Public officials throughout the country are increasingly making commitments to build sustainable buildings with clean energy and reduced carbon emissions. When that happens, there is a lower operational cost to taxpayers and a healthier environment for people who work in the buildings. The trend is commendable and the public at large seems happy with the results.

Green building design promotes the use of natural resources without waste, reducing pollution and environmental degradation and protecting occupant health. A recent study focused on the environmental efficiency of this particular type of construction and ranked all states based on their commitment to eco-friendly construction. 

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Working from home becoming more popular, but trend still facing challenges

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer rocked the telecommuting world recently by banning telecommuting by employees of the company. While it may not be suitable for the private sector, a recent survey by CPS HR Consulting indicates telecommuting in the public sector has mostly been a success. The survey reveals that not only does being allowed to telework increase employee satisfaction, but it also increases employee productivity. And because teleworking is popular among employees, some agencies are able to leverage the use of teleworking to both ensure employee retention and lower their overhead costs.

The survey drew responses from 33 states and 53 percent of those responding said their agency engages in telework. And of the 47 percent whose agencies did not, 11 percent of them said their agencies were considering a telework program. State and federal agencies tended to allow teleworking more than local government entities.

Among both the agencies that allow and those that don't allow teleworking, among the main reason cited for implementing a telework program were to increase employee satisfaction, accommodate special needs of employees and to adapt to changes in workforce expectations.

Some of the revelations revealed by the survey include:

• Teleworking benefits both the agency and the employee. The employee is more productive and agency morale increases.
• Agency heads who do not allow teleworking understand the advantages and challenges, but are concerned with possible abuse of privileges, in spite of the fact that agencies that have telework programs say this is not a primary issue.
• The appropriateness of teleworking depends on the position and its responsibilities. Smaller agencies say direct management is a key factor in allowing teleworking while larger agencies say an employee's prior performance is more important.
• Most agencies that allow telework have written policies, but admit they have trouble developing criteria for approvals. They also say staff perception can be challenging.
• Teleworking often results in increased employee satisfaction and productivity while accommodating for employees' special needs.  

Some of the concerns addressed about teleworking were abuse of privilege, impact on communication, access to research, morale of non-participating staff and impact on collaboration. On the other hand, some of the advantages of telework were listed as increasing employee satisfaction, reducing absenteeism, reduce office footprint (hoteling, shared work spaces, fewer work spaces), reduced carbon footprint, increased employee productivity, reduced turnover and reduced "brain drain" from retiring staff.

In reporting findings, the survey noted, "The most profound takeaway from the study is that allowing employees to telework not only increases their satisfaction, but also increases their productivity. In addition, agencies can leverage telework practices to increase retention and benefit from lower overhead costs. The workforce is changing and workplaces are adapting to employees' needs to the benefit of the agency and staff." However, one respondent pointed out that one major obstacle to overcome before an agency allows teleworking is "trying to convince managers and supervisors that just because you don't see an employee when they are teleworking doesn't mean that they are not working."

Proceeds would benefit higher education, transportation infrastructure in state

Rep. Chris Kelly

Support for higher education construction and improvements and transportation infrastructure projects in Missouri could come from a constitutional amendment. The Missouri State Legislature is currently discussing legislation that proposes a constitutional amendment that would authorize the General Assembly to issue bonds for those types of projects.

The bill, still in a House committee, would include a bond package of up to $1.2 billion that would include funding for college campuses, state parks, the State Capitol and rural water projects. K-12 schools would also benefit, as would economic development projects. The legislation could also include some kind of cost-sharing proposal at the local level. Rep. Chris Kelly, who chairs the committee hearing the bill, cited the "huge backlog of repair and maintenance needs" that necessitates the bonding.

Kelly told those attending a recent committee hearing on the bill that to fund the priority needs of the state's higher education institutions would cost several hundred million dollars. He also noted the State Capitol is in a state of disrepair and needs immediate attention. The Capitol is facing electrical problems, mold issues and overcrowding.

Among the most important needs, according to Kelly, is the Fulton State Hospital, noting the Department of Mental Health estimates a new facility would cost more than $210 million. Some of the bond proceeds would also be used to establish a revolving fund or low-interest loan program for the state's school districts. If the proposed amendment makes it out of the legislature, the public would likely vote on the issue later this year.

Governor Pat Quinn orders downsizing of government to increase efficiency

Gov. Pat Quinn

Seventy-five state boards and commissions in Illinois have been either consolidated or eliminated. Gov. Pat Quinn has ordered the downsizing of government. Some are commissions whose work has been completed, such as the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, others are ones that are no longer necessary.

"While there are many essential boards and commissions that perform important duties for our taxpayers, there are also many which are no longer needed," Quinn said. "This executive order is another step forward to increase efficiency in state government."

Among the targeted entities are the Air Service Commission and the Illinois Local and Organic Food and Farm Task Force, a task force that studied racial profiling and the Chronic Disease Nutrition and Outcomes Advisory Commission. Some of these commissions have not met in several years.

Despite the elimination and consolidation of some state commissions and boards, Quinn still has authority over 317 boards and commissions.

Louisiana school district approves additional security measures

Louisiana's Jefferson Parish School Board has approved spending $1.6 million for construction to ensure a single point of entry in all schools in the district by the fall. This additional security measure comes on the heels of the district appropriating $6 million last month to install security cameras in all schools by 2015. The initiative would ensure all schools have interior and exterior security cameras, fences and a single entrance for visitors. Contractors will be hired through a state contract instead of the district putting out its own RFP. Locks will also be installed on classroom doors and buzzer systems in schools. Funding for the projects will come from the school district's rainy day fund.

Burbank officials approve $110 million school bond issue

Voters in Burbank, California, have approved a $110 million school bond issue that will lead to upgrades to new roof projects, asphalt and plumbing, technology upgrades and energy saving projects. "This is about our future. Our schools are that important," said former Burbank Mayor Marsha Ramos, who spearheaded the passage of the election. The bond issue is the first successful one since a $110 million measure in 1997 that updated school facilities. Those funds were used up by 2005. 

Yonkers studying public-private partnerships to rebuild schools

Mike Spano

Contracting opportunities to be plentiful from more than $4.67 billion in projects

Much new construction will be on tap from Texas bond elections in May that total $4.67 billion

Contracting opportunities in Texas for both large and small private sector firms will be plentiful following the largest May bond election in Texas since 2008 is held on May 11. The referendums are being held by cities, community colleges, hospital districts and school districts. The total dollar amount of the projects to be decided is more than $4.67 billion.

Seventy-five entities will hold bond elections, the largest number among school districts. The bond proceeds in these elections will be for everything from safety and security projects to technology upgrades, new construction, roof repairs, HVAC projects and renovations. A suburban area community college is hoping to pass a nearly half-billion-dollar bond election that would result in new facilities on most of its campuses.

Millions of dollars in city elections also will be at stake, with projects to include new fire stations, water and wastewater plants, libraries, public parks, streets and sidewalks and recreation centers. New buildings, renovations, safety and security projects, technology upgrades and parking projects are on tap in three community college bond votes. They include new facilities and additions and purchase of new furniture and fixtures.

All of the bond issues that pass will result in a multitude of contracting opportunities for all size vendors. To learn more about these bond issues, where they are being held, the dollar amount for each bond proposal and the projects in each bond vote, Strategic Partnerships, Inc. has available its Texas Bond Package. The bond package is available now and purchasers will also receive an election results document after the elections are held. It will include a listing of each entity whose bond issue passed, along with project information, details and data related to initiatives in each bond package.

Sports stadium funding awarded to two Massachusetts communities

Two Massachusetts communities that have been designated at Gateway Cities have qualified for funding that will either rebuild or expand their high school sports stadiums. Methuen and Revere together will share $3.2 million in matching grant funds from the Gateway Cities park program. The program, begun in 2010, was aimed at boosting the economy in the state's urban areas. Gateway Cities are eligible for state funds for education, housing, recreation, transportation and other public services. Methuen will get $500,000 to build a new 4,000-square-foot clubhouse, with new locker rooms and a concession stand, to replace a facility built in 1938. Revere was awarded $2.7 million toward a $5.5 million rebuild of the Harry Della Russo Stadium, including a new turf athletic field and running track. The clubhouse is the first of a three-phase project to improve the stadium. Eventually, a turf field and new bleachers on the visitors' side will be built.  

 

Construction projects on horizon for Sioux City school district

Paul Gausman

Several construction projects will be going out for bids in the near future for the Sioux City school district. A public hearing was to be held this week to discuss bid solicitation of an approximately $17.6 million project to construct a new Washington Elementary School. That project is expected to begin May 15. Superintendent Paul Gausman said both students and teachers have told him they are excited to have air conditioning in the new buildings. The district is also making plans for the $19.75 million demolition of the Hoover Middle School to build a new elementary. The first round of bidding is expected to start this spring. Future plans for the district include the construction of a new 650-student elementary school at Hoover that would support students from Lincoln, Crescent Park and Clark elementaries. A new Hunt school at the current Boys and Girls Home is also in the future, but will depend on whether the property sought for building the facility will be available.

 

Idaho city to hold May vote to approve funds for wastewater treatment plant

The Twin Falls, Idaho, City Council this week approved a $38 million May ordinance vote that could result in improvements and expansion of the city's wastewater treatment facility. A recently appointed bond committee recommended that the Council approve a 20-year, $38 million revenue bond. Members of the committee noted that there will be a cost for the bond, but it will result in the community being able to build new schools, attract industry and grow the community.

 

Atlanta issues RFP for administrator for its two contribution plans

The City of Atlanta, Georgia, has issued an RFP for a qualified firm to provide administration, record keeping, education, enrollment, communication, investment and applicable compliance plans for its two defined contribution plans. The city currently has administrators for its $65 million 401(a) plan and a $136 million 457 plan. The city will issue a three-year contract with two optional one-year renewals. Proposals are due March 27.

 

Massachusetts community could approve feasibility study for school 

Scott Galvin

Woburn, Massachusetts, Mayor Scott Galvin will soon submit an appropriations request to the City Council to fund an $875,000 feasibility study. The study will examine options for construction of a new Hurld-Wyman School on one of three sites. The feasibility study is required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, which could possibly reimburse the city for part of the project. The Authority also may ask the city to look at the possibility of renovating one of the two schools. The Hurld School is said to be the most in need of repairs. But, the School Committee is behind a proposal to merge the Hurld and Wyman Schools into one building. If the project is approved, the state would pay approximately half of the costs of the project. Galvin said that the $875,000 figure came about when city officials discussed the proposal with the Authority. "It's all subject to the bidding process," said Galvin. He said the study could even come in below that amount, but he does not expect it will come in higher than that. When questions were raised about how the building committee was chosen, Galvin said the Authority determines the makeup of the committee.

 

Hawaii Tourism Authority issues RFI for managing convention center

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has issued a request for information instead of a request for proposals from qualified firms for managing and marketing the Hawaii Convention Center. Officials say the determination to issue an RFI first is hoped to attract more competitive bids. The current contract ends at the end of the year. The new contractor will be responsible for managing and marketing the convention center for meetings, conventions and incentives. This is the second RFI issued for a convention center manager, the first issued last year. Officials are still planning to issue an RFP by the end of March. Responses to the request for information are due by March 22.

 

Free listings offered for RFPs to public sector entities, nonprofits

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Winning P3 team for Florida I-4 makeover should be chosen by end of year

Eight teams have shown interest in bidding on Florida's $2.1 billion public-private partnership that will make over 21 miles of Interstate 4. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad said the project is attracting a "who's who" of teams. Officials with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) report that the state will be responsible for about half of the costs. The winning bidder will cover the remainder of the costs and will maintain and operate the roadway for 35 years as part of the partnership. FDOG is hopeful to select the winning bidding team before the end of this year and begin work on the project in 2015.

Public-private partnership bill passes Florida House committee

Greg Steube

A public-private partnership bill aimed at giving the state another financing option has passed out of a Florida House committee. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Steube, the bill is designed to give local governments and institutions of higher education another option for financing infrastructure improvements they otherwise might not be able to afford.

 

Although there has been some opposition to the bill from groups saying it will lead to privatization and give private entities too much control over public institutions, Steube says the public entity would still own the infrastructure even if a private partner was responsible for the design, construction, financing and operation and maintenance of the facility. Steube also says they would work out profit-sharing plans with private investors.

 

"So the public is being able to benefit from the public-private partnership, the entity is able to benefit from the public-private partnership, and the private company that's been able to build this project is being able to hire workers, create jobs and do the project, so my feel on this is that everybody wins," he said.

  

Chicago airport committee seeking consultants for P3 project

Legal and financial advisors are being sought as a committee studies options for forming a public-private partnership to attract investments to Gary/Chicago International Airport. Some backers say this kind of consulting assistant is key to the committee's work. Originally seeking such guidance on a contingency basis, officials now are expecting they may have to pay for that consulting, especially legal representation. Getting the airport authority to contribute to those costs is not likely, especially since the authority recently announced it is operating at a $300,000 a year operations deficit.

 

Kansas

• The city of Wichita, Kansas, Park and Recreation Department/Recreation Division is seeking bids for stream bank and channel improvements for Pawnee Prairie Park Pedestrian Brige protection.
• The Kansas Department of Facilities Management is seeking bids for window replacement at the Saline Headquarters Annex of the Kansas Department of Transportation in Salinas, Kansas. 

Illinois

• The State of Illinois is seeking bids for renovations of the Illinois Supreme Court Building at Second and Capitol Avenue in Springfield in Sangamon County.
• The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign County, is seeking bids for campus pavement reconstruction on Sixth Street and Stadium Drive.
• The city of Chicago is seeking bids for the renovation of Unit J-East at the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center in Cook County for forensic use.

Wisconsin

• The University of Wisconsin, River Falls Campus, is seeking bids for a solar photovoltaic system for the Regional Development Institute (RDI).
• The State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration, Division of Facilities Development is seeking bids for the shingle roof replacement of the swine barn at the State Fair Park at West Allis, Wisconsin. 

New Jersey

• The New Jersey Division of Purchase and Property is seeking bids for courier delivery service for the Judiciary and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
• The New Jersey Procurement Bureau, Division of Purchase and Property on behalf of the New Jersey State Police is seeking proposals for a Mobile Emergency Operations Center vehicle. 

Delaware

• The Data Service Center is seeking bids for an access control system and video intercom installation and accessories for the Indian River School District.
• The Department of Corrections is seeking bids for SOG renovations at the Department of Corrections Administration Building that consist of, but is not limited to: storage area renovations, installation and replacement of overhead roll-up doors, construction of a wood framed mezzanine and stairs, ammunition vault construction, installation of precast concrete stairs and a precast concrete loading dock ramp system.

Interim Superintendent Thomas Ahart (top left) has been named permanent superintendent of Des Moines' largest school district, replacing former Superintendent Nancy Sebring, who quit to become superintendent of schools in Omaha, Nebraska. President Barack Obama has nominated Sylvia Mathews Burwell (top center), the president of the Wal-Mart Foundation and who served in a variety of economic policy roles in the Clinton administration, as his budget chief. Maj. Gen. Michelle Johnson (top right), the first woman to serve as an Air Force Academy cadet wing commander, has been picked to become the institution's first female superintendent. Robert Miller, superintendent of the Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School District, has been chosen permanent superintendent of the Herkimer, New York, Central School District. Dyersburg, Tennessee, Police Chief Art Heun has chosen Capt. Steve Isbell as the new assistant chief of police and to be the executive officer over the police department. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed Chris Tomlinson to head the State Road and Tollway Authority, replacing Gena Evans,who headed the agency during the period of the introduction of Georgia's HOT lanes and was head of the state DOT. Mike Weinstein (middle right), who previously served in the Florida House, has announced he will resign from his job as assistant state attorney on March 15. Assistant Police Chief Will Johnson (middle center) has been named chief of the Arlington, Texas, Police Department after joining the department in 1997 and moving up the ranks, serving as deputy chief and then assistant chief. Clark County, Nevada, Schools Superintendent Dwight Jones (middle left) has announced that he is stepping down from the nation's fifth-largest school district because of a family illness. Former Hopewell Township, New Jersey, Mayor and Cumberland County Utilities Authority Chairperson Nancy Sungenis announced that she will be retiring after more than 50 years of public service to Cumberland County. Rod Otterness, current city administrator for a town in northern Minnesota, has been chosen as the new city manager of Union Gap, Washington. Steven R. Wheeler, a 32-year law enforcement veteran who began his career as a patrol officer in Luzerne County in 1981, has been named police chief in Middletown, Pennsylvania. President Obama has nominated Gina McCarthy (bottom left), assistant administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation, as administrator of the EPA, to replace Lisa Jackson, who resigned in February. Thomas E. Perez (bottom center), former head of Maryland's Labor Department and an assistant U.S. attorney general for civil rights, has been chosen by President Obama to replace Hilda Solis as head of the U.S. Department of Labor. Joy Kerkhoff (bottom center), who most recently served as acting director, has been appointed director of Purchasing for the city of Savannah, Georgia, bringing almost 35 years of purchasing experience to her job. Gary Brown, who has served nearly 10 years as city manager of Imperial Beach, California, has announced that he will retire in June. El Paso City Manager Joyce Wilson has named Samuel Pena, who has 17 years of service with the El Paso Fire Department, as the city's next fire chief. Brookhaven, Georgia, City Council has appointed Interim City Manager Marie Garrett as city manager and Interim City Attorney Bill Riley will become the city's part-time solicitor.