|
Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) Legislation Introduced
|
|
A bi-partisan package of bills (House Bills 5238-5244 & HB 52
54) has been introduced to improve the selection process when procuring d
esign professional services. Under the bills, local government agencies in Michigan will be required to use qualifications and competence as the primary factors in selecting professional engineering, architectural and surveying firms versus selecting soley on low bid.
Michigan is one of only 5 states that have failed to pass legislation requiring Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) at the state and local level. The Federal government has required a QBS process since the passage of the
Brooks Act in 1972. ACEC, AIA, APWA, MSPE and MSPS are all supporting the legislation.
The bills have been referred to the House Committee on Local Government.
|
|
ACEC Engin
eering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala -
February 27, 2016 at FireKeepers Casino
|
Join us
for the 20
16 Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala on Saturday, February 27, at FireKeepers Casino
in Battle Creek. The Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala, an ACEC/Michigan hallmark celebrating its 51st year, is our chance to honor
member firms for design achievements of superior skill and ingenuity. We will recognize outstanding project
s, h
onor industry leaders, and present scholarships to the next generation of engineering talent. During this special event, ACEC members and their guests will see firsthand the impact engineering and surveying has on our everyday lives.
This year's venue, the FireKeepers Casino, is centrally located and is a fun yet sophisticated place to showcase this event. You are encouraged to invite clients and team members to this special evening as we celebrate Engineers Week and honor our own.
|
|
AESLC Legislative Day Planned
March 16, 2016 in Lansing
|
Design Professionals (engineers, surveyors and architects) will be holding their annual "Lobby Day" on March 16 in Lansing. ACEC, AIA, MSPE and MSPS are collaborating to bring their members to Lansing to meet with legislators and educate them on issues that are important to the professions.
Past Lobby Days have been extremely successful by helping legislators understand the importance of properly funding infrastructure improvements and creating a business friendly environment in Michigan for practicing engineering, architects and surveyors. This year, we will have legislation introduced that will require a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process for state and local government when procuring design professional services. We are one of only 5 states that have failed to pass legislation at the state level requiring qualifications and competence to be the preferred criteria for selection versus low bid. Certificate of Merit and improvements to the Lien Law will also be topics of discussion.
Please plan to attend and bring a few others as we want to demonstrate the strength of our industry in Michigan. Education sessions will also be offered throughout the day for those needing continuing education credits. Legislators will listen to their constituents, so it is important that you meet with your Representative and Senator and make your voice heard.
|
|
ACEC Awards Scholarships
$12,000 Awarded to 5 Students
|
|
Each year, the ACEC/Michigan Scholarship Committee awards scholarships in order to
promote the profession and to provide financial support to students pursuing careers in engineering and surveying.
The s
cholarships are awarded to deserving college students who have completed their freshman year and are enrolled in an ABET accredited engineering or surveying program. They are evaluated in the following areas: work experience, extra-curricular and community activities, references, grade point average, and a written essay. Applicants must also have worked for a private engineering, architectural or surveying firm in the past 24 months.
This year 19 scholarship applications were received. Out of those applicants, 5 students were chosen to receive scholarships in varying amounts.
Congratulations to the 2016 ACEC Scholarship winners:
- Lauren Grimley, Calvin College
- Aryn Cowley, Ferris State University
- Daniel Stockard, Michigan Technological University
- Heidi Anderson, Michigan Technological University
- Kyle Thompson, Michigan State University
These recipients will be honored during the Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala on February 27, 2016.
|
ASCE Scholarship Application & Awards Nomination forms
The Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers will again be awarding
two scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year.
The Mackinac Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 is awarded to a Civil Engineering student entering their junior year ($5,000 for 2 years). The Zuidema Scholarship, in the amount of $1,500, is awarded to a junior or senior student member of ASCE.
Click
here
for more detailed info and the application form. The deadline to submit is Memorial Day.
ASCE MI also presents
project and individual awards. Project awards presented include Historic Engineering Landmark, Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement, and Quality of Life. Individual awards consist of Franklin D. Meyers Civil Engineer of the Year and Young Civil Engineer of the Year. All award submittals are due by April 1st, 2016, and will be presented during the Michigan Infrastructure Conference on May 13. Updated submission forms will be available on the ASCE MI Section
website soon.
|
Clean Water Infrastructure Funding Opportunities
The DEQ will soon accept applications from communities interested in low-interest loans to help address aging infrastructure.
Michigan's State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) every year provide communities with low-interest loans for the planning, design and construction of wastewater, nonpoint source pollution control and drinking water system projects. Interest rates range between 2 to 3 percent.
The first step for communities interested in applying is to submit a project plan by May for drinking water projects or by July for wastewater and nonpoint source projects. For further information on the loan programs, visit the Revolving Loan website at www.michigan.gov/cleanwaterrevolvingfund or call 517-284-5433 to talk with a revolving loan project manager.
|
|
ACEC Welcomes New Member
|
ASCE Michigan Section Centennial Celebration
Save The Date!
|
|
The ASCE Michigan Section invites you to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its inception. This milestone will be marked by a gala reception and dinner on May 12, 2016 at COBO Center in Detroit. The event precedes the annual Michigan Infrastructure Conference on May 13 at COBO.
Plan to join us! More detailed information will be provided as it becomes available.
|
|
Michigan Infrastructure Conference
Call for Presentations
|
Share your special knowledge and expertise at the Michigan Infrastructure Conference. This program features several thematic tracks, an industry trade show, and a broad A/E/C and private developer audience. The conference focuses on how infrastructure impacts economic development, including emerging or expanding markets, creative leadership, new technologies, and unique solutions developed by practioners, facility/infrastructure developers and owners.
Click
here for submittal details. Deadline for submissions is February 19, 2016.
|
ACEC Social Media
Follow Us!
|
| Did you know that ACEC is active on social media sites? Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on LinkedIn to stay informed!  
|
|
|
2015-2016 SAVE THE DATES
Mark Your Calendar!
|
|
February 4, 2016: MDOT-ACEC Partnering Workshop - Lansing
February 27, 2016: ACEC Engineering & Surveying Excellence Gala - Battle Creek
March 16, 2016: AESLC Legislative Day - Lansing
May 12, 2016: ASCE Michigan Section Centennial Celebration Gala - Detroit
May 13, 2016: Michigan Infrastructure Conference - Detroit
|
|
|
|
Michigan
Engineering Center |
Questions about engineering?
Please contact: Ron Brenke, PE Executive Director ACEC & ASCE
517-332-2066
MSPE
517-487-9388
|
|
|
