"ROOFING and ROOFING SERVICES ABUSED by PURCHASING COOPERATIVES"

Friends:

I do this because it affects YOUR schools, YOUR courthouses, YOUR fire departments, YOUR police stations, and YOUR hospitals and subsequentially, YOUR children.

I do not derive 1 cent of income from this site, from the 3,700 members of Roof Consultant's Alliance, or anywhere else.  It is easy enough for me to produce record confirming my statements.

It's been proven time and again that Purchasing Cooperatives have no business in construction services.  They are non-credentialed, non-supported, without authority to exclude competition as they do.

PURPOSEFULLY, they exclude fair competition, and replace it with a perverted "line item" structure that is contrary to the public's interest.  Most people I believe, would choose the acceptable, "fair competition" theme.  This requires "Invitation to Bid" in the local newspaper, a roofing consultant to determine best method as well as write specifications that are inclusive of at least 4 manufacturers.  That done,  contractors may choose from the manufacturers base then submit their responsible bid.

Fair competition bids are read from a sealed envelope aloud in a public forum, where even YOU are welcome to attend.  Doesn't that seem forthright and transparent?

Does the purchasing cooperative get paid their 4% commission to "Save" money?  Construction money is big, and that 4% can be further increased by choosing "Preferred Vendors" with inflated pricing.  No different than a car salesman (apologies).

The "end around" game is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in the roofing discipline.  I won't render an estimate of the overall damage as it pertains to other trades.

IT IS A SCAM. They will even teach you how to get around that nasty "Competition" thing.  The one thing standing in their way, that prohibits them from being more outrageous than they already are?   YOU! 

No matter how hard anyone tries, it will always come down to that, so they must create a "Diversion" which is their "Interpretation" of what FAIR competition means.

The LAW is clear. The spirit of the law is clear.

I may be rambling again but I am also offering support data to back it up, as I always do.

"Miami Today"

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2014/03/19/taxpayers-businesses-losers-bid-preference-legislation/

"Texas Insider" :

http://www.texasinsider.org/%E2%80%9Cbuyboard%E2%80%9D-official-admits-tasb-administered-agency-allowed-vendors-to-write-own-bid-specs/

"News Channel 4 - Oklahoma City"

http://kfor.com/2013/03/13/allegations-leveled-against-state-roofing-program/

"The GSA needs a top to bottom Gutting".

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/gsa-top-to-bottom-gutting-article-1.1062586

I think you will find this informative piece by the FBI interesting.  In it, they list their "Priorities".

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2010/march/corruption_032610

Public Corruption
Why It’s Our #1 Criminal Priority

03/26/10

Public corruption is a breach of trust by federal, state, or local officials—often with the help of private sector accomplices. It’s also the FBI’s top criminal investigative priority. To explain why the Bureau takes public corruption so seriously and how we investigate, we talked with Special Agent Patrick Bohrer, assistant section chief of our Public Corruption/Civil Rights program at FBI Headquarters.

Question: Why is public corruption so high on the FBI’s list of investigative priorities? 
Answer: Because of its impact. Corrupt public officials undermine our country’s national security, our overall safety, the public trust, and confidence in the U.S. government, wasting billions of dollars along the way. This corruption can tarnish virtually every aspect of society. For example, a border official might take a bribe, knowingly or unknowingly letting in a truck containing weapons of mass destruction. Or corrupt state legislators could cast deciding votes on a bill providing funding or other benefits to a company for the wrong reasons. Or at the local level, a building inspector might be paid to overlook some bad wiring, which could cause a deadly fire down the road.

Read the full article:  http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2010/march/corruption_032610

I am going to break down individual purchasing cooperatives, using their own words, on my next post.  It will include common offenders AEPA, Keystone, TCPN, U.S. Communities, and others.

As you watch the news tonight, you will observe the damage visited upon you by  "closed door" meetings, "no bid" contract awards, and the astonishing waste of your money in other ways.  You will see it as a "culture", rather than a service, or true function on your behalf.

I advise all public administrators, FM departments, schools, fire, police, courthouse, and hospital to conduct a "Fair and Open Bid".  Do not accept an 'interpretation" of a purchasing cooperative. It is against the law, and you are the ones "signing off" on it .  You are betting your career.

Like the person who pretended to be a civilized director of two VA hospitals in the Cleveland area.  WARNING:  If you are having a good day, don't read it.  It is almost too vicious for me to imagine, but here he is:

http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/news/?fuseaction=view&id=11089&nl_versionid=3894

Already confessed to more than 20 counts of bribery.

I'll bet that $500,000.00 in kickbacks doesn't seem so appetizing now.  I will work hard to find out who "Business 75" is, and report back.

If anyone wishes to share an experience, you may write to my central address:

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

The sad part is, I can go on with this for days.

Working on a couple of new concepts for this blog, to include audio/video, so I can expose the criminals on "YouTube".

I  bring the data.  You be the judge.

I am overwhelmed with emotion as I see over 40,000 views from across the globe.  Humbled that you care one bit about what I have to say. I am thankful many times over.

Friends, I encourage you to reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to  keep looking "UP".

Respect,

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

Public Procurement Analyst

CCC 1325620

Roofing Industry Backlash Against "Purchasing Cooperatives"

Friends:

It is always my intent to provide  the truth, with supporting documentation (public record), and without influence of any kind.  I do not pass judgement, and leave that to your study, and evaluation.

Simply put:  Roofing Industry Leaders, and Roofing Industry Organizations,  DO NOT want to participate in Purchasing Cooperative "Schemes' that bring dishonor to our discipline.  We DO NOT want anything to do with defrauding taxpayers, schools, or any public entity.

We seek FAIR COMPETITION for our own tax dollars.  We promote bidding laws already in place in all 50 states, all territories, and Provinces of Canada.  Our friends and colleagues in Europe suffer as well.

Today, I will feature the wonderful people at VARP (Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals).  

www.varoofingprofessionals.org  

Before reading their "Official Position Paper", I will thank Ms Heather Greenwell, Director of Membership Services for VARP.   This is the "Unity of Message" I often talk about, and illustrates the opposition to "Predatory Sales Models".

ANYONE who diverts money intended for our schools, and our children,  are without "Honor", and may not circulate among us. 

VARP is fighting for fairness, transparency, and a right to "compete' for our own tax dollars.  I admire them, and I admire Hunter Merrill of Mountain Roofing. 

Men like Mr. Merrill LEAD our industry, as the "World's Largest Roofers" sit on their hands, and do NOTHING.  Mr. Merrill promotes honor, and fairness, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking those traits in a contractor.

Respect to Mr. Merrill, and his honorable firm:



  
"Hi Robert,

You have VARP’s permission to use or post our position paper on cooperative procurement.  Here is the updated link dated February 2014 that we used at our Lobby Day:

 http://www.varoofingprofessionals.org/Resources/Documents/2014%20Lobby%20Day%20Position%20Paper%20-%20Cooperative%20Procurement%202.17.14.pdf.

As you know, VARP is active on cooperative procurement in Virginia.  As a quick update for you, the Virginia General Assembly has appointed a “Special Subcommittee” to study the Virginia Public Procurement Act in its entirety.  VARP is monitoring this subcommittee closely and our Government Affairs Committee Chair, Hunter Merrill of Mountain Roofing, has been appointed to the subcommittee’s construction work group.  

Here is a link to more information about the procurement subcommittee:  http://dls.virginia.gov/interim_studies_procurement.html.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions related to VARP’s efforts around the use of procurement in Virginia.  Keep up the great work!"

Heather

Heather Greenwell, Director of Member Services

Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals

2415 Westwood Avenue, Suite B, Richmond, VA 23230

----------

804-497-5917 (office)

804-288-3551 (fax)

www.varoofingprofessionals.org 

www.varoofingprofessionals.org 

 February 2014

The Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals (VARP) has developed the following position on theuse of cooperative procurement in construction:

While VARP believes that procurement can offer competitive purchasing of commodities, it

strongly advocates that procurement does not work for construction projects. No two

construction projects are the same. There needs to be a free, open and competitive bidding

system for any capital project or new construction.

VARP believes that the use of procurement for construction projects can often lead to some or all of the following unintended consequences:

• A lack of transparency in the bidding process.

• Improper influence from those that have a contract through a cooperative.

• Proprietary specifications excluding all but one manufacturer of building materials.

• Limited ability to challenge bid awards from excluded bidders.

• Exclusion of third-party consultants to evaluate projects.

• Non-compliance to local building codes.

• Overpriced projects that are passed along to the tax payers.

As an example of the flaw in using procurement for a capital project, a December 8, 2008 Roanoke Times article reported that the Roanoke City School District overpaid for the re-roofs of three schools, costing taxpayers at least $575,000 on a $2.3 million job.

As a direct result of what occurred in Roanoke, VARP lobbied successfully in 2010 to have 2.0-4304 Cooperative Procurement restrictions in place that limits the use of “piggybacking.” That code reads in part:

A public body may purchase from another public body’s contract even if it did not participate in the request for proposal or invitation to bid, if the request for proposal or invitation to bid

specified that the procurement was being conducted on behalf of other public bodies, except for:

1. Contracts for architectural or engineering services; or

2. Construction in excess of $200,000 by a local public body from the contract of another local

public body that is more than a straight distance of 75 miles from the territorial limits of the local public body procuring the construction. 

The installation of artificial turf or other athletic surfaces shall not be subject to the limitations prescribed in this subdivision. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prohibit sole source or emergency procurements awarded pursuant to subsections E and F of § 2.2-4303.

In instances where any authority, department, agency, or institution of the Commonwealth desires to purchase information technology and telecommunications goods and services from another public body’s contract and the procurement was conducted on behalf of other public bodies, such purchase shall be permitted if approved by the Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth.

Any public body that enters into a cooperative procurement agreement with a county, city, or

town whose governing body has adopted alternative policies and procedures pursuant to

subdivisions A 9 and A 10 of § 2.2-4343 shall comply with the alternative policies and procedures adopted by the governing body of such county, city, or town.

The $200,000 and 75 mile distance restriction in the current code greatly reduces the Commonwealth’s exposure to misuse of the procurement system, but still leaves Virginia open for abuse.

At a minimum, however, VARP’s position is one that the code not be changed."

THANK YOU to all members of VARP!

I encourage all roofing organizations with honorable intentions to follow suit.

VARP members should be proud of this initiative, and knowing you are protecting taxpayers, our schools, and most of all, our children.

I, and the 3,600 members of Roof Consultant's Alliance stand with you.

Friends, I know how laborious all of this seems, but the premise is not debatable.  Public structures must be competitively bid, and NOT influenced by Purchasing Cooperatives, "Preferred Vendors", "Sole Source", "No Bid", "Proprietary", SCAMS.

Public administrators may not give the slightest hint of "Favoritism".

 Public administrators have no authority to circumvent public purchasing law through the alleged "Pre-Compete" mantra of Purchasing Cooperatives.

These are but a few examples of Purchasing Cooperatives eliminating competition for their preferred vendor, and costing (routinely) 50% MORE.

Note this is a Seattle City purchasing department link that references a Cobb County, Georgia bid document.

http://www.seattle.gov/purchasing/bids2009/ITB095408USCommunities.pdf

Florida project

http://pompanobeachfl.gov/assets/pdfs/commission_backup/2014/2.11.14/3_items/11.pdf


David Kidd - Lobbyist and USC Program Director

http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Assets/Files/TarponSprings_USCSeminarFlier_2013_Final.pdf

And:

http://www.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/lobbyist.asp

And:

https://www.uscommunities.org/contact-us/

And:


https://www.uscommunities.org/news-events/customer-appreciation/

And:

https://www.uscommunities.org/fileadmin/hb/usc/Suppliers/Garland/Garland-Price-Increase-Approval-Letters_12_12_12.pdf

And:

http://mm1.co.fulton.ga.us/cache/00010/313/2013-0486.PDF


All you have to do is type "School Roofing Scam' into your browser, or on YouTube.  You will see the two manufacturers (Garland and Tremco) in every investigative report.

Tremco was just fined 61 Million dollars by the DOJ for abusing GSA Contracts.

Garland's top salesman in 2011 made 5.5 million dollars in commissions.  THAT'S where your tax dollars are going!

Purchasing Cooperatives must drop roofing, and roofing services from their offering immediately!

Note:  Retired 2003, do not solicit, nor accept compensation, or personal advancement of any kind.  That includes manufacturers, distributors, consultants, or contractors.

I know your time is precious, and am thankful for every moment you spend with me here.  If I've said anything that is factually wrong, please share thought with me here:

RobertRSolomon@aol.com

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

Respect,

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

Tampa, Florida

"THE Roofing Book to Own" By: Mr. Chuck Osterman

Friends;

As you are well aware by now, I do not buy, nor sell things.

When I come upon something exceptional however, I must bring it to your attention.

Mr. Osterman is a well respected roofing professional, with vast experience in all things roofing.  This book sits on my desk, and will highly recommend it to anyone who may be in the roofing discipline.

The book is very substantial, and covers virtually all aspects (including some things you cannot imagine), and is different from the $1,500.00 I spent on roofing books.  The books required for the Florida State Certification (that's the CCC 1325620 number following my name), are (to me, dated, and rather cold).

Mr. Osterman brings you a great deal of knowledge gained over 62 years in the discipline, and speaks with authority.  You will be well served to include this book in your library.

 

 

Ordering information for this book:

Amazon.com

 

http://www.amazon.com/Things-Should-Roofing-Contractor-Industry/dp/0979385008

 

You can read all the manuals, manufacturer's specifications, and anything else you like.  You will not find the "Real Life" aspect, and the applicability standard Mr. Osterman provides.

Worth every penny in my view, and cannot offer a higher endorsement of both the man, and the book.

As always, I am deeply grateful you care enough to visit with me here.  I know your time is precious, and try my best to make this site relevant for you.

 

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

Respect.

 

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

CCC 1325620

Public Procurement Analyst

 

"The Future of Ohio State Term Schedules is Questionable"

Friends:

This is a MAJOR ADVANCEMENT for fair roofing competition everywhere.  The post previous to this one shows the arrogance of school administrators, and purchasing cooperatives.  They are PLAYING with money intended for our children's schools, and safe learning environment. 

When a purchasing cooperative/proprietary manufacturer are involved, your tax dollar is immediately cut to 71 cents BEFORE we even get started.  I, and others like me, are fighting for fair competition in lieu of "Favoritism", and "Exclusion" of competition.

WE want the money to reach it's intended purpose, not buy fancy boats and cars for "Salesmen".

I'll make this short, and very direct:

Duro-Last announcement on OHIO:

"February 21, 2014

Re: Ohio State Term Schedules

Dear Ohio State Term Schedule Customer:

Duro-Last Roofing has been informed that the future of Ohio State Term Schedules is questionable. The state may be phasing out state term schedules. At this time, the state has not indicated what the alternative means of procurement will be.

Duro-Last Roofing’s Ohio State Term Schedule #800085 has been renewed through
June 30, 2014. We can accept purchase orders through this date for state term schedule projects.

I apologize that currently there is no definite information available. Duro-Last will continue to communicate any new developments with our authorized contractors.

If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at (800) 248-0280 ext. 2223 or csauer@duro-last.com. You may also contact Duro-Last’s Independent Sales Representatives Mike Gottron at (614) 402-2255 or Bryan Gottron at (937) 604-0377.

Best Regards,

Chenelle D. Sauer

Government Sales Administrator
Duro-Last Roofing"

Let's take a look how your government, and certain vendors scam everyone.

http://www.garlandco.com/procurement/ohio-contract.html

Notice, emblazoned across the page is:

Projects Awarded on “Best Value” Rather than Lowest Price

This contract is based off of the General Services Administration (GSA) contracts, allowing state and local agencies to purchase goods and services with the assurance that the competitive bid process has been completed.

Projects are awarded on the basis of “best value,” which is based on system life, warranty, maintenance availability, past performance, and environmental/energy efficiency.

For additional information regarding Garland’s Ohio State Term Schedule, please contact Kathryn Kerber at 800-321-9336 ext. 3518.

Who within that administration possesses a roofing credential of any type?  Who determines "Best Value"?  What "Measurable Unit" may the taxpayer depend upon?

This is nothing more than the circumvention of public bidding laws.

The answers to those questions in order , are: Nobody, and Garland themselves.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE may they legitimately compete with mainstream manufacturers (read: honorable) like Carlisle Syntec, GAF, or Firestone.

If you FAIRLY bid a public roof system, Garland would NEVER be competitive.  How can they when paying 25% "Salesman" commissions, when other manufacturers representatives are salaried?

In 2011, Garland['s top "Salesman" (New Jersey), made $5.4 million dollars.  Ask yourself if you (as a taxpayer) received the slightest benefit from that?

I'd bet "NO". 

Someone in Ohio is standing up for taxpayers, and as soon as I find out who it is, will publicly thank them here.

Roofing, and Roofing Services do not fall within the purview of  "Purchasing Cooperatives".  I think I've illustrated that point many times now, and apparently lawmakers are beginning to agree.

I am happy to share this wonderful news with you, and we'll see if the other domino's fall behind them.  My prediction is "Yes, they will".

Thank you OHIO for looking into these scams.

Your wellfare is my only concern.  I am thankful you care about what I have to say, and spend valuable time with me here.

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)
RobertRSolomon@aol.com

Tremco Sticks It to Pennsylvania Schoold district for $2.2 Million"

Friends:

I have no idea how many times I must repeat this, but public administrators do not have the authority to "Exclude" all competition, in favor of a preferred vendor.

They MAY NOT "EXCLUDE" fair competition.  They will make every attempt to circumvent the law through a "Purchasing Cooperative", the singularly most destructive ploy to literally steal from our schools.

It is against the law in all 50 states, and all territories/provinces of Canada.  I can prove that if someone wants to give it a try.

Tremco, and Garland depend upon a "No Compete" predatory sales model through "Purchasing Cooperatives".   The Cooperative gets paid a commission (4%), and the Tremco or Garland "Salesman" gets 25%.  IMMEDIATELY reducing your tax dollar to .71 and diverting the 29% straight to a salesman.

Your "Dollar" just turned into two quarters, two dimes, and a penny.

I am of the "opinion" (a word I rarely use) Purchasing Cooperatives present a "Socialistic" theme of exclusion.  You are under the impression they "save" you money, while the opposite is true.  That is not an opinion, and I can prove it.

MAJOR, MAINSTREAM, MATERIAL MANUFACTURERS DO NOT USE THIS PREDATORY CONCEPT!

Manufacturers like GAF, Firestone, and Carlisle Syntec ARE honest manufacturers that offer products equal to, or superior to Tremco.  NEVER will you see them stealing from schools, and they fight fair.

They COMPETE through open, transparent, bidding practices as we all should.  Our schools do not receive serviceability and value through Purchasing Cooperatives, they receive it through competitive bidding.

The following story is one of the most heinous examples of school waste I have ever seen.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/02/lower_dauphin_school_roofs_to.html?goback=%2Egmp_2781278%2Egde_2781278_member_5842082006267084803

Lower Dauphin school roofs to be replaced, restored.

By Monica Von Dobeneck | Special to PennLive 
on February 17, 2014 at 10:13 PM, updated February 18, 2014 at 4:00 PM

"The Lower Dauphin School Board has agreed to pay more than $2.2 million to replace the middle school roof and restore the high school roof.

Randy Kline, representative of roofing supplier Tremco's Inc.'s Weatherproofing Technologies division, gave a presentation at the beginning of Monday's school board meeting.

He said the middle school roof is 20 years old and beyond the ability to restore. He said it has been leaking for several years. It is “hemorrhaging,” he said.

The high school roof, at 18 years old, is in somewhat better shape and can be restored at about one third the cost of replacing it, he said.

“If you let it go another two to three years, it will need to be replaced,” he said.

The middle school roof comes with a 20 year maintenance agreement at an up front cost of $73,840 and the high school roof with a 12 year maintenance agreement at a cost of $82,714.

That is obscene.  You can use an honorable manufacturer offering 20 year "No Dollar Limit" warranties, backed by billions in assets, for virtually NOTHING!.  The "Maintenance" package is the BIGGEST RIPOFF you can imagine. 

School officials will also look at adding a maintenance agreement for a portion of the high school roof, including the auditorium, that was replaced in 2008.

Cost for the middle school roof will be $1,143,756. The high school work will be $928,023.

Kline said the roof work was bid through the Keystone Purchasing Network, a cooperative of school districts.

It was not "Bid" to anyone.  Keystone used a "line item" form, similar to the one Tremco was fined $65,000,000.00 by the DOJ for abusing GSA.  Keystone used the ONE manufacturer, GUARANTEEING Tremco the job.  Period.

NO OTHER MANUFACTURERS WERE ALLOWED TO BID, NOR WERE THEY CONSIDERED.

Funds were set aside for the work in last year's capital budget.

Contractors will be Hauck Services for the high school restoration and David Maines & Associates for the middle school.

Work will start the day after students leave for summer vacation and should be essentially done by the time they return in the fall, Kline said".

What a complete and total abuse of taxpayer funds.  The administrators who did this should be fired immediately.

Here they are:  http://www.ldsd.org/Page/1

Write to her at:  ssmith@ldsd.org.

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Welcome to Lower Dauphin School District's Web site. It is the mission of Lower Dauphin School District to provide a thorough and efficient public school education for all school age residents of the district. The District is committed to excellence, high expectations, and fiscal responsibility. We believe that the School District must be accountable to its students as well as its public. As part of our quest for excellence, we believe that:

• All students can learn and succeed.
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Through the promotion of these beliefs, the Lower Dauphin School District will meet the challenging needs of a global society and prepare its students to succeed in the 21st Century.

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Write to her at:  ssmith@ldsd.org.

Write to her at:  ssmith@ldsd.org.

Write to her at:  ssmith@ldsd.org.

Check out: School Roofing Scams on your Browser, or on YouTube.  There will be no shortage of Tremco investigations there.

This school district should have done their homework.  the Superintendent certainly didn't.

Thank you for spending time with me here, and I am humbled to bring you the information through research.

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

Respect,

Robert R. Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
Public Procurement Analyst
CCC 1325620

"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