"Champions of Fairness in Public Roofing Procurement"

This post is intended as support for the few who sacrifice each day, so others may have opportunity.

I will encourage all public administrators, manufacturers, consultant's, distributors, and contractors to pay close attention, as it affects your livelihood.

Record regarding public roofing procurement, and those who may lead you astray.  By "astray", I mean jail.

My all time favorite:    http://schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/

Ms. Janet Campbell's  very impressive site dedicated (and I do mean dedicated) to exposing roofing scams in public works.  Your skin will crawl when you see the hundreds of millions of dollars in waste, fraud, and deceit., perpetrated on our schools.

Janet is an architect by credential, and trade.  She backs up every word she says with public record, and "names names".  Ms. Campbell is my original inspiration, and I've followed her fine work for years.  Her sacrifice on behalf of the roofing discipline is unequalled, and I suggest material manufacturers she is fighting for, or against, pay great attention.

She has been kind enough to furnish very important reference material, and allows me to share a portion of it with you here.  NOBODY fights harder for you (manufacturers, consultants, distributors, and contractors) than Janet Campbell.

Another inspiration, and champion of "Fairness" to taxpayers:

http://diana-vice.blogspot.com/

Much respect to Ms. Diana Vice, another champion of the taxpayers and our discipline.  Her story is heroic (at minimum), and I challenge you to put yourself in her place.  Again, I am reminded of the word "Sacrifice", because "The Usual Suspects" have been cruel to her, and want her silenced.  She will not break.

Why do you think Ms. Campbell, and Ms. Vice do this?  They do it because they are compelled to tell the truth.  They receive absolutely no financial benefit, or personal advancement.

Here it comes:

I am ASHAMED of the roofing material manufacturers who stand by and allow them to suffer, while you gain.  It's time you stop wringing your hands, while they do the dirty work.

I would be willing to bet that their advocacy work provides more contracting opportunities for your firms than your "Top 10 Salesmen" (combined).  When will you grasp that you cannot "sell" in territories where you are "excluded" from competition?

What an incredible disservice to your sales force, as you insist they increase revenue in saturated territories.

I had to throw that barb in because the manufacturers I describe as "Honest" do not seem to grasp the "Urgency" of our cause.  It's time to either "step up", or consider yourselves part of the problem.  I am speaking for myself, and not on behalf of Janet, or Diana.  I suspect their feeling of frustration to be similar however.

It is because of them that we are successful with Oklahoma S. B. 630, which allows "Fair Competition" for ALL TRADES.  Rep. Jason Murphey estimates this will SAVE his state approximately $100,000,000.00 annually.



The grueling, and cruel path to these successes is inhumane.  Even Rep. Murphey is shocked by the immoral tactics of politics:

http://www.hd31.org/blog.php?title=The-Defeat-of-the-Special-Interests-

http://www.hd31.org/blog.php?title=The-Dark-Strategies-of-the-Most-Powerful-Lobbyists

Jason Murphey's Blog.

POSTS FROM REPRESENTATIVE MURPHEY's BLOG

The Dark Strategies of the Most Powerful Lobbyists

By: Jason Murphey | Monday, December 23rd, 2013 11:15:34 AM | 

"This year Governor Fallin signed SB 630 to close down the wasteful practice of sole specing. Those who make money from sole specing didn't appear to be paying attention to the bill as it passed without opposition. After Governor Fallin signed the bill, they realized what had happened and charged their lobbyists with the unenviable task of undoing our reform. Since the legislative session was nearing an end, they couldn't just file a new bill. They had to find a pre-existing bill, take over that bill, and keep legislators from discovering the heinous nature of their proposal". "Their actions serve as a tutorial 101 about the secretive and dark form of art used by Oklahoma's very best and, in this case, most desperate lobbyists".

While those of lesser ambition struggle to find courage, I will share a short success story, and it actually ends with my genuine appreciation of  the FIRST Purchasing Cooperative EVER, to see our plight, and reject those who are the cause.

NJPA was reasonable, and we were able to find areas of agreement.  One of those areas included 3rd. party "Independent" RCI consultants.  RCI subsequently met with NJPA after I received this letter from NJPA.

I want to personally, and publicly, thank Counsel for NJPA, Misty Myers, for negotiating fairly, and in good faith.  The huge roofing contractors that belong to their cooperative did absolutely NOTHING, given a chance to lead, they recoiled instead.  I am talking about firms that exceed 100M in sales per year. So, the job fell to me instead.  I cannot tell you how crushing their apathy was, and I consider their "Honor & Integrity" laughable. The "Honor & Integrity" goes to Ms. Campbell, and Ms. Vice; not the "World's Largest Roofers". I am deeply appreciative of your time with me, and thankful you care one bit about what I have to say. Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP". Respect, Robert R. "Ron" Solomon Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance CCC 1325620 Domicile:  Tampa, Florida

Public Roofing Procurement: "A Primer for Administrators"

Public Roofing Procurement:



When securing roofing or roofing services for a public entity, you shouldl be seeking both serviceability and value.  You can not have one without the other. I'll explain that as we go.

EVERY state in the Republic has "Competitive Bidding Laws".  All territories and provinces of Canada follow suit.

You must be careful to follow these simple rules to avoid possible litigation brought on by "Preferred Vendors", because it is illegal.  No public entity has the authority nor the right to spend taxpayer dollars as if a private owner  without competition.

Roofing material manufacturers may not serve as a consultant, bid processor, and supplier.  In other words, the "We handle it all" mantra is factually incorrect.  Many of them espouse a "Relation Based" approach to public work in this you must be careful, to avoid such exposure.

I realize many of you are novice when it comes to thermal and moisture protection (Division 7).  That is perfectly reasonable, as you are paid for administrative skill,  not the minutae of all construction trades.

Let's walk through this in layman's terms to address a basic outline for you to safely follow.  Your district will be served also you will be satisfied that you've served the taxpayers by spending money wisely.

Fair?

I will not discuss the many subsets of roofing (single ply, modified, BUR, etc.), as that is not our purpose here.  Only the procurement method.

1.)  Do not let a "need" become an "emergency".

2.)  Hire an "Independent" RCI Roof Consultant to understand your need and develop an approach to suit that need.  DO NOT hire a roofing material manufacturer as your consultant for reasons explained.

http://www.rci-online.org/

3.)  DO NOT buy roofing or roofing services through a "Purchasing Cooperative".  I cannot emphasize this enough.  Contrary to their claims, you will not save money.  You will end up paying much, much, more.

4.)  Projects over $50,000.00 must be advertised for bid in the local newspaper (your RCI consultant will help you with this).

5.)  Conduct a "Pre-Bid" meeting with responsive contractors, your agency and your roofing consultant.

6.)  Open received bids in a public forum with multiple witnesses.  This is critical.

7.)  "Performance and Payment Bond" :  If your project is substantial, I always insist upon this process.  The roofing contractor will furnish the "P&P Bond" that is secured by assets held by their bonding company.  This will guarantee taxpayers are not "out of pocket" if the contractor fails to complete the work in a satisfactory manner.  The bonding company will work with you to make sure the work is complete to your satisfaction.

Bonding rates are dependent upon financial strength of the roofing contractor.  Typically, you will see bond rates at approximately 1%, or 2%.  Please understand rates vary, that  my estimation is only that: an estimate.

P&P Bond will eliminate all taxpayer exposure. It is very low cost insurance, all things considered.

8.)  *DO NOT buy anything from Tremco, Garland, HyLoad, or Armko.  They have exhibited predatory sales models to the point where Tremco was fined over $60,000,000.00 by the DOJ for misusing "Line Item' contracting with the GSA.  I encourage you to do your own research by following this method:

a.)  Type "School Roofing Scam" into your browser.
b.)  Type "School Roofing Scam" into YouTube.

You will see my advice to you is correct, supported by habitual offenses.

Once you've gotten your Independent RCI consultant on board, you are strongly advised to insist upon mainstream manufacturers (GAF, Carlisle Syntec, Firestone) that are locally distributed and represented.  This will keep approximately 70% of tax dollars spent within your local economy.  Good?

Avoid the following terms like the plague:
"Proprietary Specifications"
"Preferred Vender"
"Sole Source"
"Line Item Contract"
"Job Order Contract"

These are all methods to avoid "fair competition", and can land you in a world of trouble, through scrutiny.

Mainstream manufacturers offer very inexpensive "No Dollar Limit" warranties that guarantee labor and material for the term of warranty.  DO NOT accept anything LESS than a 20 year system, as it is in your best interest.

RCI (Roof Consultant's Institute) has proven themselves as taxpayer friendly and know your situation.  They also know the "predatory" schemes I'm discussing with you now. They will lead you to success.

http://www.rci-online.org/

NOTE:  Some members of RCI are also sales representatives for the manufacturers I've mentioned.  ELIMINATE them for consideration IMMEDIATELY.

I am more than happy to furnish the names of respected consultants in your area or you may contact them directly. They will provide members in good standing.

Please do your own research.  Please confirm what I've said here.

I furnish the data. You must judge for yourself.

*This comment is based upon research, and public record.  I do not share "Opinions:", nor am I enriched by any decisions regarding manufacturers, consultants, distributors, or contractors.

Hopefully, you will find my general descriptions useful in getting started, and conclude your project achieving the "serviceability and value" you are seeking.

I thank each and every one of you who take time from your busy schedules to visit with me here.  Humbled that anyone cares one bit about what I have to say.

My friends, I will suggest you reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Constructive criticism based upon public record is encouraged.

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC 1325620

Central email address :  RobertRSolomon@aol.com

Garland Roofing Materials: "Sell by FEAR"

I will take a brief respite from TCPN and their unusually rabid support of Tremco in public works.  They know what they're doing is wrong, and so do I.  The Pechacek name permeates TCPN, and will stun you with how it's all "connected".

So, it's time for more TCPN/Tremco research, and will share the results at a later date. 

In the interim, Garland Co. can "tag out" with them :

Garland Roofing Materials:  "Sell by FEAR"

NOTE:  Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation, or personal advancement of any kind.

The following information was graciously provided by:

 http://schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/

If you want to see the damage being done to our schools through "predatory sales models", Ms. Campbell's site is the reference standard.  Once again, I will acknowledge her very long difficult journey to bring truth into light.

There is a HUGE difference between the Private Market versus Public Market.  Procurement laws are in place to PROTECT taxpayers in the Public Market.  The government doesn't own anything. The taxpayers (we the people) own buildings and their contents.  Therefore, great consideration must be given to competition for our taxpayer dollars.  Subject to all local, state, and federal LAW.

All participants in any transaction appear in public record.  They are therefore susceptible to inquiry.

A Private owner is free of such oversight.  They earned that money and right to spend it without oversight.  

Again, thank you to Ms. Campbell.


Garland's view:  (click to enlarge)

  

That's about as "Point Blank" as it gets folks.  "Sell by Fear" damn the taxpayers.

Please note that in 2011, Garland's top salesman (New Jersey) "Sold" $5,400,000.00, and received 25% commission on that number.

 .

If that doesn't grab you, nothing will. 

I know, let's see how a Garland Representative describes his job:

This is directly from an application I received (05-10-2013)

“The Garland Company"

"As a consultant for The Garland Company, I developed relationships with high-end, governmental, educational, and municipal clients to assist them in managing their roof assets.

The Garland Company is a premium roofing manufacturer that values the relationship-based sales approach.

After a three week immersive training program, I was charged with completing inspections and forensic roof evaluations for companies and clients like: Lockheed Martin, The Dallas County Community College District, The City of Dallas, The City of Mesquite, Raytheon, Texas Instruments, Dell, Air Liquide and others of similar merit.

As part of my duties I worked closely with architects, designers, and specifiers to ensure that The Garland Company’s line of products was the only roofing manufacturer named in the specification or offered to the client.

OUTRAGEOUS!

Upon completing the design phase, I would solicit bids from qualified, local roofing contractors to perform the work under my consult and supervision.

Design Build Solutions - The Garland Company

Design Build Solutions is The Garland Company's design and construction arm. Prior to 2006, it was a vastly underused entity created to control specifications through the bid process. However, once awarded The US Communities Buying Co-Operative Contract in 2006, I saw a massive opportunity to do much more than control specifications.

I began marketing and actively soliciting projects to be designed and built by DBS all over Texas.

Working mostly on military contracts, I marketed our design capabilities to The Office of The Surgeon General, The Army Core of Engineers, and The Office of Veterans' Affairs.

Most of our projects were small, multi-family base housing and medical center upgrades. As DBS was not "completely" set up to handle large, multi-disciplinary bids, I solicited bids, evaluated sub-contractors, and engaged in buy-out and VE process with subs and owners.

Soon, it became necessary to create budgetary checks and balances. I implemented a customized version of a project management software created for me by Podio and created and managed construction budgets using Quickbooks Contractor Suite.

A change in Garland's Scope of WOrk under The US Communities Contract lead them to steer me away from Design-Build projects. As I had created valuable relationships in the industry, I chose to start XXXXXXXX  with a group of like-minded construction professionals to continue pursuing larger contracts and to branch further into the private sector”.

THAT is what Garland thinks of you as taxpayers.  SELL AT ALL COST.

I wonder how much "benefit" the taxpayers, and school districts of New Jersey received to justify paying one man well over $1,000,000.00 in one year?  Keep in mind that Garland also marked up materials, therefore making their profits on top of the $5,400,000.00.

In the roofing discipline, it is rare to mention Garland, where Tremco isn't immediately followed.  The sales models funnel money to purchasing cooperatives and in return they are claimed "competitive".  THEY AREN'T.

My concern is for school districts and administrators, who are being unnecessarily exposed to suit by following promises of a "salesman".  

Please avoid "Exclusionary" or "Preferred Vendor" situations. They are clearly against the law, which may unknowingly include YOU when the topic arises.

"Pre-Compete" is a LIE.  You may "Pre-Compete" on Post-It notes, but not complex construction projects with many variables like "hidden damages".  NO roofer on earth will disagree with that comment.

If one were to include (in my humble opinion) an HONORABLE manufacturer such as GAF, Carlisle Syntec, Johns Manville, or Firestone, you will be assured of a true "Competitive" number.  I stake my reputation on that.

Garland and Tremco despise competition.  If you throw in one of the manufacturers listed above, they will immediately move on to another unsuspecting "target".  I guarantee that GAF, Carlisle Syntec, Johns Manville and Firestone will beat the pants off Garland or Tremco every single time on a competitively bid project. 

Why should the Public (especially schools) suffer as purchasing cooperatives manipulate, interpret, and rearrange local, state, and federal procurement law?

My best suggestion is to write purchase orders to manufacturers who fight hard, but fight FAIR.  For goodness' sake, at least include them on a bid list.  Garland will not compete.  They can't, and even say so on their own website.  Garland says Administrators 'have a right to choose", and that's absurd.

Administrators may not give even the slightest hint of favoritism.

Respect to:

Garland, nor Tremco can compete, nor will compete against mainstream manufacturers and that's a fact.  Don't believe me?  Tell your Garland (or Tremco) Rep you'd like to get a quote from them as well as one of the above.  Sheer panic will set in, and if they can't change your mind, they will walk away from the project.

Remember: they are battling the idea of losing a 25% commission, and to them are in the middle of a nightmare.

Our schools are suffering at the hands of purchasing cooperatives with false claims.

Thank you for spending valuable time with me here . I am humbled that you care.

Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

NOTE:  Retired 2003, do not solicit nor accept compensation, or personal advancement of any kind.

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Public Procurement Analyst

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

(5,000 Members Worldwide)

CCC 1325620 (Florida)

RobertRSolomon@aol.com



  





"Bloated Nuclear Spending (Including Roofing) Comes Under Fire"

http://www.wfla.com/story/23421170/nations-bloated-nuclear-spending-comes-under-fire

"In Tennessee, the price tag for a new uranium processing facility has grown nearly sevenfold in eight years to upward of $6 Billion dollars that include a redesgn to raise the roof".

Nation's bloated nuclear spending comes under fire

Posted: Sep 13, 2013 12:27 AM EDT Updated: Sep 13, 2013 12:17 PM EDT

By JERI CLAUSING and MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

I believe the descriptions are fairly common, and representative of public procurement practicing "Favoritism", "Sole Source" bids, and assisting "Preferred Vendors".

 

They discuss "Private Contractors".  Those "Private Contractors" are facilitated by the complete negligence of "Competitive Bid" laws in every state.

 

You and I expect fair competition for our tax dollars, but lobbyists, attorneys, and government purchasing cooperatives, spend huge sums of money to secure favor.  "Favor" that is virtually limitless when spending YOUR money.
 

 

"Virtually every major project under the National Nuclear Security Administration's oversight is behind schedule and over budget - the result, watchdogs and government auditors say, of years of lax accountability and nearly automatic annual budget increases for the agency responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear stockpile.
 

The NNSA has racked up $16 billion in cost overruns on 10 major projects that are a combined 38 years behind schedule, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reports. Other projects have been cancelled or suspended, despite hundreds of millions of dollars already spent, because they grew too bloated.
 

Advocates say spending increases are necessary to keep the nation's nuclear arsenal operating and safe, and to continue cutting-edge research at the nation's nuclear labs. But critics say the nuclear program - run largely by private contractors and overseen by the NNSA, an arm of the U.S. Energy Department - has turned into a massive jobs program with duplicative functions.
 

 

 

"The post-Cold War nuclear warhead complex has become a gigantic self-licking ice cream cone for contractors," said Greg Mello of the Los Alamos Study Group, a watchdog organization".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 This may be a bit too off topic for those in the roofing discipline, but the $6 Billion dollars spent on ONE "Private Contractor" (I will research that further) to "raise the roof" is bizarre.

Initial report indicates it was to allow new equipment to be installed.

By comparison, the complete cost, furnished and installed, taxes included, to build a high school in my district is $52 Million dollars.  When you can "visualize" the money, it becomes "Real", instead of numbers with zeros behind them.

If you want to "see" what the numbers represent in terms of "Real Money", take a look:

"$100 Million Dollars = 1 year of work for 3500 average Americans

Here are 2000 people standing shoulder to shoulder, looking for a job. The Federal Reserve's mandate is to maintain price stability and low unemployment. The Federal Reserve prints money based on the assumption that increasing money supply will boost jobs.

If you want to "see" what the numbers represent in terms of "Real Money", take a look:

Respect to: http://demonocracy.info/infographics/usa/us_debt/us_debt.html

$100 Million Dollars = 1 year of work for 3500 average Americans. Here are 2000 people standing shoulder to shoulder, looking for a job. The Federal Reserve's mandate is to maintain price stability and low unemployment. The Federal Reserve prints money based on the assumption that increasing money supply will boost jobs.    Courtesy: http://demonocracy.info/infographics/usa/us_debt/us_debt.html One Billion Dollars:   $1,000,000,000 - You will need some help when robbing the bank.   Interesting fact: $1 million dollars weighs 10kg exactly. You are looking at 10 tons of money on those pallets."     

"One BILLION Dollars"     Back to the astonishing waste, please read further:   http://www.wfla.com/story/23421170/nations-bloated-nuclear-spending-comes-under-fire   "U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, chairwoman of the Senate Homeland Security financial and contracting oversight subcommittee, said a key problem is the Energy Department's reliance on private contractors to carry out its mission. The DOE has fewer than 16,000 employees and more than 92,000 contractors.   "Unfortunately for the taxpayer ... cost overruns, scheduled delays and technical failures are the rule, not the exception," said McCaskill, D-Mo. "We need to find a better way to do this because we can't just afford the status quo anymore." The retired head of one of those contractors, former Lockheed Martin CEO Norman Augustine, told Congress this spring that the absence of day-to-day accountability and an ineffectual structure at the NNSA pose a national security risk. He described a "pervasive culture of tolerating the intolerable and accepting the unacceptable." DOE and NNSA officials agree there are problems. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said earlier this month that addressing the cost overruns, and also embarrassing security breaches at some facilities, is a top priority. A congressionally appointed panel, co-chaired by Augustine recently began studying a potential overhaul of the NNSA". Okay, I will slow down my "alarmist" rhetoric, but frankly, you should be "alarmed" by the definition of public procurement that is destroying "competition" for your money. The problem is we think money withheld from an individual's paycheck means almost nothing.  They bite it off in such big chunks, that we've become numb to it.  Often, I hear people complaining about out of control government spending.  I've just laid out for you here, the same way I will lay it out to my government representatives.  I think the moral is to not complain about things you are not willing to solve yourself. I will return to Public Roofing Procurement in my next post, but felt this news, and illustrations, were necessary to put things into perspective. A gold star to anyone who cared enough to read and comprehend the post today.  I do know it is mind numbing at times, but I happen to think your money is important.  Any money they take from you must result in a "benefit" for you, the taxpayer.  Not a "Burden" that comes at the hands of unfit people, running unfit purchasing schemes. As you know, I do not discuss politics here, as I think "shared blame" of politicians on both sides is more appropriate.  Fair? Please reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP". Respect. Robert R. "Ron" Solomon Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance CCC1325620 RobertRSolomon@aol.com       

 

 

"Public Roofing Procurement"

Friends, over the years I've developed a specialty niche within the public roofing procurement field.  Thousands of hours in research are spent bringing you the truth.

The sastisfaction of protecting taxpayers, by assuring their roofing tax dollars go further, is my highest motivation.

Many of you know I have no interest in what private consumers do. They are spending money that belongs to them.  The private market is self policing and quickly balances benefit and value.

Public procurement however, is far behind in roofing technology. In most cases it receives inflated pricing through the use of purchasing cooperatives.  Purchasing cooperatives are the "middle man" between our schools (all public structures) and factually, is a "Commissioned Salesman".

Their revenues (commissions) are increased when the cost of a new roof is increased.  The public pays more, yet receives less with no additional benefit.  This system is obviously flawed, as all incentive to "save" money is absent. 

This may be a good time to tell you that many purchasing cooperatives make "arrangements" to get their "preferred vendor" listed as the only source of purchase.  The "preferred vendor" in many cases pay their sales representatives a full 25% commission.  That means that $0.25 of every $1.00 in taxes spent, goes straight into a "salesman's" pocket.

Rational people, with their own money, do not buy goods or services in this way.  So why is the money from taxpayers different?  Taxpayer money seems more "distant",  perhaps less "personal", but it isn't.  It's "REAL" money, earned by people who've worked hard for it, and expect value as well as serviceability for it.

Let me share that (without exception) every state in the Republic has "Fair Competition" or 'Competitive Bidding" laws in place.  The same is true for all territories and provences of Canada.  Purchasing Cooperatives circumvent these laws through fraudulent bidding procedures designed to suit their purpose.

The fraudulent aspect is the use of such terms as: "Line Item Contracting", "Sole Source Contracting", "Proprietary Specifications" and "Job Order Contracting".  Following, I will try my best to define each "technique" for you:

A.)  Proprietary Specifications:

http://www.cohenseglias.com/federal-contracting-database/proprietary-specifications

"A proprietary specification is one which requires the use of a sole source product. Bidders are responsible for determining the cost and sources of the items specified. It is a contractor's obligation to raise questions to the Government concerning purported proprietary items prior to bid submission and opening, not afterward.

In order to recover under a theory of proprietary specifications, a contractor must prove that (1) the specifications described the characteristics of only one standard product, (2) it submitted data describing an equal substitute product, (3) the substitute was of the same standard of quality."

B.)  Sole Source Contracting:

http://www.sru.edu/financeandadministrativeaffairs/Contracts/Pages/SoleSourceContracts.aspx

"A sole source contract implies that there is only one person or company that can provide the contractual services needed in that any attempt to obtain bids would only result in one person or company being available to meet the need.  A contract may be awarded for a supply, service or construction item, without the necessity of competition, when the contracting officer determines in writing that one of the following statutory conditions exists:

1. Only a single contractor is capable of providing the supply, service or construction.
2. Federal and state statute, or  federal regulations exempts the supply, service or construction from the competitive procedure.
3. The total cost of the supply, service or construction is less than the amount established by the State System for small, no-bid procurements as dictated by the policy on small procurements.
4. It is clearly not feasible to award the contract for supplies or services on a competitive basis.
5. The services involve the repair, modification or calibration of equipment and they are to be performed by the manufacturer of the equipment or by the manufacturer’s authorized dealer, provided the contracting officer determines that bidding is not appropriate under the circumstances.
6. The contract for supplies or services is in the best interest of the Commonwealth.

Before entering into a sole source contract, a statement of justification must be sent in advance to university legal counsel certifying that the contract is appropriate as a sole source. University Legal Counsel will review the statement then either approve or disapprove the certification."

C.)   Line Item Contracting: 

This is a copy of a roofing manufacturer's "Line Item" bid schedule to the GSA.  Keep in mind, the schedule is applied to roofing replacements on buildings that are unseen in many cases.  I'm asking a lot here, but please read the following. Tell me how an administrator could possibly track such complex schedules? 

http://www.tremcoroofing.com/fileshare/gsa/56342006TXMASLINEITEMPRICELIST.pdf

D.)  Job Order Contracts:

http://eziqc.egordian.com/About.aspx

"ezIQC^® is the easy and intelligent alternative for buying on-call facility repair and alteration construction services.

Thanks to the competitively bid prices available through cooperative purchasing, you can shed the red tape of traditional procurement in favor of speed, efficiency and the power of group buying.

ezIQC is based on job order contracts, or indefinite quantity construction contracts as they are sometimes called, in which contractors bid based on a catalog of pre-priced construction tasks for all divisions of construction.

Quality contractors have already been competitively selected in almost every area of the US and they are ready to perform work today.

Proven Success

ezIQC is a proven system that has been in use for over twenty years. This same system is utilized by the United States Postal Service, New York, Chicago and San Francisco, as well many other large, small public and private facility owners across the country including state governments, counties, towns, universities and school systems. ezIQC is ideal for interior, exterior, vertical, horizontal and environmental projects."

Inspector General's handbook may be found here:

http://www.gsaig.gov/?LinkServID=6486B647-A5DF-C154-010A408470CAE0B8&showMeta=0

Friends, I believe in "Fairness" to ALL people.  I make no distinction between Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Left, or Right.   It is not my station in life to debate such complex issues between them, but I do know "our" tax dollars must be wisely spent.

There is no such thing as "Pre-Compete" because you can not bid on structures you have not seen. This is how foolish it sounds:  "Hi, my name is Ron, and I have a 10,000 sq. ft. building in Tampa that needs a new roof.  How much will it cost?"

In almost 4 decades of service, I have never seen such illogical thinking, that is all perpetrated upon the public in order to circumvent "fair competition" for taxpayer dollars.

My next post will illustrate proper public procurement method. 

This is where my heart is. There are thousands of roofing sites to describe details of roofing, and roofing types.  I will continue to write about roofing's role as it pertains to sustainability (energy, water, petroleum dependence).  I remain deeply concerned for worker safety (heavy lifting, molten asphalt, and open flame).

Statement:

It's important to know that I do not work for anyone.  I have not solicited, nor accepted compensation, or personal advancement of any kind since August 19, 2003.  This includes manufacturers, consultants, distributors, and contractors.

Everything I do is based upon civic responsibility, and how my discipline (roofing procurement) may be incorporated into that theme.

Humbled you care one bit about what I have to say, I will encourage you to reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

Constructive criticism is both welcomed, and encouraged.

"In this world everything changes except good deeds and bad deeds; they follow you as the shadow follows the body" (unknown)

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC 1325620 (Florida)
RobertRSolomon@aol.com