AACE Seattle Section Free Webinar – August 24, 2023 12:00 PM PST

Date:  August 24, 2023

Time:  12:00 noon PST

Presented By:  Mr. John G McConville, CCP

GoToLink:  https://meet.goto.com/800903821

Mr. John G McConville CCP, will discuss the challenges affecting construction productivity such as 


•    Union V’s Open Shop
•     Weather conditions
•    Local worker skills 
•    Training 
•    Supervision
•    Supply chain issues / COVID 
•    Skilled worker shortages 
•    Crew size 
•    Offsite fabrication 
•    In-direct logistics / support 
•    Construction equipment utilization.


Determining construction labor productivity variations between regions and countries is a difficult undertaking and is highly subjective and constantly changing. John will discuss factors that impact construction productivity.

PROJECT CONTROLS SPECIALIST

Location: HALLMARK GROUP CAPITAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

POSITION DETAIL

Reports to: President

Work Site: Remote

Status: Full Time (Exempt)

Compensation: Based on Qualifications

Date: TBD

Approved: President

COMPANY INFORMATION

Hallmark Group is a Sacramento-based capital program management company that has been operating since its
establishment in 2001. We specialize in providing a range of services including strategic planning, organizational
leadership, and qualified representation for the administration and management of large capital improvement
programs. Our expertise extends to serving public sector entities, institutional clients, non-profit organizations, as
well as offering construction management services for the entire project lifecycle. We provide expert advice and
support in various areas, including project planning, budgeting, procurement, contract management, risk
mitigation, and quality control.

At Hallmark Group, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver exceptional results through our comprehensive
approach to all aspects of capital program management. Our resolute team brings a wealth of knowledge and a
results-driven approach to every project we undertake. Apply now for the opportunity to join our team and
contribute to our continued success in executing exceptional projects.

SUMMARY

Hallmark Group is actively seeking an initiative-taking and innovative Project Controls Specialist to join our
dynamic Project Controls team. As a Project Controls Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring effective
communication, technical expertise, relationship management, and team building within our organization. This
position entails frequent and fast-paced interaction with various public and private entities, including external
consultant teams.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement robust project controls for major capital programs, ensuring adherence to
cost/budget, schedule, and document management requirements in accordance with state and federal
guidelines.
• Create and enhance processes and procedures to streamline project controls, optimizing efficiency and
effectiveness throughout the planning, design, and construction phases.
• Demonstrate a proven track record in developing and managing controls for documents, contracts, and
costs, delivering successful outcomes in complex projects.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, identify risks, and develop mitigation
strategies, fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented environment.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Behave Ethically and demonstrate a strong understanding of ethical behavior and business practices, ensuring
personal conduct and the behavior of others align with the values of Hallmark Group in all professional
interactions and decisions.

Communicate Effectively and possess excellent speaking, listening, and writing skills to convey information clearly,
thoroughly, and in a timely manner, while utilizing appropriate communication tools and techniques.

Foster Creativity/Innovation by actively seeking new and unique ways to improve organizational operations and
identify new opportunities.

Encourage Teamwork through cooperative and effective collaboration with others, both within and outside the
team, reach goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness. Promote a
supportive and inclusive team environment that values diverse perspectives and contributions.

Lead by exhibiting positive leadership qualities through clear communication and guidance, which further inspire
and motivate others to achieve results that align with Hallmark’s benchmarks and ethics.

Make Decisions with thoughtful evaluation of situations to determine their importance, urgency, and risks. Make
clear decisions that are timely and in the best interest of our clients and organization.

Organized and Strategic in managing time, setting priorities, developing efficient work schedules, monitoring
progress towards goals, and tracking activities to achieve desired outcomes and organized work processes.

Solution Oriented Lens with the ability to anticipate potential problems by staying proactive and vigilant. Assess
problem situations, generate workable solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions may include but are not limited to:

Effective Communication – Establish clear and concise communication channels with project teams, executives,
and stakeholders to ensure efficient flow of information. Foster strong relationships and facilitate open
communication to promote collaboration and timely decision-making.

Document Control System – Develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures for the document
control system to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and security of project documents. Regularly review and update
the system to adapt to evolving project needs and industry best practices.

Project Funding Management – Efficiently manage and track all project funding sources, including
intergovernmental agreements, to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting. Collaborate with relevant
stakeholders to optimize funding allocation and identify potential cost-saving opportunities.

Document Management – Collect, organize, retain, retrieve, distribute, and transmit project documents in a
systematic manner. Ensure proper version control and document tracking, including baseline documents,
reference documents, project reports, communications and transmittals, engineering drawings, contract
documents, quality records, and other project records as required.

Task Order Coordination – Demonstrate strong coordination skills to effectively plan, schedule, and
manage task orders that support project activities, work plans, and budgets. Ensure task orders align
with project objectives and deliverables, optimizing resource allocation and timelines.

Project Management Information Systems – Proficiency in utilizing Project Management Information
Systems and accounting software, such as Quickbooks, Sage Intacct, Ebuilder, PMWeb, Aconex, or
similar platforms. Leverage these systems to streamline project controls processes, enhance data
accuracy, and facilitate efficient reporting and analysis.

Financial Analysis and Reporting – Conduct timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends,
and forecasts to provide insights and recommendations for effective fiscal management. Develop comprehensive
monthly project status reports that highlight key financial metrics, risks, and opportunities.

Budget and Expense Analysis – Review reports to analyze revenue projections, profitability, margins, and
budgeted expenses against actual figures. Identify discrepancies, trends, and areas for improvement, providing
actionable recommendations to optimize financial performance.

Presentation and Communication – Create high-quality presentation materials for meetings, events,
and various communication forums to effectively convey project status, financial analysis, and key insights. Present
information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner to engage and inform stakeholders.

SOFTWARE – EXPERT LEVEL PROFICIENCY REQUIRED

Project Management Information Systems: Ebuilder, PMWeb, Aconex or comparable.
Accounting Software: Quickbooks, Sage Intact.
Microsoft: Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or management, accounting, or a related field.
• 5+ years of project-based experience with a focus on project controls preferred, or a demonstrated
aptitude for accounting.
Organizational Skills
• Ability to effectively organize, expedite, and manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks based on project requirements and deadlines.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, both
verbally and in writing.
• Proven writing and editing skills to ensure clear and concise communication of project-related
information.
Stakeholder Management
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of diverse audiences and stakeholders, fostering
positive relationships and collaboration.
• Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences and maintain professionalism in
challenging situations.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
• Respond positively to challenges and handle pressure in a professional manner, demonstrating
resilience and adaptability.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
of project data and information.
Integrity and Dependability
• Highest level of integrity and dependability, with a keen sense of urgency and results orientation.
• Commitment to delivering quality work and meeting project objectives within established timelines.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance
• AFLAC
• 401K Plan
• Vacation and Sick pay

How to Improve Your Odds of Capital Project and Program Success

Presented by: Rob McCarthy, Vice President Parsons https://www.parsons.com/x/

and Gina Neilson, PE, PMP, Principal Technical Consultant

Remote Meeting

Rob McCarthy leads the Parsons X PMIS team, dedicated to bringing digital transformation solutions to capital infrastructure owners that unlock greater capacity, capability, and value. He has helped capital owners plan, evaluate, select, and implement digital technologies for the last 20+ years. Rob earned his Engineering Management and Mechanical Engineering degrees at West Point, served as a Captain in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and learned information technology from Ross Perot’s accelerated development program at Perot Systems prior to joining Parsons.

Gina Neilson has extensive experience planning and financing large capital infrastructure programs and projects, establishing program and project management best practices, and managing all aspects of project delivery in the public sector, from permitting to commissioning. Gina earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and is a licensed Professional Engineer and certified Project Management Professional.

Synopsis:

Owners, both private and public, are investing in a digital transformation initiative that streamlines and enhances their program and project delivery by supporting more consistent and efficient operations, with a special focus on cost and schedule management. In this session, attendees will learn how implementing an Enterprise Program Management Information System (PMIS) can digitize and automate over 50 business processes, consolidate and retire legacy systems, integrate with enterprise accounting and contract management systems, and produce strategic dashboards and analytics that measure the health of projects and programs.

A digital transformation expert will help attendees see the power of actionable project and program health dashboards, understand how to improve their odds of successfully implementing their own Enterprise PMIS, and help guide them through their own digital transformation journey.

How to Improve Your Odds of Capital Project and Program Success
Jun 8, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (America/Los_Angeles)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/195309197

You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 195-309-197
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install

Topic:   RP 120R Demonstrating Entitlement for Contract Change Orders or Claims – As Applied in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction

Presented by: STEPHEN WARHOE, PH.D., P.E., CCP, CFCC

Dr. Warhoe’s background is rooted in over 35 years of practical experience planning, controlling, and managing major design and construction projects, several of which were valued at well over US$4 billion. With his experience in project management, construction management, project controls, risk management, and dispute resolution, he is a recognized expert in schedule construction management, delay analysis, productivity loss, project controls, and construction dispute avoidance and resolution. He has led and managed a regional construction management consulting business for the largest A/E/CM in the world. Dr. Warhoe is also a recognized construction expert on disputed projects, valued well over US$6 billion and individual disputes well over US$3 billion. He has a proven record as a testifying expert on delay, productivity loss, cost damages, project audit, and construction and project management. Dr. Warhoe also specializes in productivity loss analysis and quantification determination. He has modeled productivity loss through the use of system dynamics modeling, on which he wrote his Ph.D. dissertation. As recognition for his expertise and respect in the project controls field, he was elected president of AACE International from 2008 to 2009 and was made an Honorary Life member in 2019. He was the primary author on three of AACE’s Recommended Practices related to change management process, the elements necessary for practitioners to demonstrate entitlement to a change order request or claim, and demonstrating cumulative impact in construction. He has also contributed to several other Recommended Practices published by AACE International and is currently the Vice President of AACE’s Technical Board.

Topic: RP 120R Demonstrating Entitlement for Contract Change Orders or Claims – As Applied in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction

This recommended practice (RP) addresses the necessary elements to determine technical entitlement for a change order request (COR) or claim as applied in engineering, procurement, and construction. While any definitions provided by contract documents would supersede this RP, in the absence of clarity in the contract, this RP defines key elements of the change request process. These elements of a COR or claim apply to any typical design, procurement, and construction contracting strategy or delivery method.

The purpose of this RP is to provide guidelines concerning the critical elements to demonstrate technical entitlement in support of a change order request or claim on a capital construction project, that most practitioners would consider to be a good practice, that can be relied on, and that they would recommend be considered for use where applicable. Additionally, entitlement in the terms of the RP is how a contractor administers the EPC contract (including the relevant purchase orders and subcontracts) entered into using the guidance of their legal advisor. This RP is focused on the technical administration of the contractual terms and conditions. Therefore, all usage of the term entitlement, throughout this RP, refers to technical entitlement and not to legal entitlement.

This recommended practice is relevant to stakeholders on a capital construction project; this includes owner, contractor, subcontractor, construction manager, or other stakeholders. Although this recommended practice is written in the context of a contract between an owner and contractor, it is equally applicable to any parties contracted to perform a project including owners and architect-engineers (A/E), as well as general contractors and their subcontractors. This RP can also be used as an internal change management guideline within an organization’s management procedures. In the context of this recommended practice, the contractor is assumed to be the claimant. Of course, this is not always the case. The owner/employer, A/E, and a subcontractor can also be claimants as well.

It is important for all parties to a contract to understand the contract provisions, as well as laws, regulations, and standards that govern the contract. It is also highly recommended that an attorney be consulted to review the change management process of a contract and the terms defining the responsibilities of the claimant to demonstrate entitlement to requested change orders or claims.

Renaissance Seattle Hotel

May 11, 2023, 5:30 – 8:00 PM (America/Los_Angeles)

Register:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6012606

Estimating & Managing Design Fees – Large Infrastructure Projects

Presented by: Cindy Hands P.Eng, MCL, CCP

Remote Meeting

Cindy Hands is a Senior Project Controls Manager with over 30 years of experience in infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy projects. She has worked on various mega projects, both onshore and offshore and has worked with world-class international contractors and clients. Cindy is a Civil Engineer with a masters degree in Leadership, and she is a Certified Cost Professional.

Synopsis:

Cindy will present on Estimating and Managing Design Fees covering the following:

  • Project Highlights/References
  • Estimating Design Fees
    • WBS
    • Labour Rates
    • Expenses
    • Other Costs
    • Escalation
    • Who Participates
    • Benchmark Data
    • Reviews
  • Presenting ‘Design Costs’ Estimates
  • Explaining Estimate Variances/Evolution
  • Managing Design Costs

Apr 13, 2023, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (America/Los_Angeles)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/527035797

You can also dial in using your phone.

Access Code: 527-035-797

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install

Estimating & Managing Design Fees – Large Infrastructure Projects

Presented by: Cindy Hands P.Eng, MCL, CCP

Remote Meeting

Cindy Hands is a Senior Project Controls Manager with over 30 years of experience in infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy projects. She has worked on various mega projects, both onshore and offshore and has worked with world-class international contractors and clients. Cindy is a Civil Engineer with a masters degree in Leadership, and she is a Certified Cost Professional.

Synopsis:

Cindy will present on Estimating and Managing Design Fees covering the following:

  • Project Highlights/References
  • Estimating Design Fees
    • WBS
    • Labour Rates
    • Expenses
    • Other Costs
    • Escalation
    • Who Participates
    • Benchmark Data
    • Reviews
  • Presenting ‘Design Costs’ Estimates
  • Explaining Estimate Variances/Evolution
  • Managing Design Costs

Thursday April 13, 2023 12:00 Noon Webinar

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

https://meet.goto.com/527035797

You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (224) 501-3412

Access Code: 527-035-797

Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install

In Person Meeting:  AACE Seattle Section Nov 16, 2023 – AI – Applications to Project Controls & Engineering

Renaissance Seattle Hotel – Fig and The Judge Restaurant, 515 Madison St., Seattle, Wa

Please Join AACE Seattle Section Thursday November 16, 2023 for an in person meeting!!

Register Here :  AACE Seattle Section Nov 16 Registration Link

Speaker – Alan Mosca – Co-Founder and CTO of nPlan

About the speaker

–  7 years as a technologist in quantitative finance – implementing live trading strategies, quotefeed systems, trading engines, writing tools for research and automating front-office tasks for the likes of Jane Street Capital and Wadhwani Asset Management Extensive experience in algorithm design and software engineering, with a BEng in Computer Engineering and MSc in Computer Science

Synopsis –

In this talk Alan will explore how AI has advanced and its applications to Project Controls and Cost Engineering. Since 2017, nPlan has discovered and built several different ways of exploiting the advantages given by AI in forecasting, portfolio management, and reporting. Alan will run through some example use cases with the intent to stimulate and encourage a discussion after the talk.

AACE Joint North Florida / Seattle Sections:

We are excited to have the opportunity to join the North Florida Section next Thursday

Date: Thursday, February 16th, 2023;  4:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM / EST

RSVP:  email:   nflaace@earthlink.net ; nflaace@gmail.com you will receive a link at that time.  This webinar is open to anyone and is free to attend.

Title:  Safety on Florida Roads: The Target Zero Initiative

Speaker: Loreen Bobo, PE

Synopsis:
Safety on our roadways has always been a priority for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). In the last few years FDOT has had a re-focus on safety because deaths are currently on the rise due to a combination of many factors. FDOT’s goal is zero, zero fatalities and serious injuries. Find out how FDOT is going to get to zero, and how you can help us get there.

Speaker Bio:
Loreen Bobo, P.E. started her career with FDOT in 1999 as a Professional Engineer Trainee, eventually focusing on construction and maintenance as a Project Engineer and Project Manager. In 2012 Loreen joined the team to lead the $2.3 Billion I-4 Ultimate P3 Project as the Program Manager. In 2018, Loreen began serving as the District Five Director of Transportation Development, overseeing development in nine Florida counties. In June 2021, Loreen began her role as Safety Administrator for the new District 5 Office of Safety, ensuring the District’s focus on safety to support Target Zero. Loreen has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida, and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida. When not focusing on Safety, Loreen can be found spending time with her family – likely on a baseball field or as a den leader for Cub Scouts, as her two boys keep her and her husband busy and active!

Title: Sound Transit’s New Developed Programmatic Risk Assessment Process

Speakers: Kamran Hazini PhD, PE & Craig DeLalla

TOPIC: Sound Transits New Developed Programmatic Risk Assessment Process

Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) is a numerical method to analyze risks and uncertainties and measure confidence in completing any given project within its approved schedule and budget. Project risks are a critical input to this analysis in which their probability and impacts are discussed during the workshops and included in the risk models. Although independent, concurrent projects may introduce risks especially for owner organizations, such as Sound Transit, executing several mega-projects. Excluding these program risks could potentially result in an inaccurate project level risk profile. Examples of such risks include shortage of shared critical resources for testing/startup, supply chain issues, operations staff hiring rates, multiple complex rail activation activities and lack of contractor/subcontractor/consultant capacity.

This presentation provides an overview of a new programmatic quantitative risk assessment initiative developed and executed in Sound Transit. This new approach adds an analysis of program risks to quantify the cascading impacts of concurrent delivery of EastLink, Downtown Redmond Link, Lynnwood Link, and Federal Way Link Extension projects.

Location: Renaissance Seattle Hotel

To register:

https://aaceseattle2023-03-09.bpt.me/

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).

This presentation provides an overview of a new programmatic quantitative risk assessment initiative developed and executed in Sound Transit. This new approach adds an analysis of program risks to quantify the cascading impacts of concurrent delivery of EastLink, Downtown Redmond Link, Lynnwood Link, and Federal Way Link Extension projects.

2023 SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Section of AACE International (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) the Authority for Total Cost Management, announces the opening of the 2023 Scholarship Award Program for undergraduate and graduate students.

Three (3) Scholarship Awards will be given at $1,000 each.

✔ A membership to the AACEI Seattle Section will also be awarded with each scholarship

Applications due 11:59 PM on June 5th, 2023.

Download the cover sheet and announcement to apply.

Link to cover sheet »

Link to scholarship announcement and instructions »