While some contractors have been wary of Internet-based reverse auction bidding as a tool designed to help owners drive down contract margins, owners who are increasingly using the device to save money have developed a set of guidelines that they believe may help smooth out the process.

The core of the guidelines, developed by the Construction Users Roundtable, emphasizes that "all bidding should be based on sound engineering and procurement process" and that reverse auctions should not be used as a shortcut around proven processes. The guidelines say that one of the essential elements of reverse auctions is prequalifying bidders before the auction, clearly defining the bid scope so that all bidders understand it. Another is clearly defining nonprice items that affect performance, such as safety, quality, training and schedule.

The guidelines were unveiled recently at CURT's annual meeting.

"The purpose in developing these guidelines is to provide thoughts for consideration," said Earl F. Massner, global construction technologies manager for Procter & Gamble, Westchester, Ohio, and co-chairman of the committee that developed the guidelines.
"At the end of the day, reverse auctions are a tool. Like any other tool, you can use it appropriately…or use it inappropriately." (Source: Engineering News-Record).

Perry Appoints New Environmental Quality Commissioner

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Austinite Larry Sowards, a former top aide who once ran the state's water pollution agency, to a six-year term on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Perry also elevated Commissioner Kathleen Hartnett White to chairwoman of the three-member commission, which is charged with overseeing enforcement of the state's environmental regulations.

AEM Applauds Increased Federal Transportation Investment

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers announced its support of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's introduction of a six-year, $375 billion highway and transit funding bill.

"Enactment of a well-funded, multiyear highway and transit bill is critical to create jobs, meet the identified needs to improve the condition of the nation's highway and transit systems, improve safety and stimulate economic activity," according to a statement released by AEM.

The association added that a multiyear bill is essential to provide contractors and equipment dealers with the confidence to make long-term capital investments in the nation's transportation system.

First Woman President Takes Helm at ASCE

Patricia D. Galloway was recently installed as the new president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Galloway, chief executive officer and president of the Nielsen-Wurster Group Inc., an international management consulting firm based in Princeton, N.J., is the first woman in the organization's 151-year history to serve as president.

"Women have long been breaking barriers and making astounding contributions to the engineering profession," Galloway said. "It seems implausible that only in the 151st anniversary year of ASCE's founding has a woman been selected to serve as president.

"I don't view my election as a milestone, but as a validation of how far we have come in accepting people for their abilities and skills."

New Committee to Study Texas Water Policy

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst recently announced the formation of the Senate Select Committee on Water Policy to study issues regarding Texas' management and policy concerning ground and surface water resources.

He also announced a Subcommittee on the Lease of State Water Rights to study proposals regarding the lease of permanent school funds and permanent university lands and their water rights for the intent of developing and marketing water.

Among the select committee's specific charges as they relate to the management and policy concerning ground and surface water are the role of federal, state, regional and local governments in setting consistent water policies; authority of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality over water contracts; and the role of the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

Also the role of groundwater conservation districts; the regional water planning process; the conjunctive use of both ground and surface water resources; the rule of capture; historic use standards; water infrastructure and financing; interbasin transfers; junior water rights; conservation; water quality standards; drought preparedness; and water marketing.

The select committee will also monitor the ongoing desalination projects by the Texas Water Development Board to determine how that process can provide a cost-effective water source for Texas cities.