamation Morrison Maierle Facility ACEC/LOUISIANA Bioengineering/ARCADIS West Closure Complex ACEC/NEW JERSEY Pump Station CDM Smith Record-Setting HDD Installation Tetra Tech-INCA Lake Borgne Surge Barrier CH2M HILL NHSA Hoboken H1 Wet Weather Project Pump Station Gannett Fleming I-78 and Garden State Parkway ACEC/MARYLAND Interchange 142 AECOM Metro Fire and Security Hatch Mott MacDonald Jersey City Water Plant Management Systems Upgrade Improvements AECOM The Mary Catherine Bunting Jacobs Engineering Group Rt. 36 Highlands Bridge Over Center at Mercy Shrewsbury River Parsons Brinckerhoff Rt. 46/Main Street Interchange ACEC/MASSACHUSETTS Reconstruction Arup Marina Bay Sands Integrated Parsons Brinckerhoff Widening of the GSP Bridge Over Resort Mullica River Tetra Tech and Gill Engineering 93 Fast 14 Project PS&S The Heights at Montclair State Associates University
ACEC/METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON ACEC/NEW MEXICO Robert Silman Associates Maryland 9/11 Memorial CDM Smith City of Hobbs WWTP Robert Silman Associates University of Virginia Clinical Improvement Project Cancer Center Molzen Corbin University of New Mexico Arena Syska Hennessy Group AIA Headquarters Sustainable “The Pit” Modernization ACEC/NEW YORK ACEC/MICHIGAN AECOM Yankee Stadium Redevelopment HNTB Corporation Michigan State Rail Plan City Work NTH Consultants Detroit/Wayne County Port Arup Calais Land Port of Entry Authority Public Dock and C. T. Male Associates Engineering, GLOBALFOUNDRIES-FAB 8 Terminal Surveying, Architecture Ruby+Associates Conversion of Ottawa Street & Landscape Architecture Power Station DeSimone Consulting Engineers HL 23 Gannett Fleming Engineers and Searchable Property Environmental ACEC/MINNESOTA Architects/GeoDecisions, E-Database Bolton & Menk Downtown Watertown a division of Gannett Fleming Redevelopment Improvements HAKS New Croton Aqueduct Bolton & Menk Saint Peter Water System Rehabilitation Improvements HDR Engineering/ Holmes Street Bridge No. 4175 The Salvador Mead & Hunt Rehab Project Dali Museum, HDR Engineering Innovations in Tire-Pavement St. Petersburg, Fla., Noise Research designed by Walter HDR Engineering St. Joseph Wind Farm HGA Architects and Engineers Town Green Bandshell and P Moore, Tampa, Pavilions Fla., is a 2012 EEA TKDA District Energy Solar Thermal National Recognition System Award winner. ACEC/MISSISSIPPI HNTB Corporation U.S. Highway 82 Mississippi River Bridge
ACEC/MISSOURI Burns & McDonnell Biofuels of the Future: The ZeaChem Solution Burns & McDonnell Iatan Generation Station Unit 2 HNTB Corporation Replacement of BNSF Bridge 204.66 Over Mississippi River
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 17 2012 EEA NATIONAL RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS FIRM NAME PROJECT NAME FIRM NAME PROJECT NAME
Hardesty & Hanover Willis Avenue Bridge ACEC/PENNSYLVANIA Hazen and Sawyer Paerdegat Basin Combined Sewer Borton-Lawson Lehigh River/Pohopoco Creek Overflow Facility Bridge Project HDR Engineering Reconstruction of the Roosevelt The EADS Group Flight 93 National Memorial: Island Bridge Phase 1 HNTB Corporation Rehabilitation of Atlantic Avenue Gannett Fleming South Street Bridge Reconstruction Viaduct Michael Baker, Jr. FHWA LRFD Curved Steel Bridge Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrell Treatment Online Inadvance of Reference Manual Impending Plume SAI Consulting Engineers S.R. 0028-036 Etna Interchange Joseph R. Loring & Associates Hudson Valley Community Reconstruction College–TEC SMART Urban Engineers U.S. Airways New GSE Facility KLD Engineering Queensboro Bridge/Tramway MPT Modeling & Analysis ACEC/SOUTH CAROLINA Malcolm Pirnie, The Water Co-Digestion and Combined Collins Engineers Seismic Evaluations for CCSD Division of Arcadis Heat & Power Improvements GWA AgFirst Emergency Switchboard Mueser Rutledge Consulting Cofferdam for the Cannelton Replacement Engineers Hydroelectric Plant Keck & Wood Winthrop University-Campus Syska Hennessy Group U.N. Headquarters, North Lawn Green Conference Building Vaughn & Melton Consulting Whitmire Bridge Replacement Thornton Tomasetti Penn State University Millennium Engineers Over Duncan Creek Science Complex Wilbur Smith Associates Preparing for the Future-Critical Missions ACEC/NORTH CAROLINA Schnabel Engineering Deep Creek Watershed Dam 5D ACEC/SOUTH DAKOTA Stewart Engineering Buckner Companies Home Office Short Elliott Hendrickson Southland Lane Detention Project
ACEC/OHIO ACEC/TEXAS Malcolm Pirnie in association Columbus Professional Program Alan Plummer Associates East Fork Raw Water Supply with Stantec and H.R. Gray Management Project Burns & McDonnell TECO Master Plan ACEC/OREGON Implementation Project Phase One Brown and Caldwell Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer Espey Consultants Restoration Hamilton Pool/ CDM Smith PDX Deicing Collection & Receiving Watershed Treatment System Ford Engineering Live Oak Road Water Plant Harper Houf Peterson Righellis SW Moody Avenue: SW River Expansion Parkway to SW Gibbs Pape-Dawson Engineers U.S. 281 Superstreet McMillen Choloma Hydroelectric Project Surveying and Mapping Mobile LiDAR Mapping for Parsons Brinckerhoff East Side Combined Sewer Street Improvements Overflow Tunnel URS Corporation Green Water Treatment Plant Parsons Brinckerhoff LTD Gateway EmX BRT Decommissioning Extension Walter P Moore KFC Yum! Center, Louisville Arena 2012 EEA National Walter P Moore University of Texas/MD Anderson Alkek Patient Care Tower Recognition Award Expansion winner Stanford Law School William H. Neukom ACEC/UTAH Building, Stanford, Calif., CDM Smith West Valley Light Rail TRAX designed by Degenkolb Project Engineers, San Francisco ACEC/VIRGINIA Hardesty & Hanover Chincoteague Bridge Replacement HDR Engineering Atlantic Treatment Plant Expansion Phase I
ACEC/WASHINGTON Anchor QEA Percival Landing Major Rehabilitation Project CH2M HILL Brightwater Treatment Plant Magnusson Klemencic Associates Aqua at Lakeshore East Parsons SR 532 Corridor Improvements Wood Harbinger 767 Production Line Relocation
ACEC/WISCONSIN HNTB Corporation Milwaukee County Grounds Floodwater Facility Mead & Hunt Rest Areas 11 & 12 Strand Associates Monona Drive (CTH BB)
18 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 2012 EEA JUDGES 2012 EEA committee ACEC thanks the 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) judges and EEA Committee members for their time and dedication to this year’s competition. Linda Bridwell Garret Graves Dr. Susan Shea Herbert Berg Dennis M. Kamber Chief Judge Governor’s Office of Coastal Department of Transportation Chairman ARCADIS Kentucky American Water Activities Springfield, Ill. M & H Design Associates Washington, D.C. Lexington, Ky. Baton Rouge, La. Chicago, Ill. Julie Skallman Dennis B. Micko George G. Alexandridis Dr. Moujalli C. Hourani Minnesota Department of Patricia Mosher Banner Associates Delaware River Joint Toll Manhattan College Transportation Vice Chair Brookings, S.D. Bridge Commission Riverdale, N.Y. St. Paul, Minn. HNTB Corporation New Hope, Pa. Kansas City, Mo. Stuart D. Monical Maryann Johansson Stephen K. Swinson MKK Consulting Engineers Arthur Barsema The University of California– Thermal Energy Corporation Jon M. Beekman Greenwood Village, Colo. Commonwealth Edison Santa Barbara Houston, Texas Wright-Pierce Company Santa Barbara, Calif. Fayette, Maine Daisy P. Nappier Rockford, Ill. Maj. Gen. Merdith W.B. ACEC Jerry Johnson “Bo” Temple Fredric S. Berger Washington, D.C. Brigadier General (Ret.) Washington Suburban USACE The Louis Berger Group Stephen Burritt Sanitary Commission Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Peter F. Piattoni National Guard Laurel, Md. Fay, Spofford & Thorndike Henniker, N.H. Paul Wageman George Binder Burlington, Mass. Jill A. Jordan Winstead PC ACEC/Kentucky Laura Cabiness Assistant City Manager Dallas, Texas Frankfort, Ky. Donald G. Sherman City of Charleston Dallas, Texas HDR Charleston, S.C. Andrew Wescoat W. Harold Cannon Phoenix, Ariz. Paul Kovacs Exxon/Mobil Environmental Cannon & Cannon Lawrence Chiarelli Illinois Tollway Services Knoxville, Tenn. Polytechnic Institute of NYU Downers Grove, Ill. Fairfax, Va. Brooklyn, N.Y. Andrew J. Ciancia Melinda McGrath Kristine Young Langan Engineering & Karen Durham-Aguilera Mississippi Department of Miller the Driller Environmental Services HQ USACE Transportation Runnells, Iowa New York, N.Y. Washington, D.C. Jackson, Miss. Michael Zetlin Edwin K. Dedeaux Dr. Sam Easterling Keavin L. Nelson Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP Allen & Hoshall Virginia Tech Veolia Water North America New York, N.Y. Ridgeland, Miss. Blacksburg, Va. Hellertown, Pa. Peter Zipf Jeffrey Druckman Dr. Dennis Fallon Tom Powers The Port Authority of New AMEC Environment & The Citadel Civil and City of Chicago York & New Jersey Infrastructure Environmental Department Chicago, Ill. New York, N.Y. Chicago, Ill. Charleston, S.C. Dr. T. Peter Ruane Judy L. Hricak American Road & Transportation Gannett Fleming Builders Association Camp Hill, Pa. Washington, D.C. 2012 EEA Sponsors ACEC wishes to thank the following companies for their sponsorship of the EEA Gala: GOLD HOST DONOR AECOM ACEC Retirement Trust Gannett Fleming HDR Engineering Alan Plummer Associates TMG Custom Media HNTB Corporation American Society of Civil Engineers Victor O. Schinnerer/CNA Arcadis PATRON Arup Burns & McDonnell ThankCDM Smith CH2M HILL Magnusson Klemencic Associates Michael Baker Jr., Inc. Syska Hennessy Group Tetra Tech-INCA The Louis Berger Group T.Y. Lin International Urban EngineersYou URS Corporation
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 19 PROMISING Prospects eeking to take advantage of new marketplace opportunities, more than 1,300 ACEC members—an all-time record—attended the recent ACEC Annual Convention in Washington, D.C. The high turnout gave the Council a robust advocacy presence on Capitol Hill as the Convention’s “citizen lobbyists” held more than 300 meetings with senators, congressmen and staffers to urge passage of long-term transportation, water/wastewater infrastructure and energy legislation. The Convention also featured thought-provoking political insights from two former governors, Sperspectives on market success from three top U.S. engineering firm leaders, more than a dozen federal agency contracting presentations and cutting-edge business management sessions. The annual meeting was highlighted by the black-tie Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, which also was attended by an all-time record of more than 600 guests. “The strongest part of this year’s program was the speeches by Governors Haley Barbour and Ed Rendell. They were dynamic, entertaining and addressed issues that matter to our industry,” said Jim Thomas of VTN Consulting in Las Vegas. “We always try to attend this event. The program is always really solid and pertinent to our business.” William Hall of United Consulting in Indianapolis was impressed with the Convention’s targeted business focus. “I sat in on the Transportation Committee Meeting where the transportation bill was discussed,” Hall said. “I enjoyed learning specifics about highway funding and FAR overhead issues, especially since my firm and state are dealing with these issues.”
20 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 Leslie Peterson, of Lamp, Rynearson & Associates in Omaha, Neb., interviews with Sam Palmer of Terracon during the Annual Convention’s Teaming Fair.
Teaming Fair Exceeds Expectations for Subcontracting Opportunities ore than 70 firms participated in the Annual Convention’s CEO panelpanel participants,participants, leftleft toto right:right: ACEC MTeaming Fair, which helps large firms seek out small firms for PresidentPresident Dave RaymondRaymond (moderator);(moderator); HDR subcontracting opportunities on federal contracts. Many partici- Chairman/CEOChairman/CEO GeorgeGeorge Little; ARCADIS CEO pants came away impressed with the program. StevenSteven Blake;Blake; andand CardnoCardno USA PresidentPresident PauPaull Vaughn Anderson, of DJ&A, P.C., in Missoula, Mont., called Gardiner.Gardiner. the Teaming Fair “an excellent opportunity to connect with larger firms,” adding, “we made some good contacts.” “It was fast and wild, but great for our firm,” said Anastasia Vas- sos, vice president of WSP Flack + Kurtz in Boston. Three inter- viewers from the firm took part in the program. “The Teaming Fair really exceeded my expectations,” said David Sprenkle, senior vice president of Merrick & Company in Aurora, Colo. “We’re looking to follow up with many of the firms we interviewed, and at least three firms may have the skills, experience and small- business status we were looking for to fill current teaming needs.”
CH2M HILL CEO Says Engineers Best Suited to Address Global Challenges CH2M HILL CEO Lee McIntire says H2M HILL Chairman and CEO Lee global challenges are CMcIntire said engineers are uniquely creating opportunities positioned to lead the response to many global for engineers. challenges, including climate change, population growth, and water and energy shortages. “Who’s going to solve these problems but this group right here,” said McIntire during his keynote address at the ACEC Convention. “Our industry is one of the best in the world for dealing with change. It’s our time to lead.” McIntire pointed to the energy sector, where fracking and other innovations have led to a dramatic increase in production. “I believe that the United States could be a net exporter of oil, gas and coal by 2030,” he said, add- ing that engineers bring more to leadership than profes- sional competence. “Certainly it’s about innovation, but it’s also about who is going to be trusted,” he said. “I maintain that it’s going to be us.”
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 21 Rendell Calls Infrastructure ‘Best Job Creator’ ormer Pennsylvania Gov. FEd Rendell—a longtime champion for infrastructure investment—told Annual Convention attendees that increased spending on infra- structure is the best way “to rejuvenate the economy and rebuild our country.” “The American people Incoming ACEC Chairman Ted Williams (right) want infrastructure invest- greets outgoing Chairman Terry Neimeyer at Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell the Board of Directors Luncheon. ment, the best job creator there is,” said Rendell. champions increased infrastructure Williams Succeeds Neimeyer; “Unless we do it, we will no investment prior to attendee visits New ExCom Takes Office longer be a great nation.” on Capitol Hill. ed Williams, executive vice president of Landmark Engi- If the United States were Tneering, Inc., in New Castle, Del., succeeded Terry Nei- to invest $200 billion annually in infrastructure for the next 10 meyer as ACEC Chairman for 2012–2013 at the spring meeting years, Rendell said, “We would be No. 1 globally in infrastructure of the ACEC Board of Directors. and be energy independent.” New members of the 2012–2013 Executive Committee: In his new book, A Nation of Wusses: How America’s Leaders Lost Chairman-elect Gregs Thomopulos, chairman/CEO of the Guts to Make Us Great, Rendell writes that “our politicians Stanley Consultants, Inc.; Ralph Christie, Jr., chairman/ have lost the will to make hard decisions because they are too president/CEO, Merrick & Company; Michael Matthews, concerned about staying in office.” president/CEO, H&A Architects and Engineers; William Stout, III, chairman/CEO, Gannett Fleming; Peter Strub, eastern regional vice president, TranSystems Corp. ACEC/ Alabama Executive Director Renee Casillas is the new NAECE representative.
CEO Panel Addresses Funding Challenges, Growth Opportunities eaders of three top U.S. engineering firms shared insights Linto how they are positioning their firms for marketplace success. Greg “Skip” Bailey George Little, chairman and CEO of HDR (#11 on the 2012 of Deloitte leads a ENR 500), said that because of “Congress’ lack of focus on infra- discussion on cloud structure, we’re going to see more local funding and more public- computing during private partnerships.” He forecast that the energy sector will the CIO Council remain strong, but added that any growth in water and wastewa- Symposium. ter will be due almost solely to municipalities having to conform to ever-increasing EPA regulations. Barbour Predicts TightTight Steve Blake, CEO of ARCADIS (#12), projected continued 2012 Presidentiall acceleration of industry mergers and acquisitions. “They’re going Election to get bigger because of globalization, projects getting bigger, ormer Mississippi GGov.ov. clients demanding more services and ownership transition,” FHaley Barbour predicteddicted Blake said, adding that as ARCADIS has expanded globally, it has that the upcoming presidentialsidential developed a “home market” strategy. “Brazilians run Brazil for election will be a hard-fought,fought, us,” he said. “Chinese run China.” neck-and-neck contest.. Paul Gardiner, president of Cardno USA (#30), described his “If the election is aboutout ththee firm’s rapid expansion from an Australia-based firm in 1999 to president’s record, thenn the GOP a global powerhouse with 6,500 employees in 250 offices in 85 stands a great chance,” BarBarbourbour countries. “We entered the United States through an acquisition Former Mississippi said. “If the election is aaboutbout in 2007,” explained Gardiner. “Through several more acquisi- Gov. Haley Barbour anything else, then the prpresi-esi- tions, we’ve grown to the point where our U.S. operations dent’s chance for a secondond term account for 65 percent of our total revenues.” increases.”
22 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 National Recognition Award winners proudly lift their awards at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala.
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, greets John Brand (seated) of Butler, Fairman and Seufert, Inc., Indianapolis, at the ACEC/PAC- sponsored VIP Luncheon on Capitol Hill.
EEA Gala guests continued the celebration late into the night at the inaugural EEA After Party.
ACEC/PAC Fundraising Picks UpU Pace in Critical Election Year ACEC/PACACEC/P boosted its already strong 2012 fundraising per- formanceformance by raising $148,000 at the Annual Convention with thethe poppopularu Spring Raffle, once again a key component. Win- ners ooff ttheh 2012 Spring Raffle:
$10,000$10,0 — Joseph Debs, RS&H, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. $5,000$5,0 — Sheri Smith, T. Baker Smith, Houma, La. $2,000$2,0 — Mitchel Simpler, Jaros, Baum & Bolles, NewNew York City $1,000$1,00 — Gregg Ten Eyck, Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc., DenverDenv $1,000$1,0 — Charles Gozdziewski, Hardesty & Hanover, NNewew York City $1,000$1,0 — Ted Richards, Strand Associates, MaMadison, Wis. (which he returned to ACEC/PAC) The team that won the 2012 Grand Conceptor Award displays its trophy during the Engineering $1,000$1 — R. Roush, Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc., Excellence Awards Gala. From left: Dale Miller, Tetra Tech-INCA; Stephanie Hall, U.S. Army Corps DDenver of Engineers (USACE); Col. Robert Sinkler, USACE; Karen Durham-Aguilera, USACE; Angela DeSoto- $1,000$ — Janice Burnett, ACEC/Arizona Duncan, Tetra Tech-INCA; Col. Ed Fleming, USACE and Shiv Batra, Tetra Tech-INCA.
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 23 RANDY LYHUS TakingBy Alan Joch the
ACEC’s Senior Executives Institute providesLead navigable path to effective fi rm management
unning a successful Takeaways engineering firm is no >> ACEC’s Senior Executives Institute easy task. It requires includes lessons in advanced vision, sensitivity to management, leadership and public clients’ needs, the ability policy. to coach and nurture >> Executives leave the program with lasting internal talent and a personal and professional relationships constant focus on quality. The stakes are and a lifetime network of best practice resources. Rhigher during difficult economic times, which is why a select group of senior >> Among the topics executives executives increasingly turns to one of say they’ve examined are how to navigate the political process and their most unique resources for help— decision-making in tough economic times. fellow graduates of ACEC’s Senior RANDY LYHUS RANDY Executives Institute. >>
MAY / JUNE 2012 ENGINEERING INC. 25 “Any of us can call someone else in the group to ask about their ment program that stressed leadership business and get an unabashed answer to the question,” says Paul and management with insights into pol- Hirst, president at Caldwell Richards Sorensen in Utah, and a mem- itics, personal relationships and a com- ber of SEI’s first graduating class. “We don’t have to go it alone.” mitment to building lasting companies More than 400 industry executives have passed through the that adapt to changing markets. Council’s flagship education program since 1995, completing inten- The program’s founders understood sive, forward-thinking training in advanced management, leadership that there is no shortage of professional and public policy. Class XVI concludes in Spring 2012, with Class development programs from which XVIII beginning in September 2012. busy executives can choose, whether Though executives typically enroll in the program for professional from other industry groups, universi- “SEI was a development, graduates report that they often come away from the ties or private organizations. To set SEI high-water mark experience with a deeper understanding of their own strengths and apart, organizers have and continue to weaknesses as leaders and with lasting professional relationships that focus on business issues unique to engi- for me in my benefit them throughout their careers. neering. (See sidebar.) development “SEI was a high-water mark for me in my development person- “The ability to concentrate on the personally and ally and as an engineer,” Hirst says. leadership challenges inside our indus- as an engineer.” try and to share those perspectives PAUL HIRST Innovative Curriculum and practices with other executives is CALDWELL RICHARDS As part of SEI’s 1995 inaugural class, Hirst was one of 14 engineer- extremely important,” Davy says. SORENSEN ing executives who took part in the original program, which met SEI’s typical annual enrollment over seven weeklong sessions over more than two years. ranges from 24 to 28 participants. The time commitment has The decision to enroll amounted to a gamble for the high-level been streamlined from seven to five nearly weeklong sessions over executives involved. SEI was brand-new and, at the time, had no 18 months. Recent installments have de-emphasized management track record of success, says Kyle Davy, a leadership and manage- training—a topic often highlighted in other executive training pro- ment consultant and co-designer of the SEI curriculum. grams—in favor of leadership skills specific to engineering. The Institute’s founders—including former ACEC Executive Vice “We continue to draw from the best and brightest ideas about President Howard Messner and Louis Marines, former CEO of the leadership, personal mastery and strategy,” Davy says. “And we give American Institute of Architects—envisioned a professional develop- much more attention to coaching that supports growth and devel- opment inside organizations.” 5 Steps to More Effective Leadership What hasn’t changed, he says, is the rigor of the program. Gradu- he Senior Executives Institute’s expansive curriculum ates devote 21 days to formal class time, not including time spent outside class reading assigned books and articles. addresses the breadth of experience required of engi- This intensive training, which also includes interactive case-study Tneering executives at successful firms. Here’s what to analyses and learning how to communicate more effectively, stood expect. out to Hirst from the time he attended his first session. Session 1: Executives spend five days in Washington, D.C., “Before, when I talked to someone about their performance, for broadening their understanding of economic trends, public- example, I assumed they would clearly understand what I was say- policy debates and global concerns. ing,” he explains. “I never bothered to ask, ‘What did I just say?’ Session 2: During four days in New Mexico, SEI participants When you ask that question, it’s amazing the answers you some- work to develop better self-awareness, learn stress manage- times get.” Other SEI graduates report similar experiences. Lamar Dunn, ment techniques and hone their interpersonal and communica- president of Lamar Dunn & Associates and a member of SEI’s tion skills. second graduating class, says all 17 of his classmates formed rela- Session 3: Participants meet in Boulder, Colo., for exercises tionships that have lasted for years. “Even the wives of class mem- in improved leadership, team building, adapting to change, and bers bonded,” he says. strategic planning and designing of successful organizations. Dunn so valued his experience at SEI that he has since put two Session 4: Classmates travel to San Francisco to study new additional staff members through the program, for a total of about models for professional practices, learn alternative project 10 percent of the firm’s staff. “We are all better individuals as a delivery methods, explore lean theory and sustainability, and result,” he says. update their knowledge of human resources and technology No Missing Pieces issues. A decade later, SEI participants continue to praise their time with Session 5: Four days at Amelia Island, Fla., wrap up the SEI the Institute. Bill Stout, chairman of Gannett Fleming, enrolled in experience, as attendees explore creativity and innovation, part- his first session in 2006, shortly after being selected as the company’s nering and alliances, coaching and mentoring and learn how to next CEO. “While I relished the challenge of becoming CEO, it integrate lessons learned through SEI into real-world business also seemed rather daunting,” he recalls. “I saw SEI as an oppor- practices. tunity to round out some missing pieces in my experiences and education.”
26 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 Working In Harmony With Nature
Modular Bioretention System
U Meets standard bioretention cell design U Local agency low flow (5-10 in/hr) or high flow soils U Modular design for consistent dimensional tolerances and reduced construction costs U Infiltration or detention designs U Precast concrete for structural integrity
www.kristar.com 1-800-579-8819 Not Just for Engineers ot everyone who attends ACEC’s complete, Hochstetler says the program uncovering a solution. The document writ- Senior Executives Institute (SEI) is is helping her become a better leader. “It ing process within ACC used to take an Na practicing engineer. forces us to take time out to think about inordinate amount of time and resources. The current class includes profession- what we’re doing. Are our actions effec- By diagramming the problem as part of als such as Paula Hochstetler, president of tive and authentic? How about our basic her work at SEI, Hochstetler was able the Airport Consultants Council (ACC) and attitudes? The instructors work us over, to identify a flaw in the editing stage— one of four women currently enrolled in and in all honesty, the combination of authors weren’t routinely receiving spe- the SEI program. sessions and readings has been intense,” cific feedback on their work—which was “In addition to growing professionally, I she says. “But, it’s been well worth every creating delays. was interested in learning what was on the ounce of effort.” “If we had not diagrammed the pro- minds of this new generation of engineer- Hochstetler recalls working through cess, we would not have visually seen ing leaders. Anticipating their concerns, the principles outlined in The Fifth Disci- where the error was being made,” she priorities and needs will enable us to bet- pline, a book about group problem-solving explains. “Now the authors have a chance ter adapt our services,” Hochstetler says. that encourages executives to diagram to grow and perhaps will no longer even With four of five SEI sessions now an organizational challenge in hopes of need to have their work reviewed.”
Stout found the personal development sessions especially ben- tion can also cloud the collective busi- eficial. “If you are going to ask people to be led by you, you need ness mission. to understand yourself pretty well,” he says. “If you have a better SEI aims to help participants balance understanding of how others perceive you, you are in a better personal growth and collective busi- position to work with them.” ness ambitions, says Ron Fuerst, senior Stout also came away with new insights into Washington poli- principal at Langan Engineering and tics and how engineering firms can better influence legislative Environmental Services. Fuerst joined outcomes, particularly the benefit of communicating firm needs SEI in 2008. “Before that, I had a title, and business interests. I knew what I did here, and I thought “That was something I knew before the program, but it really I understood what my importance was crystallized for me how to shape your approach to elected offi- to the firm,” he says. “But all of that “I saw SEI as an cials,” he says. was totally from my own viewpoint.” opportunity to Stout was the first executive from Gannett Fleming to attend Eighteen months and five sessions round out some SEI, but he wasn’t the last—five other firm executives have since later, “SEI really opened my mind to completed the program. “It has given us all a common set of what it takes to establish a successful, missing pieces in tools and a language that we can use when we are speaking with sustainable and growing firm,” Fuerst my experiences one another about leadership issues,” says. “Now I’m less competitive indi- and education.” he says. vidually and much more concerned BILL STOUT The ability to communicate took about all the things that are necessary GANNETT FLEMING on new significance during the recent for the firm’s success.” economic downturn, particularly as Fuerst employs a philosophy he learned from SEI called “Check staff cutbacks and other tough deci- It Out,” a way of thinking that encourages executives to slow sions became necessary. down their decision-making process and to put the brakes on “Those of us who had to lead the decisions or actions that could potentially send the firm in the organization through this experi- wrong direction. ence were all people who have been “If there is something that needs to be said, I now say, ‘We’ve through the SEI program,” Stout got to check something out here,’ ” explains Fuerst. “It puts every- recalls. “Because of that, we were in a “Even the wives one’s defenses down and helps you get to the meat of the matter better position both to be responsive of class members without being defensive or competitive.” to the outside environment and to bonded. We Completing the program is an accomplishment. But how do help people understand why we had are all better executives stay energized and apply the lessons learned through to do what we were doing.” professional development to day-to-day operations at their firm? individuals as a To Fuerst, the answer is obvious. “The fact that we send another The Big Picture result.” person to SEI every year helps me,” he says. “Our SEI graduates To climb the executive ranks at any LAMAR DUNN bring back an energy that keeps me recharged.” ■ firm requires focus and a commitment LAMAR DUNN & to personal success, but such dedica- ASSOCIATES Alan Joch is a business writer based in Francestown, N.H.
28 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 Powering our Future – Turning Wastes into Resources
The Gloversville-Johnstown Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility has www.arcadis-us.com achieved a remarkable goal – it is the first and only U.S. wastewater treatment plant that can produce 100% of its own power using renewable biogas to fuel a combined heat and power system – in Additional ACEC national recognition: other words, a zero net energy capable facility. Honor Award – Water Resources Category The West Closure Complex Pump Station We are proud to be the engineering consultant partnering with Gloversville-Johnstown on this groundbreaking project. Winner of the ACEC Grand Award in the Waste & Storm Water Category, this project represents the culmination of over 12 years of work focused on energy conservation, wastewater process optimization, co-digestion and energy generation.
Imagine the result Decision Makers George Little
Q. If you had not pursued a career in engineering, what other profession(s) interested you? A. I liked building things, so maybe something in the construction industry.
Q. What is the best advice you ever received? A. You can achieve anything you want if you’re willing to work hard enough for it. I’ve heard this more than once through the years and it has stayed with me. There’s really no other way to do it unless someone just gives you something. I learned the value of hard work from my dad, and I held two jobs to work my way through college.
Q. What do you know now that you wish you had known 20 years ago? A. Presidents and CEOs are real people just like everyone else—they just have more responsibility.
Q. What do you consider your greatest professional
PHOTO COURTESY OF HDR, INC.; © 2012 MALONE AND CO. MALONE INC.; © 2012 OF HDR, COURTESY PHOTO achievement, and why? A. Consistent, profitable performance, n December 2011, George Little succeeded Richard Bell as because it creates a strong company chairman, CEO and president of HDR. Little is responsible for and also creates resources for people to the growth and strategic direction of the company, which is 11th do other things. We are an employee- on the ENR Top 500 and employs more than 7,800 professionals owned company, and our employees’ in more than 185 offices. Prior to taking the reins at HDR, Little retirement security is very important to was president of HDR Engineering, Inc., the firm’s largest operating me. At the front end of my career, passing I my PE exam was a big deal, because it company, since 1997. allowed me to get into consulting. Being promoted wasn’t as big a deal to me, Q. What is the primary reason Q. If you were president of although it was the outcome. you chose to become an the United States for one day engineer? and could make one executive Q. Do you have any hobbies— A. I was intrigued with electricity. decision, what would it be? something outside of work, The more I learned, asked questions A. Create a balanced budget, because if maybe—that you enjoy doing? and became involved and even became we don’t solve our debt issues, the country A. Nothing unique, but I enjoy golf involved in an industry Explorer post will be worse off every single day. You can’t when I can get out. As much as we sit in in high school, I realized that electrical keep spending money you don’t have; no meetings and on planes, it’s nice to be engineering was what I wanted to do. one in private life is able to do that. outside chasing a little white ball!
30 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 CLEAR SOLUTIONS FOR A COMPLEX WORLD
Congratulations to Tetra Tech is developing clear, sustainable solutions for the world’s most complex projects. We have more than our USACE Lake 40 years of experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense missions, including civil works, facilities design, Borgne Surge environmental compliance and conservation, installation restoration, munitions response, and construction Barrier Design projects. From water resources to military transformation to energy efficiency, Tetra Tech offers comprehensive Team – Winner of ACEC’s 2012 Grand A-E services that address the full project lifecycle. Tetra Tech provides clear solutions for consulting, engineering, Conceptor Award program management, construction management, and technical services worldwide. www.tetratech.com Business Insights
Opportunities in Growing As firms seek a competitive advantage, CHUCK ROBERTS awareness of current trends and the develop- A/E/C Sustainability Market ment and implementation of proactive prac- MEGA Project request for proposals increasingly require using sustainable tices to capitalize on these changes can be the TRENDS
THE PATH TO products and materials, conserving energy and water, recycling difference between a firm becoming a market COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE wastes, and following new procedures for sustainable project delivery. leader and struggling to catch up. ACEC surveys show that Member Firms are creating or expanding A new book by ACEC Press, A/E/C Mega sustainable engineering practices within their organizations by bring- Trends: The Path to Competitive Advantage, ing together people with the requisite knowledge and experience to highlights seven emerging trends that are likely compete for project work. to reshape the architectural, engineering and construction indus- The market for sustainable engineering services is driven by three try in the United States in the next decade. These trends involve core client needs: changes that will affect a broad scope of business activities, including • Public Expectation: Demonstrating that the client organization is company governance, business development, operational methods, operating in a way that protects the environment and the commu- overhead control, and human resources and innovation. nities it serves. • Investment Opportunity: Viewing client operating problems and CASE Provides issues from a “sustainability lens” and taking a life cycle view. • Long-Term Necessity: Recognizing that the consequences of oper- 10 Foundations for ating under a non-sustainable model for development are now Risk Management within an organization’s planning horizon. Professional liability is a critical concern for structural engineers. To For these clients, design variables, such as carbon footprint, help address risk issues related to structures, the Council of Ameri- embodied energy, extended project life, and use of recycled materials, can Structural Engineers (CASE) presents its Ten Foundations for must be taken into account. Emerging opportunities in sustainable Risk Management. project development and delivery will be explored in the upcoming The 10 foundations are (1) Firm Culture; (2) Prevention & Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities course, scheduled Proactivity; (3) Planning; (4) Communication; (5) Education; for June 25–28, 2012, in Denver. (6) Scope; (7) Compensation; (8) Contracts; (9) Contract Docu- Participants will hear about emerging ments; and (10) Construction Phase. Each includes worksheets, opportunities in sustainable development, sample documents, case studies and exercises for assembling a risk become familiar with national and interna- management toolkit. tional metrics for sustainability, understand In addition, CASE has released two more products: how to identify future projects through CASE Tool 2–4: Project Risk Management Plan lays out the sustainability audits and learn how to apply methodology for managing project risks and includes common lifecycle analysis to proposed projects and project risks and templates for how to record and track those risks. programs. Expert green infrastructure fac- CASE Tool 4–5: Project Communication Matrix and Coor- ulty will explore ways to expand business practices in sustainable dination Log provides an easy, efficient way to establish and main- engineering, especially with regard to sustainable transportation, tain project-specific communication standards and document key buildings and water/wastewater projects. For more information, visit project-specific deadlines and program/coordination decisions. This www.acec.org/education. Excel-based tool helps firms maintain consistent project communi- cation standards and document and communicate project coordina- Get a Jump on tion decisions. All of the CASE-developed products are available at Emerging Industry Trends www.booksforengineers.com. The business environment in which our industry operates has been irreversibly altered. Firms now face multiple generations in the work- The ACEC Institute for Business Management provides force, each with its own experiences and motivations. comprehensive and accessible business management education As governments have fewer dollars to spend on public proj- for engineering company principals and their staffs. ects, public-private partnerships are increasingly prevalent. This Visit ACEC’s online educational events calendar at changes the way the industry approaches projects and does business. www.acec.org/calendar/index.cfm or bookstore at Increased interest in sustainability opens the door to new—previ- www.acec.org/publications, or call 202-347-7474, ext. 338, ously unknown—markets and the attendant risks that come with for further information. such uncertainty.
32 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 ,OPXMFEHFtExpertiset3FMBUJPOTIJQT
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FMI served as the exclusive financial advisor in the following transactions:
*Represented by FMI
Investment Bankingnnkingk for theh engineeringenggineeringi andd constructionconnssstruction industry.industryry. Mergers and Acquisitions Buy-Sideuy-SideSide RepresentaRepresentatioRepresentationon CCorporateorporate DiDiveDivestituresesstituresures SellSell-SiSell-Side- dee Representationepresentation
Michael Landry | 303.398.7283 | [email protected]@fminet.com@f i t HHunHuntnt Davis | 919919.785.92919.785.9212 785.921112 | hdavis@fmihdavis@[email protected] .ccoom www.fminet.comom///ca Steve Isaacs | 919.785.7200 | [email protected] Grant Thayer | 303.785.7255 | [email protected] Members in the News Welcome New Member Firms ACEC/Alabama ACEC/Indiana ACEC/Tennessee A.G. Gaston Civil Engineering Structural Design Engineering, LLC, Consultants, Reelsville Group, Inc., Nashville On The Move Birmingham Durkin & Villalta ACEC/Texas Goodwyn, Mills Partners Engineering, ARKK Engineers, & Cawood, Inc., Inc., Indianapolis Barry K. Dewberry was elected scheduled to step down May 16. Houston Montgomery ACEC/Louisiana Bury + Partners Greenhorne & O’Mara (G&O) chairman of the board at Dew- Weatherford & Atchley & Atchley, Engineering Solutions, berry. Sidney O. Dewberry, named Joseph T. Skinner Associates, Inc., Inc., Shreveport Houston outgoing chairman who co- president and CEO. Lawrence Montgomery GAEA Consultants, Busch, Hutchison founded the firm in 1956, will J. Longo was appointed COO. ACEC/California LLC, New Orleans & Associates, Inc., transition into the role of chair- Chad Mosley, P.E., ACEC/Maryland d/b/a Hutchinson & Cupertino Associates, Baytown man emeritus and founder. Brian P. Reed was promoted Structura, Inc., Ramos Consulting Baltimore DFW Consulting to CEO of RS&H, effective July Services, Inc. Group, Inc., Irving ACEC/New Eric Keen was appointed presi- 31, when current chairman and (RAMOS/CS), DGR Consultants, Hampshire HDR Engineering, Inc. Leerie T. Jenkins Jr. San Marino LLC, Dallas dent of , CEO, , Golde Planning & RJR Engineering Ford Engineering, Inc., and vice chairman of HDR, Inc., will transition out of the CEO Design, Inc. Group, Inc., Oxnard , Concord San Antonio succeeding George Little, who position to serve as chairman of Hayner/Swanson, Inc., ACEC/Colorado MS2 Inc. Consulting was named chairman, CEO and the board. David K. Robertson, Nashua FirstPass Engineering, Engineers, president of HDR, Inc. (See page the firm’s COO, was also named S. W. Cole Engineering, San Antonio Castle Rock Inc., Somersworth 30.) Doug Wignall was named president. Richard Hurst Warren Mesloh Nelson Jones, Flower ACEC/New York president of HDR Architecture, was hired as vice president of Services, LLC, Mound Critical Solutions PaveTex Engineering Inc. Fort Collins He succeeds Merle S. Bach- transportation/infrastructure. & Innovations, and Testing, Inc., man, who is retiring at the end ACEC/Florida Consulting Engineers, Dripping Springs Craven, Thompson & of the year. Guy Templeton was named PLLC, New York, N.Y. Purdy-McGuire, Inc., Associates, Inc., Dallas president and COO of the Asia/ Fort Lauderdale ACEC/Ohio Neil McArthur will succeed Australia-Pacific/Southern Africa BHE Environmental, RVE, Inc., Eisman & Russo, Inc., Corpus Christi Harrie Noy as chairman and operating company of Parsons Jacksonville Inc., Cincinnati Columbus Engineering Sherfey Engineering ARCADIS Brinckerhoff (PB) EPTISA Engineering, CEO of . Noy was . Templeton Consultants, Inc. SA, LLC, San Antonio Inc. , succeeds Chuck Kohler, who has , Pembroke Pines Shield Engineering MDM Services, Inc. Columbus , Group, PLLC, been appointed group director of Lakeland H.R. Gray & Associates, Inc. Fort Worth operational delivery for Balfour Monta Consulting , Texas Utility & Design of WMR Hilliard Beatty, PB’s parent company. , Engineering, Inc., Altamonte Springs River Consulting, LLC, Columbus San Antonio Randy Ferguson joined Barge, Preble-Rish, Inc., Port St. Joe ACEC/Oklahoma ACEC/Washington Waggoner, Sumner, and Scalar Consulting Boatman Engineering, Aspect Consulting, Cannon, Inc., as COO. Group, Inc., LLC, Okemah LLC, Seattle Boynton Beach MPW Engineering, Wallis Engineering, Vancouver ACEC/Illinois LLC, Tulsa d’Escoto, Inc., Chicago ACEC/South Carolina ACEC/Wisconsin Robinson Engineering, Benjamin B. Structural Dimension, Ltd., South Holland Christensen, PS, Brookfield Aiken DDC Engineers, Inc., Myrtle Beach Calendar of Events Sidney and Barry Eric Keen Doug Wignall Dewberry JUNE 5 ESOPs for Engineering 13 Calculating the Right Companies Earnings to Determine (online seminar) Your Firm’s Value (online seminar) 6 The Changing Face of Indemnity: Meaner 22—23 ACEC/Virginia and Uglier 2012 Annual (online seminar) Conference, Wintergreen, Va.
Additional information on all ACEC activities is available at Neil McArthur Joseph T. Skinner Guy Templeton www.acec.org.
34 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012
ve pe ot Mergers and Acquisitions e ot Pace of M&A Mirrors pe tir Economy’s Fragile Recovery BY MICK MORRISSEY pe n speaking with ACEC Firms reporting stronger suggests that the pace of M&A Both camps recognize the Member Firm owners and earnings, one might assume should be increasing? There are recovery is occurring, but one tir Imanagers across the nation, that mergers and acquisitions two primary reasons: is more skeptical than the other ot there’s a near-unanimous con- (M&A) activity is on the rise. • Buyers are still cautious and about its pace and risks. sensus: The first quarter of When the economy is grow- are conducting due dili- Watch for the pace of M&A 2012 was markedly better busi- ing, firms are usually stronger gence—particularly when to pick up again in the second nesswise than the same period and generally more optimis- vetting opportunities and and third quarters as confi- in 2011. tic—there are relatively more backlog as presented by dence in the economic recovery This year’s unusually mild buyers in the market with rela- potential sellers. builds. Also, expect a spike in winter, compared with last tively higher deal valuations. • Sellers are feeling more activity in the fourth quarter, as year’s deep freeze, resulted The numbers, however, tell optimistic about their short- firms move quickly to consum- in an earnings windfall from a different story. The pace of term outlooks. Many are mate deals prior to the end of field operations in the first design firm activity is down 11 seeing more opportunities the calendar year in anticipa- three months of the year with percent over the same period and hearing good news from tion of tax increases in 2013. much-improved bottom lines, last year. This mirrors the larger their clients and owners. The and—perhaps more impor- economy. As of Jan. 20, 221 resulting improvement in ACEC Member tant—stronger backlogs. deals had been announced self-confidence makes sellers Spotlight Firms increasingly are see- in North America across all less likely to accept conserva- In March, ACEC member ing private capital re-enter the industries, compared with tive offers. McKim & Creed (Raleigh, buildings and land develop- 396 through the same period N.C.) acquired a 31-person ment sectors. The first quarter in 2011, a decline of some Changing expectations AECOM survey operation, also saw continued success for 44 percent, according to data and outlooks on the part of formerly known as SURVCON firms with a footprint in the from market research firm potential buyers and sellers are (Houston). SURVCON is a Marcellus, Bakken or Utica mergermarket. directly attributed to a lack of full-service professional land shale regions. So, why the slowdown, clarity about the nature of the surveying and aerial mapping With so many Member especially when the economy current economic recovery. firm. It will operate under the name SURVCON, a Division 2012 MERGER AND ACQUISITION ACTIVITY States by Total Activity: US vs Int’l Sellers: of McKim & Creed. Firm Sales by State through March 29, 2012 21 or more Transactions Total US Sellers 40 In February, ACEC member 16 to 20 Transactions Total Int’l Sellers 31 11 to 15 Transactions US Sellers to Int’l Firms 2 Spalding DeDecker Associ- 6 to 10 Transactions Int’l Sellers to US Firms 61 ates (SDA; Rochester Hills, 1 to 5 Transactions 1 No Transactions Mich.) acquired fellow ACEC WA 1 1 member firm Coyle Engineer- MT ND ME 1 ing (San Antonio). Coyle Engi- 2 VT MN OR NH neering will operate under the SD MA 2 ID NY name Coyle-SDA. WI CT WY MI RI To view the most up-to-date 2 PA and “live” versions of the M&A NE IA NJ 2 MD heat maps accompanying this 5 NV OH DE UT 2 DC IL IN MD WV article, and to see who the buy- CA CO KS MO VA ers and sellers are in each state, KY
NC go to www.morrisseygoodale. 1 1 TN com. OK 3 AZ NM AR SC 2 Mick Morrissey is managing MS AL GA 7 2 principal of Morrissey Goodale AK TX LA LLC—a strategy, M&A and 4 human capital solutions firm FL serving the A/E/C industry. He © Morrissey Goodale LLC 2012 All Rights Reserved can be reached at mmorrissey@ 1 HI morrisseygoodale.com.
36 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2012 vestment protection due diligence expertise retirement protection investment retirement d pertise due diligence investment retirement protection investment due diligence expertise otection investment retirement due diligence expertise due diligence investment retirement e diligence expertise retirement protection investment retirement due diligence expertise otection investment protection expertise retirement protection investment retirement due d pertise due diligence investment due diligence expertise retirement investment retirement tirement protection due diligence expertise retirement protection investment retirement du pertise due diligence investment retirement protection investment protection due diligence tirement protection investment retirement due diligence expertise due diligence investment otection investment due diligence expertise retirement protection investment retirement du Membership Delivers Discounts ACEC members may receive up to a 12%* discount on annual premium.
What if you could pay less for health insurance? Your firm may be eligible for favorable rates through the ACEC Life/Health Trust insured by UnitedHealthcare.
As an ACEC member, you may benefit from: tOutstanding service — You’ll have a customer care team dedicated to your account. tA broad network — 98% of the U.S. population has local access to a UnitedHealthcare provider.** tYour choice of broker — There’s no need to switch agents. tStreamlined administration — Moving from your current health plan is surprisingly simple . . . plus, you can get medical, dental, vision, life and disability all in one plan.
Learn how your engineering firm may pay less for * health care coverage with the ACEC Life/Health Trust. Call 1-877-265-3919 or visit uhctogether.com/acec4 for more 12% information. The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company are three separate discount legal operating entities and, as such, the organizations are governed and function independently. UnitedHealthcare’s services are provided with the authorization of the ACEC Life/Health Trust. Questions related to health benefits offered through the on annual premium Life/Health Trust should be directed to 1-800-573-0415. *Potential 12% discount on annual premiums for businesses with 2-99 employees, as compared to UnitedHealthcare products sold outside the ACEC Life/Health Trust. **Network statistic based on GeoAccess information and UnitedHealthcare standard network access mileage criteria, 2010. © United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates.
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