TCPN as Tremco Roofing Exclusive Sales Team:
I will prove to you that TCPN has a very unhealthy financial interest in Tremco/WTI. I would like to tell you that is unique, but it isn't. The purchasing cooperative does not get paid to SAVE money, they get a COMMI$$ION of 4%. Where is the incentive?
The more it costs, the more they make. Period.
Would a rational person (taxpayer) approve of this method? Of course not. But, they are unaware, because they "Trust" others to care about our schools, and tax dollars. The opposite is true, and permeates the very core of all government purchasing ciooperatives.
This example illustrates the nepotism, esoteric companies formed only to funnel money away from you. I will make an attempt to bring them to you, and also continue to fight for fair bidding practices that do not excludee competition as TCPN does.
Let us begin.
The messages were sent to:
tmoses@tcpn.org
First message:
"Dear Sir:
Roof Consultant's Institute, and my group Roof Consultant's
Alliance
(5,000+ members combined) take great exception to roofing services
contracted
through government purchasing cooperatives.
"TCPN will
receive 4% of the total revenue from each PO executed under
this contract.
This fee will be included in the contractor's pricing proposal and will not
be
issued as a separate line item in any job proposals issued to client
members.
This
contract management fee will be required to be paid within
thirty days of the completion of any work order".
TCPN is essentially
a commissioned salesperson, and the more roofing
services cost, the more
TCPN makes. All incentive to achieve a lower price is
immediately vacated.
Shameful.
We are fed up with terms like:
Proprietary
Specifications
Sole Source Agreement
Preferred Vendor
Line Item
Contract
Job Order Contract
They are designed only to circumvent fair,
open, and transparent, competitive bid laws of every state in this
country.
I see one of your preferred vendors is WTI/Tremco. Are you
aware they
were just handed a federal fine of $61,000,000.00 for abusing GSA
"Line Item"
contracts?
http://www.tcpn.org/Vendors/Pages/WeatherproofingTechnologies.aspx
WHO is "Weatherproofing Technologies'?
TREMCO
Let's check TCPN's website for roofing contracts:
http://www.tcpn.org/Pages/All-Current-Contracts.aspx
Who is Progressive Roofing? A "Division" of Progressive Services.
Here is the "appointment" by TCPN to make Progressive Roofing a "partner", as they all like to say.
http://www.tcpn.org/Contracts/MO928/Progressive%20Roofing%20Award%20Letter%2012-2-09%20(Scan).pdf
That document will show you that Progressive Roofing submits some convuleted mess of numbers to TCPN for contract award. NOT to a municipality, or any public works. ALL COMPETITION has been effectively eliminated by the Vendor, and TCPN, although they keep saying "Competitively Bid", they are not.
TCPN is getting 4% (minimum) for jacking up roofing prices. It really is that simple. Tremco and Progressive Roofing are more than happy to oblige them.
Now,
attorneys across the nation are seeking additional retribution, and
the
cases include defective materials, and even the roofing
applicators
themselves? The data is very easy to furnish if that is your
pleasure.
We normally see either Tremco, or Garland as the only ones
represented in
government purchasing cooperatives, and that is not by
accident. It's by
DESIGN!
Source:
http://schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/
I've shown these individually before, as they are public record. But Ms. Campbell (please visit her site for so much more information) has them organized for you.
On
YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGPNJxK1ZRQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWwb3UNn0V0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEKVSrPui08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SPGTLMKT60
http://www.wbaltv.com/I-Team-Is-School-Construction-Costing-Taxpayers/-/9380084/9127454/-/uaj6je/-/index.html
http://www.news9.com/category/116601/video-page?clipId=8604183&autostart=true
Print
media:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-tremco-employees-whistleblowing-leads-to-61m-settlement-of-qui-tam-case-221391811.html
http://www.nysun.com/national/legislators-mayors-arrested-in-new-jersey-bribery/62077/
http://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/shut-out-new-jersey-strikes-down-suspicious-bidding
http://www.professionalroofing.net/article.aspx?id=147
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/jul/12/north-kitsap-school-board-approves-roofing/#ixzz2ZGxAOd1M
http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/archive/x333424294
http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1522095368/State-could-punish-district
http://cumberlink.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/cv-school-district-settles-lawsuit-with-carlisle-syntec-systems-employees/article_4e09a08c-9e18-11e1-9085-001a4bcf887a.html
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Schools-paying-millions-too-much-for-new-roofs-3258031.php
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/investigator-lack-of-bidding-cost-miami-county-tax/nTgdy/
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/state/x1361725249/Framingham-company-probed-in-fatal-lift-accident
http://www.abqjournal.com/news/metro/288320metro01-14-05.htm
http://www.orovillemr.com/news/bayarea/ci_5667765
http://www.stopthewarmachine.org/events/jan18pdf.pdf
http://www.sfweekly.com/2003-02-26/news/the-fix-is-in/
http://www.state.nj.us/sci/school.shtm
http://www.bsa.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/I2003-2.pdf
http://aaar.assembly.ca.gov/20102011hearings
http://www.house.state.tx.us/video-audio/committee-broadcasts/committee-ar
How
about some RPM/Tremco stock selloff by Corporate?
(Note: items in red were not included in my original message to TCPN)
http://www.secform4.com/insider-trading/110621-1.htm
Folks, you MUST read this link, and see the massive sell off. This is the SAME company that TCPN is using exclusively. A lot of money is flowing folks, and none of it reaching our schools.
They've appointed a past
Attorney General and official of DOJ (specialty in bid rigging) to
the
Tremco board as well. Does that sound above board to you?
I
could go on, but the pattern does not change, and think I've proven
my
point.
Tremco, and Garland "Salesmen/women" are paid exorbitant
commissions
(25%). That means for every tax dollar designated for roof
replacement, or
repairs, only 75% actually gets there. A vicious taxpayer
assault in my view,
and that of any rational person.
You are causing
great hardship to taxpayers in this country, and to my
Brothers and Sisters
within the roofing discipline who seek a fair opportunity
to bid for their
own taxpayer dollars.
The path is well worn by Tremco, and
Garland.
You, as a government purchasing cooperative facilitate this
heinous assault
on taxpayers, and the roofing world is vehemently opposed to
it.
Don't believe me? I've attached the words of a Garland Salesman,
and
proudly listed in his profile.
AEPA, NJPA, US Communities, and
TCPN are all variations on the same theme
since in the past - Tremco mostly
won. In some cases, the copy cats like
Garland and Hickman were
successful.
The line item bid process is far from a true bid
process where the low
company gets the work. Individual line items receive
an estimate that is then
arbitrarily weighted. Whoever wins the most line
items wins that portion of
the bid.
In some cases, manufacturers are
forced to bid on line items that they are
legally precluded from like the
provision of design services. In the case
of AEPA, the contract has more
points riding on masonry restoration than on
roofing services. At the end of
the day, the line item portion is only a
fraction of the rating system used
to select a vendor since other subjective
measures come into the picture
that are not clearly defined to those of us
on the outside trying to figure
out their scoring system.
In the recent CV Schools lawsuit, found the
AEPA process was flawed in that
no due diligence was ever done to ensure
that the schools got market compet
itive numbers. When pressed they claimed
that they never promised to
provide a more competitive price.
If you
read their marketing materials, you will find that this is not
accurate
since most school districts are left with the impression that they
are
getting a competitive number and the contract has been
"pre-competed".
In addition to their recent board addition, I also
saw that they had added
an attorney with an extensive background at the DOJ
with experience (12+
years) with bid rigging.
At the moment, it is
going on with a current RFP, and we will vigorously
protest if not
withdrawn.
TCPN (see attachment)
http://www.tcpn.org/Pages/RFP-Webpart-Page.aspx
Due
Oct 28
RFP states: "TCPN (The
Cooperative Purchasing Network) intends to enter into Roofing Products and
Services Contract(s) for the construction, maintenance, repair and
alteration services related to roofing systems. These contracts will be
available for use by all public entities such as ESC's, ISD/USD's,
universities, city and county governments, community colleges, state and
federal agencies in these United States and other jurisdictions."
I
would appreciate acknowledgement of receipt by all copied, and will
await
your response.
The purpose of this writing is to advise you of
certain misconduct, and
make you aware. I am praying you see the copious
data as illustrative,
informative, and helpful. Everything I write is for
public consumption, and you
are free to share it with anyone you wish.
Particularly Tremco, and the
school district.
How shall we
proceed?
Respect,
Ron"
**************************
Without benefit of reply, sent a second message to each member:
"Dear Sir:
Again: Roofing must be completely removed from your list of services, and a
letter signed by the BOD to enforce it. This is my minimum requirement.
TCPN is a "Front" for Tremco, and that much is known, and certain.
Taxpayers cannot afford the unnecessary exposure to liability that TCPN,
R4,Tremco/WTI/RPM brings. Lawyers are now seeking testimony from Tremco
"Approved Applicators", and have no reason to believe they will stop
there.
If you impose your will upon the taxpayers, the burden will fall to you.
Consider this friendly advice, and a certainty. RPM's 61 million dollar federal
fine is real, and explaining why you SPECIFICALLY choose them as a "Preferred
Vendor", using "Line Item" contracting (the same thing they were guilty of with
the GSA) might be a tough sell.
Ignoring a reasonable concern will not make it go away. I will expand my
complaint now to include Directors of R4 Enterprises, LLC. I have also become
interested in your "non-profit" status, as I believe it to be overreaching,
and unlawful.
It is a simple matter of "connecting the dots", and I will connect them.
That is a given. Doing pretty good so far don't you think?
TCPN (all), "Pechacek" (all), Tremco (all), and R4 Enterprises, LLC (all),
seem to be heavily dependent upon the favor of each other. The "sleight of
hand" is exceptionally clumsy, compared to most bid rigging themes.
Are the taxpayers served? Of course not.
I am presenting you with fact.
If you want the protest on an "Official"
form, please send it to me for completion. But THIS is my
official protest form.
Involved:
"As
a Principal Roofing Consultant at Tremco, I have over 22 years of relevant
experience within the municipal, county,
state and federal governmental markets; in addition to K thru 12 and Higher
Education. I am disciplined in the inspection, analysis, expert
reporting, document development, project management and programming for all
building envelope components including roofing, waterproofing and dam proofing
assemblies. My success in this industry has been built upon relationships of trust with my
clients. I believe in long-term roofing solutions and am available, as ‘The
Reliable Resource’ for my client’s roof management needs".
Robert A. Pechacek's Biography
Type Of Business:
Government company
Marketing Area:
National
Expertise:
Governmental marketing
Major Product/SVS:
Professional development
and technical assistance for school districts
Hobbies/Sports:
Sports
Education Degrees:
MBA, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (2012); Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Oral Roberts
University (1987)
Affiliations Awards:
Texas Association of
School Business Officials; Government Finance Officers Association of Texas;
Association of Educational Service Agencies; Association of School Business
Officials International
Charity:
Volunteer, Local Church
Number Of Years In
Profession:
15
Number Of Years In
Current Position:
3
What Does He/She
Attribute Success To:
He attributes his
success to his background in auditing, the customer service skills he learned
from his father and the support he received from his mentors.
Why did you become
involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in
his profession after gaining experience working as a financial auditor.
Position
Responsibilities and Duties:
Heading the companies
Where Will You Be In 5
Years:
In five years, Mr.
Pechacek plans to continue to expand and start new businesses
"Texas Association of School Business Officials; Government Finance
Officers Association of Texas; Association of Educational Service Agencies;
Association of School Business Officials International
Public
testimony".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andy Pechacek, the CEO of R4 Enterprises
LLC
Entrepreneur and
Management Consultant
- Current
President/CEO at
R4 Enterprises, LLC
Representative Profile
|
David Naber - Houston, TX
Southeast Texas and Louisiana Telephone: (281)
358-4957 E-Mail: dnaber@tremcoinc.com
|
If you care to offer a reasonable conclusion, I am happy to hear
it.
If not, I will piece it all together into presentation form, and take our
chances. Please do not make me invest a huge amount of time into "Bid Rigging",
although that's exactly what this is.
Note: Not one of great sensitivity, am insulted that you, nor one person
copied had the decency (much less courtesy) to reply.
I am dedicated to a civil, fact based, discussion. If you are amenable to
such a theme, I would appreciate it.
Soon, I will have to report my progress to the taxpayers, and the lawmakers
sworn to protect them.
Ms. Bushnell seems to be an important component in this "process" as well.
As Counsel, she should know better than to expose TCPN to such a vulnerable
position. I welcome her input.
What's your pleasure?
Respect,
Ron"
*********************************************************
Finally, received this reply from: tmoses@tcpn.org
"Mr. Solomon,
We are in receipt of your correspondence dated October 16,
2013 and October 20, 2013. We are in a quiet period for this solicitation until
the deadline when the proposals are due. We will not comment on
any solicitations currently being advertised.
Tray
Moses
Director of
Operations/Business Development
11280 West
Road
Houston, TX
77065
Direct Line
713.554.0557
TCPN Main
713.554.0437
Cell
979.877.8583
********************************************************
Sorry to interrupt "Quiet Time".
My position is not based upon a SINGLE project, but their methods of jamming Tremco down the throats of our schools, and of you the taxpayer. This is how Tremco shuts out competiition, and people like TCPN are more than happy to go along.
This is proven by their association with R4 Enterprises, LLC.
Alternate Names:
- The Cooperative Purchasing Network - Assumed
- Tcpn - Assumed
- R4 Enterprises LLC - Legal
You will note that R4 Enterprises, LLC is comprised of at least one Tremco employee.
Key People & Organizations for R4 Enterprises LLC
Overview of R4 Enterprises LLC in Houston, TX
R4 Enterprises LLC filed as a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the State of Texas on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 and is approximately two years old, according to public records filed with Texas Secretary of State. The filing is currently active as of the last data refresh which occured on Monday, October 21, 2013. A corporate filing is called a foreign filing when an existing corporate entity files in a state other than the state they originally filed in. This does not necessarily mean that they are from outside the United States.
Key People
Robert Pechacek is the Director of R4 Enterprises LLC. Robert's additional corporate interests include Kinetic Group LLC .
Jason Wickel. The Director of R4 Enterprises LLC . Jason has other corporate interests including Kinetic Group LLC located in .
Angela G. Bishop is also the registered agent for the company. Also known as a statutory or resident agent, the registered agent is responsible for receiving legal notifications regarding court summons, lawsuits, and other legal actions involving the corporate entity.
We'll soon work on "The Kinetic Group, and reveal what we find here.
Active
D&B Company Report
Corporate Records
Texas Secretary of State
Filing Type: | Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) |
Status: | Active |
State: | Texas |
State ID: | 801455253 |
Date Filed: | Wednesday, July 20, 2011 |
Registered Agent | Angela G. Bishop |
Alternate Names:
- The Cooperative Purchasing Network - Assumed
- Tcpn - Assumed
- R4 Enterprises LLC - Legal
That Friends, is OBSCENE by any stretch of the imagination.
I will report back on this development if TCPN, Tremco, and R4 Enterprises, LLC., admit to this obvious wrongdoing, and ceases.
If there is no such admission (although supported by public record), I will take you along for the ride.
NOTE:
I will no longer participate in any activities not directly related to "Roof Consultant's Alliance" or "Public Roofing Procurement". You will see no mention of manufacturers, distributors, consultant's, or contractors, who are not either the problem, or not committed to solving the problem.
If I am to protect taxpayers everywhere, may not be dependent upon the ambitions of others.
I will try harder to condense these posts for you, but every turn I take reveals more. Collecting this material is time consuming, and I'll try harder to bring it to you in a more "Professional" format. For now however, you're stuck with facts, and a few illustrative photos.
Soon, I hope to do some audio "break downs" for you, as I present documents, and share the meanings with you.
Please note that I alone am responsible for every word I say here. I encourage constructive criticism, or factual corrections.
Thank you for visiting with me today. Please reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".
Respect,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC 1325620 (Florida)
Note: If you want to find out anything about me, just type my name in your browser. It's all there, and my Linkedin full profile is quite complete.