December, 1996 Volume 8, Number XII	3 of 4

The "Bidding" Climate

No, bidding climate does not have anything to do with the “weather”. It means the set of conditions or “construction climate” that exists when a construction cost estimate is prepared. “Climate” is mainly determined by the amount of construction underway at the time the estimate or bid is prepared. When construction activity is high, estimates and bids will be high, and conversely, they will be low when activity is low.
A construction cost estimate is required on most designs A&A undertakes. Quite often, especially on municipal public works projects, these estimates serve as the basis for a grant or loan application to a federal agency. This application and approval process often takes several years to complete. This means that the bidding “climate,” when bids are actually taken, is often greatly different than it was when the estimates were originally prepared.
The bidding “climate” has recently been good (high) for contractors but bad (high) for owners. A wise owner will always have several projects designed, approved and ready to go when the “climate” is good for owners. Savings of up to 30-40% can be achieved in this way.

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Reminder...

The Department of Transportation in your state is seeking groups and individuals interested in developing transportation enhancement projects. Better known as ISTEA, (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) the program sets aside grant money at all levels.
The program provides an opportunity for government and the private sector to work together in planning and developing intermodal trans-portation systems--systems in which various forms of transportation are integrated and interconnected.
As deadlines approach, A&A is experienced in application and project coordination, and would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

ISTEA
Grant Deadlines
Virginia
January 31, 1997
* * *
North Carolina
January 1, 1997
* * *
Tennessee
July 1, 1997

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Campaign Corner

A&A is supportive of employee community involvement, and running for government office is just about as "involved" as one can get. Tom Roberts, A&A Blacksburg Project Manager, decided to dedicate his spare time to run for Congress as the Reform
Party nominee. His interest in running for office stemmed from his concern about federal deficit spending and growing federal debt. As Roberts states, "I had a moral obligation to do what I could to make people aware of the problems that we're facing." What did he learn from his experience? Roberts says, "It is possible, while working, and with very little funds, to run for office, and have a significant effect.

Oliver Strawn, Electoral Board Member, with Bill Janzen, A&A Blacksburg Chief Drafter. Each year, A&A provides the tally boards for Montgomery Co., VA

 








On a different note...
The United Way of Montgomery County, Radford and Floyd recently
ran their annual fall fund raising campaign. Anderson & Associates'
Blacksburg employee contributions were up 24% over
last year, totaling $3,320.00 for 1996.
Way to go A&A!

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August 17, 2001