Improving Our Working Environment

On July 25, NUCA held a panel discussion at the American Society of Civil Engineers’ International Pipelines Conference 2008 in Atlanta that focused on the challenges utility contractors and engineers face when working together on pipeline projects. Participating on the panel were NUCA members — Past President Mark Acceturo and Contract Documents and Specifications Committee Chair Casey Dillon. The engineering side was represented by Dr. Jey K. Jeyapalan and Paul Oglesby, P.E.

I call this event to your attention because it represented a milestone in NUCA’s efforts to reach out to the engineering community in the hope of improving working relationships that have, for years, been burdened with misunderstandings and resentment. I’m very happy to report that out of the frank discussion of the issues emerged a willingness on both sides to explore opportunities for partnership and begin bridging the gap between our respective industries. In my May message, I discussed the chaotic and out-of-control nature of our present work environment and the need to fix it. This is but another example of how clearly NUCA understands the issues and how willing the association is to take strong measures to improve that work environment.

I thank Mark and Casey for representing NUCA’s vision and being our voice in Atlanta. Past NUCA presidents and committee members will continue to meet with other national associations and document committees and represent our side of the industry with intelligence and integrity. On the home front, our new Contract Documents and Specifications Committee Chair Casey Dillon (Indiana) and Co-Chair Mark Scoccolo (Washington) bring to the table not only enthusiasm, but also contract and litigation experience. Joining Charles Surasky of Georgia is a new lawyer from Jacksonville, Fla. — Anthony Zebouni — who is an experienced contract and specifications writer from the owner’s side.

All these folks are taking on a huge national task that will require your help and involvement to complete. If you are experiencing poor drawings, ambiguous specifications, inconsistency of interpretation of general conditions or inherent problems with contracts and specifications, this committee is the place you need to be. Specifically, you need to be at the very next meeting — NUCA’s Fall Board & Committee Meetings, Oct. 8-10 at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre, Indianapolis, Ind. Visit the NUCA Web site at www.nuca.com for the details.

NUCA’s past presidents and the Contract Documents and Specifications Committee are working hard for you and our industry. Give them a helping hand. They need it!

Regards,


     Terry Dillon