ACEC Impact: Your Monthly Roundup of ACEC Washington happenings 
Political Action: ACEC/PAC and WEPAC
At both the state and federal levels, ACEC is involved in political action. In keeping with our mandate that ACEC exists to “Improve the Business of Engineering”, we support candidates who understand and support the consulting engineering community and issues that are beneficial to our industry. This would not be possible but for the generous contributions made our member firms and their enlightened staffs.  Thank you!!

FEDERAL PAC
The federal political action is undertaken by ACEC/PAC in Washington D.C. It ranks in the top 3% of all PACs and went over the $1,000,000 raised in a single year in 2016. The PAC operates in a very transparent manner and each member can access a multitude of information regarding the PAC’s efforts and its successes. You just will need to first obtain a member login on the national website at ACEC/PAC Information .

Each year (calendar year cycle), every ACEC member organization (i.e. state) receives an annual goal from ACEC/PAC.  Washington has met its goal every year! The goal for 2017 is $26,188 of which $22,535 has been raised to date. This leaves $3,653 to still be raised before December 31 st . You can contribute directly online by going to ACEC/PAC Contribution Please consider helping us meet this goal!

STATE PAC
The state political action is undertaken by W ashington E ngineers P olitical A ction C ommittee (WEPAC). This PAC is able to take contributions from both firms and individuals and the PAC’s annual calendar year runs from July 1 st to June 30 th each year. To date, WEPAC has raised $3,200
Again, thank you to those firms and individuals that support our efforts here in Washington. Most of the funds raised for WEPAC come from a “dues checkoff” that is part of the quarterly dues invoice. If your firm does not participate so far, please consider this option with the next quarter.
If you have any questions, please contact Van Collins at vcollins@acec-wa.org and he will be happy to help.
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QBS: Update
T here is good news and frustrating news this month...
First the good news.  Van Collins, President/CEO of ACEC of Washington, and Nancie Boccio, Parametrix, have been invited to be co-instructors of an American Public Works Association (APWA) class on “Negotiations from the A/E Consultant’s Perspective” at five different locations around the state beginning in November. 
This class presents an extremely unique opportunity. In a collegial and informative manner, these seminars will allow the education of public procurement officers, project managers, financial officers, etc. as to the “WHY” of QBS and the “WHY” firms take the positions they do during negotiations. 
These people have been trained in the “HOW” and the “WHAT” of the procurement process, but they generally have no understanding nor appreciation as to why they are doing it. For them, it is a mechanical, check the box type of process for them. However, the consulting community now has the opportunity to...

KBA Welcomes New President
KBA, Inc. welcomed Kris Overleese, PE, as President on September 25, 2017, as part of a planned leadership succession. Kris brings 20 years of experience as a public works director, city engineer, capital projects manager, and management analyst to her position as KBA’s new President. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington. As a knowledgeable public works professional, Kris contributes to KBA her considerable skills in policy and procedure development, project management, innovative design, federal funding, grant management, and resource management. Her strong professional relationships with public entities, including WSDOT, utilities, and municipalities, complement KBA’s established role as a premier private sector provider of consulting engineering services on large-scale infrastructure and transit projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Kris is committed to continuing KBA’s core emphases on quality service, employee development and diversity, and community stewardship.


Engineer of the Year: Nominate Someone Today!
ACEC Washington is requesting nominations for the 2018 Engineer of the Year. Nominate someone today! Submit a Nomination Statement that describes the nominee's accomplishments in 300 to 500 words that articulate how the nominee has satisfied the selection criteria. You must be an ACEC Washington member to submit nominations.
  We want to hear from you! Would you like to to see your firm highlighted? Do you have suggestions for seminar topics or ideas for events? Pressing legislative issues you'd like to see ACEC tackle? Let us know!