Sustainability efforts have been focused on state correction agencies. While that may surprise some taxpayers, it seems to make perfect sense. It also is a trend that government contractors should note.

Prisons cost taxpayers billions of dollars a year and utilize a large percentage of a state's natural resources. Projects ranging from green building retrofits to programs that involve raising endangered species are becoming common.

Prisons have proven to be an ideal location for such efforts.

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Also addresses elimination of contracting fraud, encourages subcontracting

Sam Graves

Small business owners could get a bigger piece of the federal contracts pie after President Barack Obama recently signed a $633 billion defense spending bill. Tucked away in that bill is a provision aimed at helping the government meet its goal of assigning 23 percent of all federal contracts to small businesses.

Federal agencies have fallen woefully short of that goal for the last 11 years, prompting the new federal regulations. Government officials have gotten the attention of agency employees responsible for award of those contracts by pointing out that they will be held     more accountable for meeting the goal and in some cases could be subject to having bonuses withheld or promotions denied.

"Thriving small businesses are in the federal government's best interest. These enterprises can generate real economic growth with resulting federal revenue, and employ more taxpaying Americans," said U.S. Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri, who chairs the House Small Business Committee.

The new legislation not only seeks to ensure more federal contracts for small businesses, but it also seeks to eliminate contracting fraud when larger businesses win contracts that should have been awarded to small businesses, or when several small contracts are "bundled" into a larger contract that is awarded to a larger business that does not subcontract with smaller ones. The law also requires the Government Accountability Office to review what agencies are doing to prevent illegal bundling. The bill also includes rule changes that make it easier for small businesses to subcontract with larger firms.

Cuomo says 'Build Smart NY' program will save millions, create jobs

Andrew Cuomo

New York state agencies are subject to an Executive Order by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that mandates energy efficiency increases of 20 percent over the next seven years. Cuomo says the program, called "Build Smart NY," will save the state millions on energy costs while creating much-needed jobs for New Yorkers and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. .

"Improving energy efficiency in our buildings is a smart investment in our present and future," said Gov. Cuomo. The governor said his initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 8 million metric tons, or the equivalent of taking 1 million cars off the road for a year. "Most of the projects will pay for themselves as their energy savings will  cover their costs, making this initiative a financial and environmental win-win for New Yorkers."

Under the program, state energy data will be used to prioritize projects on which the state will get the most bang for its energy consumption reduction bucks. Under that scenario, the state's largest and most inefficient buildings will be addressed first and will undergo energy efficiency projects from top to bottom. The efficiencies may include new lighting fixtures and controls, upgrades to HVAC systems, electric motors and automated energy management systems.

The Build Smart NY program is part of the NY Works program that coordinates state funding not only to accelerate projects that will create jobs, but also to improve state infrastructure. Officials are hopeful NY Works projects will expedite priority projects that will have the maximum economic impact - saving money - and begin as soon as possible to also reduce project costs by hundreds of millions of dollars. The Build Smart NY program has similar goals - ensure energy savings improvements are part of all of the state's capital project planning.

The New York Power Authority has committee $450 million in low-cost financing to the project. Agencies are hopeful they will be able to repay the startup costs of energy efficiency programs through their projects' energy savings. The Authority also will help offset costs for improvements by offering financial incentives.

More time will be added to consider privatization of state's gaming enterprise

The deadline for bids for privatization management of the Pennsylvania lottery has been extended. A bid from a multinational company regarding the $3.5 billion per year lottery was to expire at midnight last Dec. 31, but will now expire Jan. 10.

The extension will provide time for a union counter proposal. Three companies bid on the lottery contract, but eventually two dropped out of consideration. The union has until Jan. 8 to submit a proposal. A union group has filed a suit to block privatization of the state lottery.

The Pennsylvania lottery is unique in that all of the proceeds benefit senior citizen programs that include low-cost prescription drugs, free rides on public transit and rebates on real estate taxes and rental fees. The multinational company has proposed $34 million and 20 years' worth of lottery profit growth. The company also will provide a $50 million fund to cover any shortfall in the company's projections.

Montana universities seeking millions for campus projects

Money for building projects is among the requests for funding that will be requested of the 2013 Montana State Legislature by the Montana University System. New construction projects are being sought in Missoula, Billings, Havre and Bozeman. Included among the projects, all of which have been approved by the Board of Regents, are $47 million for a new Missoula College and $15 million for an addition to the science and instructional tech building at Montana State University-Billings. Other projects for which funding is being sought are:

• $4.5 million for renovation of Main Hall at UM-Western for renovation of Main Hall;
•  $10 million for an addition to the natural resources research center at Montana Tech of UM;
• $20 million for renovations to Romney Hall and $25 million for Jabs Hall at Montana State University;
• $9.3 million for the Gilkey Executive Education Center at the University of Montana and $2.5 million for an athlete academic center; and
• $7.9 million for an automotive technology center for MSU-Northern.

New York State school district approves bond for technology

Bill Lynch

A New York State school district didn't get much voter turnout during its recent bond election, but it was enough to pass the issue. Voters in the Fulton Schools approved an $8.8 million plan that will allow for finishing upgrades to Fulton school buildings so that modern computers can be used. By a vote of 266-149, voters approved the district's borrowing fund to complete the work. The state will pay for approximately 95 percent of the work. The remainder of the costs will be paid from a reserve fund for construction projects in the district. "We appreciate the community's support of this and the prior projects as we upgrade our schools for our current and future students," said Fulton Superintendent of Schools Bill Lynch. The bond issue calls for completing upgrades to the computer network wiring at two facilities where upgrades were not completed as part of previous construction projects. Some of the bond proceeds will also be used for repair of portions of roofs at several buildings. School officials will spend this year getting ready for the project, which includes obtaining final state approvals and soliciting bids for contracts. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2014, with a completion date of summer 2015.

 

Tennessee school district purchases land for high school, K-8 school

With the purchase of about 95 acres of land in Nolensville, the Williamson County (Tennessee) Schools have moved closer to construction of a new high school and kindergarten through eighth-grade campus. The property was sold at a loss because the owner plans to develop a residential site that would be next to the school. The school now will face studies on the undeveloped land and because the land is rocky, construction costs could be higher than normal. The school also will be looking into utility and roadway easements and surveys. To pay for the land, the county commission pledged $1 million and another $2.5 million came from funds left over from previous construction projects and another half million will come from the school district's general fund. Officials are planning a high school with a price tag of approximately $40 million. Construction could start in January 2014 and be completed by fall 2015. The K-8 building completion date is projected to be fall 2016.

 

Ohio schools hopeful for funding for renovation projects

Jeff Patterson

After waiting nearly five years, officials of the Lakewood City Schools in Ohio are hopeful that the $46 million they sought from the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission is finally closer to their bank. The money is to be used to complete renovation projects on three schools in the district. The district sought the funding in 2007. "We thought we'd get into Phase III within just a few years," said Superintendent Jeff Patterson. "And now, we are close to five years." But, recently the district received a letter from the state agency, saying the latest the district would be approved for the funding is 2014. So, school officials are hoping that date may get moved up. The first two phases of the project, which have been completed and are debt free, included rebuilding or renovation of the Harrison, Hayes, Harding, Garfield, Horace Mann and Emerson schools and the western half of Lakewood High School. The final phase for which the funding is being sought would provide for either renovation or rebuilding of the Roosevelt and Lincoln elementary schools along with the Lakewood High project.

 

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Indiana officials looking to P3 arrangement to complete I-69 extension

Michael Cline

A public-private partnership (P3) could be the solution for the state of Indiana for finishing the 142-mile Interstate 69 extension. Gov.-elect Mike Pence, who will be sworn in Jan. 14, is putting that project as a priority for his administration. Pence has said that a P3 is one option for finishing the highway. The first nearly 70 miles of the Interstate extension was opened last November and the segment from Crane to Bloomington is slated for opening by the end of 2014. That would mean nearly 95 miles of the roadway was completed. The state planned on using some of the money it received for leasing the Indiana Toll Road to help pay for the expansion, and some of that $3.8 billion has already been spent or allocated. Once that tollway money is spent, the state will have to come up with other funding for the I-69 project. The Indiana Department of Transportation has asked contractors to propose ways they might play a role in seeing the extension to completion. That request for information includes contractors detailing how they would handle the design, construction and maintenance of the interstate. IDOT Commissioner Michael B. Cline said the private sector has creative people and that awarding the project in one contract instead of several would save money. "What we're trying to do is, as quickly as we can for the people in and around Bloomington, get section five completed," Cline said.

 

West Virginia P3 ensures expansion of broadband to schools, other projects

A public-private partnership campaign called "Reconnecting McDowell" is a year old and McDowell County (West Virginia) schools are reaping the benefits. The school system entered into a P3 with a private sector communications firm that resulted in the wiring of every county school with fiber optics. Another communications company has entered as a partner and is now working to wire 10,000 homes for Internet access. As a result of the campaign, which was aimed at improving educational opportunities for students in the schools while addressing problems resulting from the fragile economy, poverty and other social issues, more than 100 partners are participants and the scope has expanded to include addressing jobs, social and health services, housing, technology and transportation. Facing transportation problems and housing shortages, schools were having problems recruiting and retaining teachers. The partnership chose to remodel a five-story building in the town into housing for teachers, with amenities incorporated to retain teachers, including TV lounges, exercise areas, work areas and a restaurant.

 

Public-private partnership results in successful fiber optic project in Colorado 

Tony DeVito

Some residents in Central Eastern Colorado now have cell phone service and radio coverage that was previously not available, thanks to a public-private partnership used on a fiber optic project. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) partnered with a wireless infrastructure provider to install fiber and a Distributed Antenna System that not only facilitated cell phone and radio coverage, but also will allow CDOT to provide other services through the Clear Creek Canyon. Among those services are the use of electronic signs for real-time information regarding highway conditions Also available now are closed circuit cameras that allow real-time monitoring of traffic conditions to be relayed to travelers and Web sites and travel information locations. Digital radio services was made possible for two-way radio service for emergency responses as well as a road and weather information gathering system to help CDOT monitor road surface information, particularly during inclement weather. CDOT will own the fiber and will have power provided for the equipment while sharing poles along the route. In return, the private partner is allowed to use CDOT right-of-way for its own shared fiber optic line. The private firm will maintain the fiber line for 20 years, including repairs and response to outages. CDOT Regional Transportation Director Tony DeVito said the arrangement not only will save the state having to invest about $7 million if it tackled the project on its own, but will also provide cell phone coverage that enhances safety in that area for residents as well as emergency service providers.

 

P3 to develop Interstate expansion between Texas cities of Dallas, Denton

A developer has been chosen to help expand Interstate 35 between Dallas and Denton. Now that financing for the project has been gained, the $1 billion project is expected to get under way about midway through this year. Construction is expected to take about three and one-half years, looking for a completion date of 2016. The construction company, AGL, chosen for the project will add a free lane in each direction, reversible toll lanes and improved frontage roads. The team chosen for the project includes a contracting company and two construction companies, from Atlanta, California and Connecticut. AGL will design and build the 28-mile project at a cost of $849 million and could also be responsible for maintenance during the first 15 years of the deal, at a cost of about $29 million. Denton County will contribute about $600 million from its share of the region's toll revenue. "We are excited to see momentum on I-35E and hope to provide Texas drivers with some much-needed traffic congestion relief sooner than later," said Texas Transportation Commissioner Bill Meadows. State officials are hoping to speed up the process if landowners along the route will be willing to offer up some of their land for right-of-way.

 

Illiniois

• City Colleges of Chicago is seeking to pre-qualify firms to provide architectural and engineering services including, but not limited to, the development and completion of design development documents, contract documents, contract administration and the project closeout for the New Malcolm X College Campus.
• The Chicago Housing Authority is seeking bids for supplying natural gas to the authority.

Florida

• The Florida Department of Corrections is seeking bids for operation of work release centers in the Department of Corrections-owned facilities. The Department's intent is to enter into multiple Contracts for the operation of selected Department Work Release Centers for inmates in need of transitional services with a heavy emphasis on employment and re-entry into society. Services include, but are not limited to, security, supervision, meals, employment and program services including substance abuse and other transitional services, for inmates who meet the criteria for participation in community work release programs.
• The Florida Department of Education has issued a Request for Information for rehabilitation engineering services. Rehabilitation services include a range of assistive technology services, rehabilitation engineering and assistive devices, which can address the barriers confronted by individuals with disabilities in the areas of education, rehabilitation, employment, transportation and independent living. It includes services which impact the work environment through changes such as job redesign or worksite modifications.

Wisconsin

• The Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development is seeking bids for an auditorium lighting renovation of the Historical Society in Madison. The work includes upgrading of the existing lighting, lighting control and dimmer systems in the auditorium room of the Wisconsin Historical Society in order to better accommodate current room functions, which include interactive meetings, classroom type instruction and general presentation. The project also includes removal and replacement of the existing finish flooring in the room with sheet carpeting, removal and replacement of the existing concealed-spline ceilings with lay-in panel ceilings and removal, storage and re-installation of the existing seating.
• The Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development is seeking bids for air handling unit replacement at the Arts and Communications Building at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The work includes replacement of 10 air handling units with nine air handling units. The project also includes ductwork, piping and control system revisions to support the air handling unit replacement and rebalancing of the air distribution systems.

South Carolina

• The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is seeking bids for improvements at the Andrew Jackson State Park campgrounds. The project includes the installation of 50 amp electrical service along with replacing the existing waster system for an existing 25-site campground.
• Clemson University is seeking bids for a five-year, annually renewable contract to provide routine boiler maintenance and inspection services for on- and off-campus hot water and steam generation systems, including emergency, breakdown and consulting services.

Nevada

• The Nevada Department of Corrections is seeking bids for private storage of inmate files. The state seeks a cataloged, manageable inventory, as well as migration of all files to a single secure, clean and protected off-site storage space.
• The State of Nebraska Buildings and Grounds section is requesting proposals for the preventative maintenance, service and repair on the HVAC systems located at Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas. The contractor must adhere to maintenance practices that will ensure maximum performance and economical operation of the equipment.

Metro Transit Police Chief Michael A. Taborn (top left), who has been with the agency for 31 years, serving as chief since 2008, has announced he is retiring. Margaret Mosqueda (top center), who has worked at Delta College in Frankenlust Township, Michigan, since 1986, most recently serving as dean of student and education services, equity officer and interim vice president, has been named the college's new vice president of student and educational services. Don Penman (top right), former city manager in Arcadia, California, has been chosen to serve as interim city administrator in San Fernando, replacing City Administrator Al Hernandez, who was placed on administrative leave last month. Jay Evans, city manager of Leesburg, Florida, since 2007, will now become the assistant city manager of Brentwood, replacing Assistant City Manager Kirk Bednar, who will become city manager when Mike Walker retires this month. Ronald Teachman, a 34-year veteran of the New Bedford, Massachusetts, Police Department and the department's chief for five years, has been selected as the next police chief of South Bend, Indiana. Demetrious Shaffer, who began his firefighter career in Mount View and later became chief of the Newart department, has been appointed permanent Alameda County fire chief, replacing former Chief Sheldon Gilbert, who resigned. Palos Verdes Estates, California, City Manager Judy Smith (middle right) has resigned her post, effective Feb. 22, after also having served the city as assistant city manager, city clerk and finance director. Celia A. Brewer (middle center), who has 20 years of experience in public law, has been selected as the city of Carlsbad, California's new city attorney, after having served as the interim port attorney and assistant port attorney for the San Diego Unified Port District. The city of Columbia, South Carolina, has appointed Ruben Santiago (middle left), former deputy chief of the Columbia Police Department, as its interim chief, replacing Chief Randy Scott, who retired. Scott R. Rocco, an assistant superintendent for Hillsborough (New Jersey) Public Schools, will become the new superintendent of the Spotswood school system, replacing interim superintendent Anthony Vaz. The founding executive director of the Housing Partnership for Morris County, New Jersey, Susan Zellman, who has served in that capacity since 1992, has announced her retirement, effective in March. Jeanne Barker, currently associate director of the Lebanon (Tennessee) Special School District, has been chosen by the Lenoir City school board as the new director of schools, replacing Wayne Miller, who is stepping down. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson (bottom left), has announced she will step down after President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, fueling speculation that she may run for New Jersey governor. Wade Wagoner (bottom center), a Parkersburg native whose college education centered on city planning, has been chosen as the next city administrator for Lake Park City, Iowa, replacing George McGuire, who has stepped down. Dr. M. David Rudd (bottom right), dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Science at the University of Utah, has been named provost of the University of Memphis, effective in late March, when he will replace Dr. Ralph Faudree, who stepped down last August. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has added Chad Poppell, a veteran of a decade of experience in government administration, as the agency's new chief of staff and Monica Russell, who was most recently a partner with the Tallahassee-based consulting firm and has more than seven years of experience in both the public and private sectors, as the agency's new chief communications officer. Matthew Brann, who has worked for more than two decades as a private practice attorney, was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate after being nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S Middle District Judge in Pennsylvania.