Articles

Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) Committee Seminar

The Dallas Branch Transportation & Development Institute (T&DI) Committee will hold a seminar following the January 9, 2012 meeting/luncheon. The seminar is titled “The Role of the Independent Engineer in Public Private Partnership Concession Contracts”. The use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for highway development is increasing, as availability of gas tax funding for projects diminishes. Compared to design-bid-build and design-build contracts, there is a substantial transfer of construction, maintenance and operational risks from the Owner to the Developer in a PPP concession agreement. However, the need to protect the public interest remains, particularly if federal funds or public seed capital are invested in the project. The role of the Independent Engineer is to provide reasonable assurance about the quality of the activities of the Developer, while fully recognizing the risk allocations inherent in the contract.

This presentation will focus on how the role of the Independent Engineer differs from traditional quality oversight roles, and on the skills and experience needed to perform the role effectively. The use of quality management systems in construction is highlighted; and the challenges and benefits from increased reliance on management systems are outlined.

The presentation will be made by David Weeks, P.E., Project Manager of URS Corporation. David is a UK Chartered Engineer with 30 years of experience in highway engineering, including design, construction, operation and maintenance. David has been involved in the development and implementation of quality and other management systems in engineering for over 20 years, and he also has substantial Comprehensive Development Agreement feasibility and procurement experience in Texas.

He currently leads the Planning & Development team in the URS Austin office, and is the Independent Engineer project manager for the LBJ Managed Lanes project.

For additional information on the committee or the seminar, contact Roger Behgam, P.E., T&DI Committee Chair at: 214.215.8321 or [email protected].