Friends: I am proud of what RCI's leadership team has accomplished on behalf of taxpayers, and all roofing professionals. Hoping this will be applied to the VA, and save millions of dollars that can be used to help our veterans. I'd like those in the article to know how thankful I am. Three of these gentlemen are personally known to me, and I'd like to dish out some well deserved gratitude. They've EARNED it. All have been wonderful, but owe my sanity to Mr. Tom Gernetzke, Mr. Brian Gardiner, and Mr. Scott Hinesley. I'm here to tell you this is the most important development of our discipline in many years. You've seen me write articles on Mr. Gernetzke, and Mr. Gardiner in the past, and these guys have broken their backs to help us. This is not a casual statement, but one developed over a decade. They have suffered so you didn't have to. I've been on this for approximately ten years, and have been stretched to the outer limits of my mental and physical ability. On August 19, celebrated my fifteenth year of surviving a hemorrhagic stroke, and don't think I could have made it without an "Ideal", a "Mission" , or these honorable men. All of them stood by me when hope was forlorn, and I am eternally grateful. NOTE: Retired 2003, I do not solicit nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind. Their position is reasonable, rational, and fair. Especially to school districts in the U.S., Canada, and United Kingdom who have been "soft targets" for predatory sales models. Many times I've said that "If you aren't competitive in the private market, you are not competitive in the public market". NOBODY in the private market (Wal Mart, Target, BJ's, huge malls and so many other retailers) use purchasing cooperatives. You may want to read "Are you smarter than Wal Mart"? on this site. Today is about RCI, and "Honor". Their responsibility to taxpayers, and reversing the decimation of school maintenance budgets through "Exclusion of competition". We've NEVER asked for preferential treatment, but rather the opportunity to compete for our own tax dollars. It's what we do in the private market, and what we want to do for the public market, and always have. Roofing is a noble discipline, and these men can hold their heads high. http://rci-online.org/rci-works-towards-responsible-purchasing/ If you are remotely involved in the roofing discipline, you will want to read this, join them, and may, through the link provided above. Here's their story:
RCI, Inc. Works With U.S. Congress to Pass Responsible Construction Procurement Language
Congratulates U.S. Rep. David Price for supporting best practices in the procurement of publicly funded construction renovation projects.
Michael Williams, Lionel van der Walt, and Brian Gardiner in front of the General Services Administration Building in Washington, D.C.
As our members are likely aware, RCI, Inc. has been working to improve the current laws regarding cooperative purchasing in construction, especially as they pertain to large government entities. RCI’s Director of Industry Affairs Brian Gardiner, Chair of the Advocacy Committee Tom Gernetzke, Second Vice President Scott Hinesley, CEO Lionel van der Walt, and Past President Mike Williams have made trips to Washington DC to meet with legislators to that end. And now it is paying off. RCI, Inc., today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislative language that addresses the ill-advised proliferation of cooperative purchasing and the misuse of multiple award schedules for procuring construction renovation projects that involve Federal funds.
“Cooperative Purchasing and Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Agreements. —The Committee is aware that federal agencies and state and local governments are increasingly utilizing cooperative purchasing and MAS agreements to procure goods and services, including services rendered for construction and renovation projects that involve federal funds. The Committee supports efforts to ensure proper transparency and oversight of such construction projects, which are often complex and site-specific. The Committee directs GSA to enforce any existing federal regulations that require independent design professionals be consulted on new construction and renovation projects. The Committee encourages GSA to work with state and local governments so that cooperative purchasing and MAS agreements that involve federal funding is [sic] in the best interest of the government.“
“Cooperative procurement often results in local companies and small businesses not being given the opportunity to bid on publicly funded construction renovation projects. Cooperative vendors frequently control the entire construction process, including design. This practice commonly excludes local suppliers, manufacturers and independent design professionals that would normally be given an opportunity to provide materials and services. The lack of an independent design professional can result in a questionable quality of work. Furthermore, cooperative purchasing of construction often results in abuse of taxpayer dollars, as reported by numerous government auditors across the United States,” remarked RCI, Inc. CEO Lionel van der Walt.
RCI, Inc. wants to especially thank U.S. Rep. David Price (D-NC), who serves on the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, for taking the lead on passing this critical language through Congress.
RCI on Capitol Hill from L to R: Past President Michael Williams, CEO Lionel van der Walt, Jeff Taylor of USGRI, and Director of Industry Affairs Brian Gardiner.
“RCI, Inc. met with Congressman Price’s office early in 2018 to discuss the increasing drawbacks of using cooperatives in publicly funded construction renovation projects. His staff was highly professional, asked the key questions to get a full understanding of the problem, and created report language that brings increased scrutiny to the problem. Using his leadership, Congressman Price worked with the House Appropriations Committee to move forward effective language. The congressman and his staff performed at the high level we expect and appreciate of all elected officials,” remarked van der Walt.
“RCI has fought against unfair and costly cooperative purchasing arrangements for years,” said RCI Director of Industry Affairs Brian Gardiner. “This is an exciting victory for fair bidding practices for building envelope consultants.”
Friends: The purpose of this site is to increase public awareness of "Predatory Sales Models" and "Exclusion" of fair competition in public works. Everything I say here is backed by public record, and subsequent documentation. If I say something that is factually incorrect, I will retract it. Constructive criticism is encouraged, and welcomed. NOTE; Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind. Architects, Public Administrators, Contractors, Consultants, Manufacturers, and Distributors, are all affected by "Proprietary Specifications". A sales trick to eliminate all competition for taxpayer money. In the upper left search box, please type keywords: School Roofing Scam, Purchasing Cooperative, Taxpayer abuse, Tremco, Garland, sole source, etc. Approximately 165 posts all told. Highly recommended is Roof Consultant's Institute who provide necessary data, and support. "Self Advocacy Tools" http://rci-online.org/news-and-advocacy/self-advocacy-tools/
FACT: Garland, and Tremco do not make half the products they sell, and are not found in any local roofing supply house. It must be trucked in from Ohio. You are essentially exporting 70% of your local tax dollar to other economies. FACT: Garland, nor Tremco will "Compete" for anything. Don't believe me? Tell your Garland, or Tremco Representative that you want to include other manufacturers to the bid list . Watch their faces, and I GUARANTEE they will run away. But Ron, the purchasing cooperative says they won by "competitive" means. This an outright lie. The Cooperative lies to increase their commissions. U.S. Communities listed 55 pages of BLANK line items from Garland. YOU, and all taxpayers should be concerned that we are paying upwards of 50% MORE for roofing and duped into thinking you've received a value. The opposite is true. If you are working with a Purchasing Cooperative, your district is taking a beating that is 100% avoidable. Certainly, I've illustrated the scam that is undeniable. I know all the manufacturers, and have installed millions of sq. ft. of any subset of roofing. Steep slope, single ply (EPDM, TPO, PVC), built up, modified, etc. I've successfully completed over 100 public schools, and know what I'm talking about. If I don't know the answer, Roof Consultant's Institute (RCI) will. RCI is the standard for roofing excellence, and an honorable organization with top level consultants. Many are Architects, Consultants, Engineers, Contractors, Manufacturers, etc. ,ALL are credentialed, and will have someone near you. I do not belong to any organization. A lot of my work is very sensitive, and may cause discomfort through association. They are not allowed to speak freely, while I can tell the truth without fear of reprisal. Please understand that I have no beef with individuals trying to make an honest living. It's the "Predatory Sales Model" I despise. I do not want to "Exclude" those mentioned, and welcome them to any public bid list. Repeat, I do not want Tremco or Garland "Excluded" from anything. They should get the same opportunity like everyone else. IF YOU ARE NOT COMPETITIVE IN THE PRIVATE MARKET, YOU ARE NOT COMPETITIVE IN THE PUBLIC MARKET. Doesn't that make sense? Instead of "Favoritism", we seek fair competition for our own tax dollars. Roofers will decide all things roofing, and not elite sectors who are without credential, experience, or the exhaustive safety training it takes. "My name is Ron, and I'm a roofer.........For some reason, feel like I should be at an AA meeting." Just so I don't come off like a 'Lone Wolf", will share what the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and Roof Consultant's Institute (RCI) have to say:
Reference: From Roof Consultant's Institute: http://rci-online.org/news-and-advocacy/policy-statements/
June 21, 2012 RCI’s Position Statement applies to all publicly bid work, including federal, state (provincial/ territorial), municipal, and local government projects or otherwise taxpayer-funded projects in which RCI, Inc. members may participate.
Projects not under the procurement requirements of government agencies or that do not utilize taxpayer funds should also employ similar fair and impartial procurement practices. It is the position of RCI, Inc. that all public work and taxpayer-funded projects clearly adhere to all applicable procurement regulations, maintain the highest levels of transparency and value, and comply with the following principles.
In addition to the owner, projects should involve three distinct entities: the design professional, the manufacturer (or supplier), and the qualified contractor (contractor).
1.) . The design professional should be selected by the owner based on qualifications, experience and past performance. The design professional should prepare contract documents to be in compliance with all applicable code requirements (including but not limited to fire, wind, drainage, thermal resistance or performance, warranty and environmental requirements).
Contract documents should not be proprietary or exclusive to a manufacturer, a supplier or a qualified contractor. A product or system that may be able to be produced, supplied or installed by other competitors but is not, is considered a proprietary product/system. Procurement regulations have specific procedures that are required if proprietary materials or systems are to be considered. Design professionals are discouraged from utilizing proprietary specifications.
All projects should utilize a minimum of three manufacturers or utilize materials commonly available from three manufacturers. Systems should be selected to meet specific performance criteria or standards. The design professional must adhere to all state (provincial/territorial) licensing requirements and carry the appropriate errors and omissions insurance.
2.) The manufacturer and its suppliers should provide the materials and systems adhering to the contract documents. A manufacturer should not act as the design professional unless qualified to do so, and should state in writing and publicly its financial interest in the specifications/requirements provided. Contractual obligations or agreements should not exist between owners and manufacturers. Proprietary and/or exclusionary specifications intended to limit competition among manufacturers, suppliers and/or qualified contractors are strongly discouraged.
Manufacturers are encouraged to provide data, RCI, Inc. Position Statement on Procurement – Support Document information, or other assistance to qualified contractors to determine the best use and application of their materials and systems. Manufacturers should not control material specifications.
3.) The contractor should be contracted directly to the owner. At no time should any contractual or financial obligation or agreement exist between the design professional and manufacturer, or the design professional and the qualified contractor, or the manufacturer and the qualified contractor. At no time should the manufacturer act as either the design professional or qualified contractor. At no time should the design professional act as the manufacturer or contractor.
4.) Design-build delivery methods are acceptable under the following conditions: (a) The principles noted above, are met. (b) Design build delivery maintains a competitive bidding/tender environment among all parties: designer, contractor, and manufacturer. (c) A design-build contract is used to ensure that a clear line of responsibility for the design and compliance with code is established. It is the position of RCI, Inc. that the use of "buy boards,” group-purchasing agencies, and all similar purchasing models in any type of building construction, remediation, or rehabilitation are not transparent, do not ensure compliance with the minimum requirements of the codes, do not provide a competitive bid situation, and should not be utilized.
This is what the NRCA has to say: Click to enlarge.
Please help stop this assault on taxpayers, and school maintenance budgets across all of North America. The "Scam" is impossible for them to argue, so they take the position of subterranean termites, and hide.
NOTE; Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept, compensation or personal advancement of any kind.
Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".
It is humbling that anyone cares one bit about what I have to say, and please know I am thankful for your time.
Respect.
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon Public Procurement Analyst State Certification CCC 1325620 Licensed Consultant Tampa, Florida RobertRSolomon@aol.com
