ACEC National President's Update for August 2011

ACEC President's Monthly Update - August 1, 2011

Dear Colleagues –

    Having sucked all the oxygen out of the legislative process for more than a month now, the debt ceiling issue finally appears to be resolved (assuming successful votes this evening) and we can proceed to deal with other matters important for our industry.  There is no question that the allocation of scarce funding resources will continue to challenge us.  However since jobs and the economy continue to be the dominant issues, we have a compelling argument that investments in infrastructure help to solve those problems.  We’ll be working closely with lawmakers to lay the groundwork for meaningful legislation including a highway bill, three percent repeal, and year-end appropriations bills.  We’ll also have our work cut out for us to ensure that the new fiscal commission established under this debt ceiling agreement moves in the right direction in terms of protecting key infrastructure programs.  Politically, what we have just been through on the debt ceiling debate sets the stage for the upcoming election season, which presents opportunities for ACEC and our growing political program to help shape a number of critical races.  We need your continued help in promoting PAC participation with ACEC members to ensure we have the needed resources for aggressive political engagement.  The Fall Conference in Las Vegas – highlighted by high-level CEO and business sessions – will also feature activities to support the PAC.

As always, please feel free to contact me at any time about any issue.                                                                               

                                                                                            --- David Raymond, ACEC President

PRESIDENT’S MONTHLY UPDATE
August 1, 2011

General

• Urged the White House and congressional leaders to protect key infrastructure accounts in the context of current debt ceiling negotiations and a long-term deficit reduction plan.
• ACEC-led grassroots effort to repeal the 3% withholding mandate has now secured a majority of House members as cosponsors of repeal legislation; 29 Senators are also on board.
• Five ACEC coalitions (CASE, COPS, CAMEE, SFC and LDC) undertook a joint strategic planning effort to achieve economies of scale in joint initiatives for membership, dues and marketing.
• Invitations have been sent to MOs for national leadership orientation sessions in Washington, D.C., scheduled for November 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18. 
  

Government Affairs

• FHWA adopted ACEC recommendations in its revised policy guidance pertaining to QBS, contract negotiations, indirect cost rates, compensation and audits.
• Hosted fundraising events for House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD); Sen. Jim Inhofe (OK); Sen. Ben Nelson (NE); Sen. John Barrasso (WY); Rep. Nick Rahall (WV); Rep. Jimmy Duncan (TN), Rep. Geoff Davis (KY); held industry meet and greet for Rep. Richard Hanna (NY). 
• Urged members of the House of Representatives to restore funding to the State Revolving Loan Funds for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Signed Partnering Agreement with NAVFAC to maintain and strengthen cooperation.
• Expressed concern to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over its increased insourcing for civilian construction projects.
• Opposed IRS proposal for 3% withholding to be applied to existing contracts. 

Institute for Business Management

• Well-attended A/E business webinars this month included Integrated Project Delivery: A Look Ahead at Managing Risks; An Inside Look at $2 Billion GSA Federal Buildings Program; Accelerate Out of Recession: Six Best-Practices for A/E Firms.
• Top Bookstore sellers: Value Redesigned; Wired to...Clients; Value Pricing for A/E and A/E/CM Firms; TheLiving Company; EJCDC C-610: Performance Bond.
• RCEP.net has grown to 84 registered education providers and more than 16,650 individual professional records.