Ghost Impacts – The Project Quality Perspective

In-Person Meeting

Presented by:

Raj Paul, MS, PGDBA, PMP, CMQ/OE, ENV SP

Synopsis:

Despite the best plans and estimations, a project and/or operation is often impacted negatively by unforeseen and unforeseeable project quality issues. While some cost and time impacts are tangible and can be quantified, there are many others which are intangible and have significant bearing on the project’s outcome. This session attempts to throw light on some of those challenges and impacts to projects and operations from the quality perspective.

Location: Renaissance Seattle Hotel

Date:

Thu, Sep 08, 2022, 5:00 PM

AACE Seattle Section Sept 08, 2022 Registration

PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to be added to the Seattle Section’s mailing list to receive future notices about our meetings and events, please contact one of the presiding Officers or Directors. Visit the AACE Seattle Section on our new website at www.aaceseattle.org Anybody interested in budget control, claims management, cost engineering, cost estimating, earned value management, planning and scheduling, project control, project management, value engineering, or risk management in any industry is cordially invited. AACE Seattle Section normally meets the 2nd Thursday of each month from September through June. Each meeting with a technical presentation qualifies for .25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Vendor Profile – Datumate – How to Leverage 3D Site Models and Construction Data Analytics

Presented by : Trent Hogan & Tom Jennings

Trent Hogan – Trent is currently the General Manager and Vice President of Sales for Datumate, Inc. in North America. He has been leading sales initiatives in construction technology markets for the past 18 years. He was previously with Trimble as both the owner of Dallas based software reseller Project 3 Technologies and then leading enterprise sales for e-Builder program management software on the West Coast. Trent is based in Las Vegas and graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Economics.

Tom Jennings- Tom Jennings is the Senior Solutions Engineer for Datumate, Inc. in North America. He has been working with civil engineers and drone data to deliver high accuracy models of construction projects for the last 10 years. He was previously the Senior Sales Engineer at Skycatch, a leader in end to end 3D drone data. Tom is based in Lake Tahoe, CA and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS degree in physics.

Datumate offers automated software-as-a-service (SaaS) cloud platform designed and built for infrastructure construction projects. It enables owners and construction companies to monitor project progress, ensure quality, and control budgets based on actionable project execution metrics extracted from field data.

AACE Seattle Aug 11, 2022 – Vendor Profile Datumate – Link to Recorded Event

TITLE: Brief Update on Current Events and Initiatives at AACE Headquarters, Featuring Infrastructure Projects Current Trends and Observations

SPEAKER: Shoshanna Fraizinger, CCP, PMP – AACE International President-Elect

Shoshanna is the Owner and President of Shoshanna Fraizinger Consulting Inc. She is also employed at Sargent & Lundy, working as a Project Manager for Project Services in their Nuclear Power Group. Shoshanna holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Structural from Ryerson University and is results-driven, experienced Nuclear Industry Professional with 20+ years of progressive project experience in Project Management and Project Controls. Her experience includes 10+ years supporting recent Mega Refurbishment Projects in Ontario. Through her diverse work experience Shoshanna has been actively involved in various aspects of engineering and construction projects including project management, contract management, trades supervision, business development, regulatory requirements, safety and licensing programs, as well as cost engineering functions such as providing independent project submission reviews, schedule and estimate preparation, risk management and analysis, portfolio and asset management analysis, PMO governance, project management and controls organizational and framework development, and cost engineering training and mentoring. Shoshanna currently holds AACE’s Certified Cost Professional Certification and PMI’s Project Management Professional designation. She has authored and presented 5 papers on varying topics in estimating, planning, and scheduling, and owner issues and is a primary coauthor for an AACE recommended practice. Shoshanna is a recognized instructor for the AACE CEP, CCP, PSP and EVP certification prep courses and is a remote learning instructor for Fanshawe College’s Program Management Program. She currently sits on the AACE Board of Directors as the president elect, and is a member of Women In Nuclear (WiN), the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) and the Construction Industry Institute – Project Controls Community for Business Advancement (CII-CBA). Previously, she was also the President of the AACE Bruce County Local Section, and Treasurer of AACE Region 1. As an active member of AACE, Shoshanna has participated in various task forces and committees, special interest groups and technical subcommittees including; the Curriculum Taskforce, AACE Strategic Planning and AACE Executive Director Search team, AACE Technical- Education-Certification Alignment Group, the cost estimating technical subcommittee, the planning and scheduling technical subcommittee and EVM technical subcommittee.

SYNOPSIS:

The scope of Infrastructure projects tends to focus on the development or maintenance of services, facilities, and systems with a public benefit in any of the following sectors: Aviation, Bridges, Roads, Railways, Ports and Canals, Communications, Power and Energy, Water and Waste Management. Infrastructure Projects can be funded by private companies, publicly, or combined as a public-private partnership and are vital for boosting or managing the economic development and sustainment of a city, state/province, or an entire country. In 2020 there was an overall increase in both the private ($346.5 billion) and public sectors of construction ($1022.7 billion) in the US, and these trends are echoed in Canada as well. Even with the challenges seen in 2020 which included rising material costs, loss of labor with specialized construction skills, and struggles to implement new technology, infrastructure developments are appearing more promising than in the past. At the tail end of the COVID pandemic, infrastructure structure projects also have the capability of allowing governments at any level to reimagine their public planning and rebuild their economies.

This presentation will:

– Give a general overview of the status of infrastructure projects in North America, providing general briefings on the current US and Canadian infrastructure plans,
– Discuss the post Covid infrastructure project impacts and economic considerations, which may be relevant and apply globally, and,
– Touch on infrastructure planning and investment modernization and innovation considerations

AACE Seattle Jul 14, 2022 – Update Current Events & Initiatives AACE International Recorded Event

TITLE: Timing Your Time Extensions and General Conditions Costs

SPEAKER: Brian J. Furniss, PE, PSP, CCP, CFCC – Principal at Point Construction Advisory Group

Brian J. Furniss has served the construction industry for over 20 years, analyzing complex construction projects and providing expert testimony on scheduling, delays, productivity losses, and damages. Mr. Furniss applies his expertise both during and after the construction process, focusing primarily on CPM scheduling, delay and productivity analyses, change and risk management, cost analysis, dispute resolution, and claim analysis. Mr. Furniss is a licensed Professional Engineer (Industrial) in Florida, Texas, California, and Colorado, and is a Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP), a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), and a Certified Forensic Claims Consultant (CFCC) with AACE International. He is a principal co-author of the book, Construction Delays: Understanding Them Clearly, Analyzing Them Correctly, and has authored articles for construction industry publications. Mr. Furniss is an award-winning speaker, provides training and presentations to construction industry organizations, and is a Fellow with the Project Management College of Scheduling (PMCOS). Mr. Furniss has experience on airport, bridge, commercial, entertainment, gas, oil, and plastics refinery, government, healthcare, high rise, highway, hospital, laboratory, pipeline, prison, residential, sports arena, theme park, tunnel, transit, water, and wastewater projects in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, United Kingdom, Middle East, Australia, and Antarctica.

SYNOPSIS:

Resolving time extensions and extended general conditions are challenging issues for contractors, subcontractors, and owners. Submission timing is often key to resolving a time extension favorably, and if there is no resolution, that timing may be important to preserving one’s ability to successfully resolve a claim. Further complicating resolution are the different methods available for quantifying extended general conditions costs and how general conditions may vary over time. Using the costs incurred during the delay period may yield very different results than using the costs at the end, or tail, of the project. This paper will provide a brief introduction on how the timing of time extensions is crucial for successful resolution of change orders and claims, and will also provide recommendations for how to accurately price extended general conditions costs in various project scenarios.

LOCATION: (Virtual via Go To Meeting)

PROGRAM TIME:

June 09th, 2022 @ 12:00 PM (PST)

Cost Estimator – Aviation Project Controls

Location: Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Organization: Project Controls

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Expires: Jun 7, 2022, 1:59:00 AM

Minimum Salary: 100,589.00

Midpoint Salary: 125,715.00 

Some of what you’ll be doing:

 In this role, you will prepare and develop cost estimates ranging in accuracy from Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) to detailed construction estimates, working with a variety of internal departments.

  • You will prepare ROM or conceptual estimates utilizing parametric estimating methods or developing cost models as a basis.
  • You will evaluate drawings, specifications, site surveys, existing estimates, site conditions and other available materials and determine the project cost estimate.
  • You will price labor using productivity and labor rates, adjusting rates to reflect complexity or conditions of a project.  You will review and estimate general conditions and supplementary conditions.
  • You will be familiar with alternative delivery methods, such as design-build, General Contractor/Construction Manager (GCCM), and job order contracts (JOC).
  • You will estimate material and equipment costs to a level of detail matching the design documents and prepare change order estimates that may include reviewing construction documents for scope and merit.
  • You will identify risks and evaluate the design to determine the appropriate amount of contingencies.
  • You will determine all other costs, beyond probable construction cost, i.e. owner furnished material, maintenance, etc., to develop an overall project budget.
  • You will assist project managers in quantifying project scope by identifying data gaps, as well as identifying and reviewing soft costs.
  • You will review design and construct drawings and specifications for constructability or detail inconsistencies to reduce potential future change orders.
Who you are:

 Two years of experience may be substituted for one year of education:

  • Experienced – You have ten (10) years of estimating projects while working for a contractor, government agency, or design firm.  Experience in architectural, structural, and civil, and/or mechanical and electrical estimating.
  • Educated – You possess a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
  • Desired – We hope you have eleven (11) or more years estimating for a general contractor performing preconstruction services and bidding projects or working on aviation projects. Additionally, we hope you possess a Master’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
  • Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.  At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
  • Knowledgeable – You have in-depth knowledge of construction means, materials, and methods with a strong fundamental understanding of sound engineering principles, and are well-versed with estimating concepts and procedures, organizing preliminary construction information, project specifications, performance specifying and cost estimation using Uniformat and Masterformat.
  • Strong Communicator – You have strong communication skills and can articulate complex technical processes, scope, and costs into coherent concise reports and presentations.
  • Collaborator – You can coordinate with internal departments on solicitation and quotations for labor, materials, and equipment needed to meet project specifications and budget requirements. In addition, you are comfortable interfacing with project stakeholders to provide data regarding project feasibility.
  • Experienced – You are proficient in reading and interpreting construction  drawings to accurately calculate quantities to determine project costs and provide conceptual and detailed estimates. In addition, you can organize estimates in alternate formats for planning or decision making.
What else you need to know: 

  • Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role.
  • Work Environment – You will work remotely, with the option to work in an office environment if desired.
  • Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement – Effective, November 15, 2021, the Port of Seattle will require that at the time of hire, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be able to provide proof of their full COVID-19 vaccination status, as part of the hiring process. This is a condition of employment for all positions at the Port of Seattle. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.  Prior to employment, candidates may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
  • Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.
Why you’ll love it here: 

  • Healthcare – Medical, Dental and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
  • Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
  • Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
  • Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
  • Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work from home.
  • Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
  • Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
  • Diversity – We foster opportunities for employees to contribute to our communities and business success in a way that celebrates a fully inclusive and engaged work environment.
  • Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
  • Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and environmentally responsible manner.
Why the Port of Seattle: Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

https://aa243.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=000987&lang=en

Sound Transit – Project Control Manager

Sound Transit is transforming the region, with system expansion projects taking place through 2040, we will more than quadruple the current service area. The Project Control Manager will be responsible for the Central Corridor projects. The ideal candidate will have proven experience developing and implementing program management systems and processes as well as reporting for multi-billion dollar complex capital projects; strong leadership skills with proven ability to provide independent evaluation of project performance that enables prompt and proactive management decision making; advance level experience in all facets of project control functions (cost, scheduling, estimating, risk management, and change management, etc.). CCP certification from AACE International is preferred.

Under general direction of the Director, Project Control Delivery and Reporting, manages, supervises and coordinates the activities of professional project control staff in performing a full range of program management and control functions for a major corridor with projects of various scope, size, complexity; manages the development and implementation of integrated program management and control (cost and scheduling) tools, techniques, and methods for establishing, measuring, monitoring, controlling, and reporting progress and performance of capital projects; serves as technical advisor to assigned executive project director related to project controls systems and procedures to achieve on-time and on-budget goals.

https://recruiting.ultipro.com/SOU1036SOUND/JobBoard/dcc5dbea-875e-4cd1-bfd2-8e046cecc54f/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=131ee44f-94fe-4ac9-afaf-56d974590321

TITLE: Panel Discussion: Sound Transit Northgate Link Extension Project

PANELISTS:

· Colby Hess: North Corridor Project Controls Manager – Sound Transit

· Linda Morud: Northgate Link Extension Project Construction Manager – Sound Transit

· Mark Shelton: Northgate Link Extension Project Senior Scheduling Engineer – Sound Transit

FACILITATOR: Andrea Forderer: Director of Project Control Delivery and Reporting – Sound Transit

PANELISTS BIOs:

· Colby Hess is Sound Transit’s North Corridor Project Control Manager overseeing scope, schedule, and cost control on the Northgate Link, Lynnwood Link, and Everett Link Light Rail Extensions. He also served as Project Control Lead on several of the major Northgate Link construction contracts. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University.

· Linda Morud is the Construction Manager for the L300 Lynnwood Link Extension project from Mountlake Terrance to Lynnwood, and was previously the CM for the Northgate Station, Guideway and Garage project. She also served as the Project Control Supervisor for the Northgate Link Extension for 5 years before transitioning to the construction management team.

· Mark Shelton is a Senior Scheduling Engineer for Sound Transit. Mark is assigned to the Agency’s north corridor Link Light Rail projects, primarily the Northgate, Lynnwood, and Everett Link extensions. Prior to joining Sound Transit, Mr. Shelton worked in scheduling and project controls for construction management and engineering firms in both Los Angeles and the Seattle area. Mark is an AACE certified Planning and Schedule Professional, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University.

SYNOPSIS:

The Northgate Link Extension opened in October 2021, adding 4.3 miles and three stations to Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail network. This panel discussion includes three Sound Transit staff who assisted in the on-time, under budget project delivery. A brief presentation about the project will be followed by a Q&A session.

LOCATION: Renaissance Seattle Hotel – Fig and The Judge Restaurant – 515 Madison Street, Seattle, Washington 98104

PROGRAM TIME:

May 12th, 2022

5:00PM – Social Hour

6:00PM – Dinner

6:45PM – Program Starts

8:00PM – Program Ends

TITLE: Case Study:  Challenges of Managing the State Water Project

SPEAKER: Hong Lin PhD, PE – Chief Financial Manager of the California State Water Project

Hong Lin is the Chief Financial Manager of the California State Water Project (SWP).  In this role Hong Lin oversees the development and implementation of policies for comprehensive asset management and capital investment programs for the rehabilitation and refurbishment of SWP facilities in collaboration with SWP senior managers and senior managers of the State Water Contractors.   Ms. Lin is a registered professional engineer in California and received her Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University.

SYNOPSIS:

Challenges of comprehensive asset management and capital investment programs for the State Water Project (SWP) facilities.  The SWP is a multi-purpose water storage and delivery system that extends more than 705 miles — two-thirds the length of California. A collection of canals, pipelines, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power facilities delivers clean water to 27 million Californians, 750,000 acres of farmland, and businesses throughout the state.

LOCATION: (Virtual via Go To Meeting)

PROGRAM TIME:

April 14th, 2022 @ 12:00 PM (PST)

Meeting Transcript »