Contractors Roundup: What the Contractors Council Can Do for You—Jonathan Fernald

CONTRACTORS ROUNDUP What the Contractors Council Can Do for You

Jonathan Fernald

By all accounts, 2022 is looking to be a busy and exciting time for the water/ wastewater industry. We have seen booms, busts, a pandemic, droughts, and hurricanes, but one thing remains constant: the taps still flow and the toilets still flush.

This industry is filled with dynamic and dedicated professionals who plan, design, monitor, build, and operate this vital (and often overlooked) infrastructure. It’s a critical system, with all members pulling their respective weight and providing value to our fellow citizens, including owners, engineers, operators, suppliers, and contractors.

Here to Serve

The Florida Section AWWA (FSAWWA) Contractors Council looks to be of service to our amazing industry and do our part to improve our state. Our mission statement can be summarized simply: we look to be a resource to the industry.

To this end, this article outlines how we have served thus far. As you read, I ask you consider your needs and please reach out to the council. Remember—no idea is a bad idea.

Members and Activities

The council is made up of active FSAWWA members. Each member is a licensed Florida general contractor who obtains at least 30 percent work volume through the competitive bid process as a contractor or self-performs at least 40 percent of field craft worker hours with our own forces in the water/wastewater work that we build. We are active in this industry, and we value hard work.

The current council consists of the following company members (in alphabetical order): S Archer Western S Garney S Kiewit S PCL S Petticoat-Schmitt S Vogel S Wharton Smith

Since the council’s inception in 2008 we have provided feedback that evolved to serve in six key areas, which include: S Florida Water Resources Journal articles S Florida Water Resources Conference workshops S FSAWWA Fall Conference workshops S Regional FSAWWA workshops S Regional FSAWWA training events S FSAWWA Fall Conference BBQ

Florida Water Resources Journal Articles

Do you have a topic that needs a contractor’s point of view? Articles in the Journal are a great way to stay current on industry trends and events. The council targets an article every two months and we are open to input from the industry on topics that need to be addressed. For example, in the past we have covered items such as: S How to maximize value with bid forms S Sales tax recovery and process S Contractor prequalification S The construction labor market S Startup lessons learned

Conference Workshops

Are you looking for an interactive workshop to discuss the challenges we face as an industry and need input from a range of stakeholder experts? I recommend you attend the council workshops at both the Florida Water Resources Conference and the FSAWWA Fall Conference. These workshops are similar in goal to the articles; however, they go much further in depth and discussion.

The council has covered a range of topics and we are always looking for input from our owners, suppliers, operators, and engineers.

In the past we have covered topics such as: S Understanding different project delivery methods S The bid day process and how to get a better deal as an owner S Job order contracting and continuing services S Mitigating project risks

At the 2022 Florida Water Resources Conference, the council will be hosting a

FSAWWA Contractors Council Chemical Pump Training Recent FSAWWA Contractors Council Conference Workshop

facilitated workshop discussion on what considerations should be evaluated when looking at different project delivery methods. Our panel of experts includes an owner, engineer, and contractor so that we can work through how each party addresses delivery risks and attendees can understand the best practices for administering a project based on which delivery method is utilized (hard bid, progressive design-build, construction management at risk [CMAR], or design-build).

As a teaser—did you know that contractors invest approximately $3,500 per $1 million of project value pursuing work? Incorporating an efficient prequal, proposal, or bid process into your project delivery method will help reduce the overall price of a project.

I invite all reading this to join us for this exciting and informative workshop!

Regional Workshops and Training Events

Are you looking for a “lunch and learn” session, training, or specific workshop within your region? Tapping the council to organize and facilitate a workshop in you region is a great way to address your specific issues. In the past we have teamed with local FSAWWA regions or other organizations to combine efforts and gain synergy on industry needs. Examples of previous events and planned further events include: S Teaming with the Operators and

Maintenance Council to host training on chemical pumps S Collaborating with FSAWWA Region III on a start-up risks workshop S Regional workshops on how to create a safety program S Regional workshops on project delivery methods and how to maximize value

FSAWWA Fall Conference BBQ

A highlight of opening night at the yearly FSAWWA Fall Conference, the council recently took over organizing and running the conference barbecue. I think I can speak for all who have attended that this is truly a unique and fun event for our industry. With the growth in the state, we expect that this year’s barbecue will top all the previous ones, so we invite all to join us in November to celebrate.

If you are interested in participating as a team or want to sign up as a sponsor for the event, please reach out to me at jefernald@pcl. com for more information.

A Resource for the Industry

In summary I hope that this article has outlined ways that the Contractors Council has been of service to the industry in the past, and more importantly, how we can continue to provide value in 2022—and beyond!

The council hopes to be a resource to the industry. Should you have questions regarding anything I’ve mentioned or feel you could benefit from a builder’s perspective, please feel free to engage the council members for our expertise and advice.

The FSAWWA Contractors Council is looking forward to a successful 2022, so stay tuned for upcoming workshops and articles!

Jonathan Fernald, ENV SP, is manager of preconstruction services with PCL Construction Inc. in Tampa and chair of the Contractors Council. S

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