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2022 PLATINUM ANNUAL SPONSORS! |
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The ACECL Board of Governors met on March 11, 2022 |
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Amendments to ACECL Bylaws Adopted
Earlier this month, the Board of Governors voted to adopt a comprehensive set of amendments to the ACECL Bylaws. To initiation of the effort, Board Chair Andree Cortez led an ad hoc committee to complete a comprehensive review of the organizations current Bylaws, charging the committee to update our organization's foundational document to bring intentionality, efficiency and effectiveness to ACECL’s ultimate mission - enhancing the business of engineering.
Over the span of months and several meetings, the committee brought a list of proposed amendments to the Board of Governors for consideration. At the conclusion of the review process, more than twenty substantive revisions were adopted into the Bylaws. Some of the more transformational amendments were:
- Allowance of no more than two non-professional engineers to serve on the Board of Governors at one time.
- Redefines “Principal,” (pertaining to eligibility for Board appointment) as an individual designated by a member firm, who is a firm officer, partner, vice president or local office manager: (a) having an ownership interest, and/or (b) exercising management responsibility for technical or business decisions.
- Charge for Nominating Committee to considered qualified candidates for appointment to the Board of Governors that reflect the diversity of the ACECL membership.
- Aligns objectives of the organization with ACECL’s established long-term strategic plan.
The current Bylaws document as amended and approved by the Board of Governors can be found here.
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U.S. DOT Announces $2.9 Billion in Combine Grant Opportunities
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act established two new programs and reauthorized one existing discretionary grant program which are being solicited together under a single combined Notice of Funding Opportunity:
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Mega: $1 billion of FY 2022 funding for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants program, known as the Mega Grants program;
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INFRA: Approximately $1.55 billion in FY 2022 funding to be made available for the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects grants program, known as INFRA;
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Rural: $300 million in FY 2022 funding for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program, known as Rural.
According to a summary fact sheet, U.S. DOT is combining these three programs into single NOFO to provide a more efficient application process for project sponsors. While they remain separate programs for the purposes of award, the programs share many common characteristics, including a larger project size, multimodal eligibility, and many shared statutory project requirements. Because of these shared characteristics, it is possible for many projects to be eligible and considered for multiple programs using a single application.
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The INFRA program: At least 15% of the funds are reserved for small projects (<$100 million) and at least 25% of the funds are reserved for rural projects. The program also includes a leverage pilot, under which $150 million is set-aside to prioritize for projects with greater non-Federal share.
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The new Mega program: Focused on large multimodal transportation projects, with 50% of the funding being awarded to projects greater than $500 million in total project cost, and the remaining 50% of the funding being awarded to projects between $100 million and $500 million in total project costs. The Mega program will help large multimodal projects with gaps in their financial plans.
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The new Rural program: Reserved for surface transportation projects in rural areas, with a minimum of 90% of all projects having a minimum $25 million Rural grant award. The Rural program will focus on rural needs, such as improving highway safety and expanding access to rural transit service. Set asides for projects on the Appalachian Development Highway System and projects located in states with above average rural lane departure fatality rates.
The application deadline for this grant opportunity is May 23, 2022. Awards will be announced in the fall.
Click here for the announcement with links to the official notice, fact sheets, a series of webinars for applicants, program guidance, and other information.
STATE
2022 Legislative Session
The 2022 Regular Legislative Session is underway, and like all other sessions, there are plenty of bills dealing with infrastructure, most related to funding for transportation. A major win for ACECL, and the industry as a whole, last session was securing an increased investment in transportation by passing law that will redirect revenue collected from the vehicle sales tax from the state general fund to the Construction Subfund.
Legislation this session is seeking to change original allocations for megaprojects and preservation projects. ACECL will be tracking those bills which are listed below:
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HB 761 by Rep. Phillip Tarver
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HB 860 by Rep. Jack McFarland
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SB 187 and 188 by Sen. Patrick McMath
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SB 266 BY Sen Rick Ward
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SB 277 by Sen. Paige Cortez
As the session continues and the bills listed above, and others ACECL will be watching, advance through the legislative process, I will send weekly emails to the membership with legislative updates and our own advocacy efforts.
Water Sector Commission
The Water Sector Commission is meeting next Monday, April 4 at 8:30am in the Hainkel Room (State Capitol). The agenda for that meeting can be found below:
- After action review of Water Sector Program Round 1
- Discussion of Water Sector Program Round 2 timeline and guidelines
- Public Testimony
- Reconsideration of Round 1, Application #33, West Feliciana Consolidated Waterworks District No. 13
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2021 SALARY STUDY
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!
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The American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana conducted a salary survey for the benefit of the owners, principals and managers of engineering, surveying, planning, and environmental consulting firms. It provides salary and benefit information specific to Louisiana and its metropolitan areas.
The survey includes salary and benefit information from twenty-eight firms, comprised of 40 Louisiana offices and 918 positions. The results are grouped into the following seven personnel categories:
•Engineers and Architects
•Scientists and Planners
•Professional Land Surveyors
•Technicians
•Administration
•Marketing and Public Relations
•Management
MEMBER PRICE : $399.00
NON-MEMBER PRICE: $699.00
E-mail Haleigh Gray at hgray@acecl.org for information on how to receive your copy of the survey.
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Baton Rouge Chapter Luncheon
Monday, April 11, 2022
Sullivan's Steakhouse
Speakers:
Eric Kalivoda, Ph.D., P.E.
Deputy Secretary
LADOTD
Kara Moree, CFM
Environmental Manager
Atlas Technical Consultants
Topic:
New Mississippi River Bridge - Project Update
RSVP no later than noon on April 7, 2022
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Lake Charles Chapter Luncheon
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
The Pioneer Club
Speaker:
Sara McCleod Judson, CEO
Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana
Topic:
Resiliency Master Plan for Cameron & Calcasieu Parishes - "Just Imagine"
RSVP no later than noon on April 15, 2022
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ACECL ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA |
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ACEC of Louisiana Celebrates 2021 Engineering Excellence Awards |
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C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC was awarded the 2021 Grand Conceptor award for the Outfall Canals Topographic & Bathymetric Survey project during the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana’s Engineering Excellence Awards program held on March 10th at the Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza. U. S. Congressman Garret Graves served as Master of Ceremonies the event.
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Eleven engineering projects performed by Louisiana-based engineering firms were awarded 2021 Engineering Excellence Awards and the Gala hosted more than 200 attendees to celebrate the firms achievements, teamwork, and client partnership. All of the winning projects are tangible examples of the essential role engineering plays in the everyday lives of Louisiana citizens.
2021 Grand Award Winners
Category: Studies, Research and Consulting Engineering Services
Project: Cane River Bridge Church Street Environmental Assessment
Client: Louisiana DOTD
Firm: C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC
Category: Building/Technology Systems
Project: Port of Corpus Christi - Dock Management System
Client: Port of Corpus Christi
Firm: T. Baker Smith, LLC
Category: Waste and Storm Water
Project: Children's Hospital Green Infrastructure
Client: LCMC Health
Firm: Meyer Engineers, Ltd.
Category: Water Resources
Project: Rockefeller Refuge Gulf Shoreline Stabilization (ME-0018)
Client: Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
Firm: HDR, Inc.
Category: Surveying/Mapping Technology
Project: Outfall Canals Topographic & Bathymetric Survey
Client: Flood Protection Authority East
Firm: C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC
Category: Transportation
Project: Nicholson Drive/Brightside Lane/W. Lee Intersection Improvement Project
Client: East Baton Rouge City Parish
Firm: Forte & Tablada, Inc.
Category: Special Projects
Project: LA Tech University's Baseball & Women's Sports Complexes
Clients: TBA Studio & Louisiana Tech University
Firm: Aillet, Fenner, Jolly & McClelland, Inc.
2021 Honor Award Recipients
Project: City of Scott Drainage Improvement Plan
Client: City of Scott
Firm: C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC
Project: Lakeshore Villages
Client: D.R. Horton, Inc.
Firm: Duplantis Design Group
Project: Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District 1 Master Flood Plan
Client: Livingston Parish Gravity Drainage District 1
Firm: Quality Engineering and Surveying, LLC
Project: Kaliste Saloom Road Widening
Client: Lafayette Consolidated Government
Firm: C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, LLC
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS |
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The People’s Choice Award Winner, as voted by the ceremony attendees, was awarded to Forte and Tablada, Inc. for the Nicholson Drive/Brightside Lane/W. Lee Intersection Improvement Project.
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“The focus on leadership makes this program beneficial for any up and coming leader within a firm, not just mid-career design professionals. At TBS, our core focus is investing in people to enhance communities, and we have seen amazing growth, confidence, and enthusiasm from our associates as a result of the Emerging Leaders Institute!“
Andree F. Cortez, P.E., PMP
T. Baker Smith, LLC
„“The Emerging Leaders Institute introduced me to architects and engineers from around the state who are striving to be leaders in their organizations and professions. I not only consider them to be professional colleagues but friends I will reach out to as my career develops.“
Kevin Alford, AIA
RHH Architects
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The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Louisiana and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Louisiana are pleased to offer an Emerging Leaders Institute series, a leadership and career development program for individuals committed to developing both their professional and personal leadership abilities.
INVEST IN THE FUTURE
Over the years, the consulting design industry has prospered as a result of strong leadership. To ensure an equally successful future, our future leaders must be encouraged to become involved in industry and association activities. Therefore, ACEC of Louisiana and AIA Louisiana have created an Emerging Leaders Institute exclusively for aspiring professionals within its member organizations. The value of this program provides participants the opportunity to build relationships with their peers in the profession, focus on key factors influencing leadership effectiveness and development, gain insight into various aspects of successful project management and sharpen communications skills.
ELIGIBILITY
The Emerging Leaders Institute is targeted to rising industry professionals who are committed to developing their leadership and management skills and abilities and have been identified by their firm as a “future leader” of the design industry.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Beginning in May, and continuing through the fall, the Emerging Leaders Institute will be comprised of four (4) sessions to be held in the Baton Rouge area. In order for the program to provide maximum benefits, participants are highly encouraged to commit and attend ALL sessions. Participants are eligible to earn no fewer than 24 AIA HSW/PDHs/LUs with full participation. Certificates to be awarded.
PARTICIPATION
To participate in the Emerging Leaders Institute, an individual must complete the application and submit it along with the registration fee ($995.00 - Early Bird deadline of March 31, 2022, or $1,195.00 - Registration deadline of April 25, 2022). The number of participants is limited to 20 and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The registration fee covers all meeting materials, team building events, lunches, and complimentary registration to ACECL’s Fall Conference or AIA Louisiana’s Conference on Architecture to be held in the Fall 2022.
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Session I (May 3-4, 2022)
- Communication Skills & Business Development
- Legislative Day at the Capitol
Session II (June 16, 2022)
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Session III (August 24-25, 2022)
- The Coach Leadership Program
- Professional Liability & Risk Management
- Presentation Skills
- Principal Panel Discussion
Session IV (November 17, 2022)
- Complimentary registration to ACECL’s Fall Conference
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT
JANET TOMENY
225-927-7704
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2022 DEEP SOUTH CONVENTION |
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ACEC/PAC SPRING SWEEPSTAKES |
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The ACEC Research Institute released new research that shows the value of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) for engineering and design projects. QBS is a procurement process that has firms compete for work based on experience and technical expertise, rather than competing for the lowest cost bid.
According to the data, projects that use QBS for procurement had lower project costs and better on-time delivery versus selecting firms based on the cheapest bid.
Here are the key findings:
- QBS saves money. Projects that used QBS to procure engineering services had less cost growth (3%) versus the national average (6%).
- QBS saves time. QBS projects have better project delivery time with less schedule growth versus the national average (7% with QBS versus 10% without).
- QBS projects have high client satisfaction. With QBS projects, 89% receive “high” or “very high” satisfaction ratings from project owners.
- QBS promotes innovation. Projects incorporating QBS have a greater likelihood of producing innovative solutions.
You can learn more about the benefits of QBS and download the entire report, including case studies, from the ACEC Research Institute.
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April 4, 2022 - Water Sector Commission, State Capitol, 8:30 am
- April 8, 2022 - ACECL HR Forum
- April 11, Baton Rouge Chapter Meeting
- April 15 - Good Friday (Office Closed)
- April 19 - Lake Charles Chapter Meeting
- April 21 - ACECL Water Resources Committee Meeting
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ELOS professionals provide support for clients involved in local, state, and federal programs and projects. ELOS help manage natural resources, develop grant proposals, and secure environmental clearance and permits for a wide range of projects. In addition to natural resource impact analysis and mitigation planning, ELOS also provides support for public outreach, interagency coordination, and decision documentation. ELOS has assisted several clients in drafting policy documents and resolutions related to land-use, flood protection, hazard mitigation, and transportation planning.
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Founded in 1958, Alexander & Sanders Insurance is the leading provider of risk management and insurance services for professionals across Louisiana. Our specialists have dedicated their careers to providing insurance tailored to the unique needs of architects and engineers. You can count on us for contract review, engagement letter and risk management advice.
In 2020, Alexander & Sanders Insurance became a division of BXS Insurance. By joining BXS Insurance, we are able to offer a greater depth to our team and additional resources to you and as a part of BXS Insurance, we look forward to continuing that legacy for many years to come. We want to be your partner in practice.
Contact: Justin Sanders or Wyatt Sanders
P: (225) 336-3200
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ACEC Affiliate Members
ACEC Business Insurance Trust
ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.
Alexander & Sanders, a division of BXS Insurance
Barriere Construction Group, LLC
Benefits One, LLC
BFM Corporation, LLC
BRAYN Consulting, LLC
Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP
Brown & Brown of Louisiana
CxA Services, LLC
Cycle Construction, LLC
Durable Piling Restoration, LLC
ecko360
ELOS Environmental, LLC
Environmental Technical Sales, Inc.
Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, Inc.
Foley & Judell, LLP
Foley Products
Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith, LLP
Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP
Headlight
HUB International
Industrial Fabrics
Keogh, Cox & Wilson
Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn
Quality Sitework Materials, Inc.
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Barker Dirmann
President & CEO
ACEC of Louisiana
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