After a brainstorming session with 13 construction industry leaders whose companies work for 11 federal agencies, the Federal Owners Forum issued a report in an effort to spur improvements in federal construction project procurement.
The event was sponsored by The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and the Society for American Military Engineers (SAME). Participants advocated for increased use of design-build project delivery.
“The owners at the forum discussed early knowledge of costs and appropriate allocation of risk as the two main advantages of design-build,” said Lisa Washington, Executive Director and CEO of DBIA. There was extensive discussion on the critical role of procurement professionals, especially contracting officers, in unleashing innovation and creating better projects.
“From budget constraints, to agency staff turnover, to inconsistently defined requirements, neither government nor industry can solve these and other complex challenges alone,” said SAME Executive Director, Brig. Gen. Joe Schroedel, P.E., F.SAME, USA (Ret.). The forum intends to host a future forum for federal procurement officers to further address these issues.
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience
Some states losing ground on resilience, group says
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York
City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Research indicates major earthquake looming for Pacific Northwest
Most structures built before seismic codes instituted; extreme damage predicted
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
AAMA updates methods for testing of exterior walls
The standard specifies test methods, specifications, and field checks to evaluate structural adequacy of exterior wall systems composed of curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
Difference in male-female thermal comfort is due to clothing, ASHRAE says
Women wear lighter clothing in the summer, so they tend to be cooler in air-conditioned rooms, according to the group.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
AIA, International Code Council reach collaborative agreement on building codes
The deal covers a wide range of initiatives, including code development, compliance, and sustainability.