"Whistle Blower Hammers RPM and Tremco"

I have a great affinity for people who have the courage to stand up, and fight for what's right.

Today, you will see a true "David & Goliath" story, and one I am delighted to bring.

Many of you know that I fight against purchasing cooperatives, and roofing material manufacturers who abuse the taxpayers.  Tremco, and Garland are the absolute worse, but today we will tell a happy story.

Please see;

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-tremco-employees-whistleblowing-leads-to-61m-settlement-of-qui-tam-case-221391811.html

Mr. Gregory Rudolph is the taxpayer hero who exposed Tremco for abusing GSA, and "Line Item" contracts.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

"CLEVELAND, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gregory Rudolph dedicated 20 years of his career to Tremco Roofing, but resigned in 2009 after his concerns about the company's conduct went unaddressed. 

 

Mr. Rudolph, who worked his way from a roofing technician to the Vice President of Product Management/Research & Development, walked away from a high-salary and job security.  Instead, Mr. Rudolph took his concerns to the federal government, filing a complaint under the False Claims Act shortly after his resignation. 

 

Mr. Rudolph sued on behalf of the united states government alleging that Tremco, and its parent company RPM, had made false claims to the United States government by offering less favorable pricing to the government as opposed to pricing afforded to private customers, marketing expensive materials to federal government purchasers without disclosing the availability and opportunity to purchase comparable lower-cost, identical materials, and selling and installing defective products and systems on federal government buildings.

 

On August 13, 2013, Tremco and RPM International Inc. reached a settlement under which they will pay the government $60,958,963 plus interest for claims arising during the period from January 2, 2002 through March 1, 2011.  As the whistleblower, or relator of the information leading to the settlement, Mr. Rudolph is entitled to a portion of the recovery, which in this case amounts to 17.9% of the settlement.

 

"Greg's actions reflect tremendous conviction and courage, particularly in difficult economic times," said Ann-Marie Ahern, counsel for Mr. Rudolph. 

 

Rudolph opened a small roofing consulting business, RAW Solutions in Rocky River, Ohio after leaving Tremco.  "The past several years have been very difficult for Greg.  But even with the uncertainty of starting a new business and the stress of the lawsuit, Greg has never regretted his decision." 

 

I am very proud of Mr. Rudolph's resolve, and Ann-Marie Ahern, counsel for Mr. Rudolph.  I promise you, this was a grueling battle.

 

Carlisle-Syntec (Michael Ducharme), Mr. Rudolph, Roof Consultant's Institute (Tom Gernetzke, President), Janet Campbell (School Roofing Scam), Diana Rice, Douglas Weeks, Oklahoma SA (Gary Jones) Saratoga Roofing (Denver Green), have sacrificed for the taxpayers.  I will amend the list as I am certainly forgetting someone.

 

My deepest respect, and appreciation goes out to them.

 

No public entity has the right to "preferred" vendors, proprietary specifications, sole source, or worse, the dreaded "Line Item Contract".  I publish this as a notice to administrators who may fall into a false understanding by salesmen/women.

 

All we ask is that manufacturers have a right to FAIRLY COMPETE for taxpayer dollars.  Laws are in place to insure this, but the Tremco's and Garland's circumvent the law through purchasing cooperatives, and the false claim they have "pre-competed".  You may not "Compete" on a project you've never seen.  There is no roofer on earth that will disagree.

 

Respect to Mr. Rudolph, Ms. Ann-Marie Ahern.  I will continue to fight with you, and on behalf of taxpayers everywhere.

 

Humbly, I thank each of you for the time you spend here with me.  Reject negativity in all forms, and always remember to keep looking "UP".

 

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

CCC 1325620

RobertRSolomon@aol.com 

"DaVinci Roofscapes: A Class Outfit, with A Class Product""

Most of you know that I don't often endorse manufacturers, or products.  But, when I'm impressed by a product, think it may be of interest to you as well.

Before I get into all the technical stuff, data, and pictures, let me share an observation about the company itself.

I've spent many millions of dollars on roofing products in my career.  It taught me about intangibles to the normal selection process, pricing, purchasing, and installation. 

If I were going to encumber my company by committing huge sums of money, I must develop a philosophy of  "Partnership", and who I wanted to "Partner" with.  It was going to be me answering the phone if the slightest problem were to arise.

The client paid me to make sure their phone didn't ring, and while it sounds simple, is harder than you think.  I knew my own personality, and "core values", but determining the "core values" of a representative, or manufacturer may sometime be difficult.  They are, after all, paid to sell material.

The DaVinci representative who visited me was a retired Colonel.  He was not a "Salesman" in the conventional sense. He never once discussed price, but educated me regarding benefits most roofers would not be interested in.  Like LEED, like recycling, like additional benefit for the end user.

When you start thinking about the "multidimensional" aspects of a roof, you are able to provide the client with many things other than a leak free roof.  Clean water runoff, energy reduction, LEED compliant, recyclable product, etc.

He was both serious, and sincere. Courteous, and receptive to courtesy.  Over the years, you develop a "sense" for those who are "passionate", and for those who seek only the precious P.O.  That "passion" goes a very long way when working with other "passionate" people.  You know you can rely on them to handle responsibilities.  After all, we get paid to solve problems, not give excuses to the client who is paying us with their hard earned money.

More than satisfied the company had a corporate sense of "core values", proceeded to install the product on an entry feature, and clubhouse on an exclusive golfing community.  The client was happy, I was happy, and we were able to achieve our profit margin through a surprisingly easy installation.

So, that is my personal observation, and experience with DaVinci Roofscapes.  Now I will share some data, and pretty pictures:

http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/

50-year Limited Warranties

DaVinci Slate and Shake roofing systems are products that will stand the test of time, providing beauty and durability for decades. Because of this, DaVinci roofing systems are backed by our 50-Year limited warranty.

Let me break this up a little by showing you a few representative images:

 

 

 
 

You can create any "look"  by determining a "pattern" that best suits a preference, or influenced by surroundins to "blend in".  I must share my preference for DaVinci on "cabins", "log homes", and other applications where the "flow" of the home is not interrupted.

                                                                  

Anyone reading this post will not be considering asphalt shingles.  "Paving" your roof with petroleum (and yes, including the color white) is not a remote consideration.

Here's why:  Asphalt shingles "attract" and "retain" the sun's radiant energy.  The brightest white shingle can easily reach temperatures of 180 degrees F., and create a "heat island effect".  Why would that matter?  The obvious answer in increased energy costs, but you are creating a "radiator" effect on nocturnal animals, and disrupting their habitat.

DaVinci products have no such drawbacks.

I would not offer concrete tile as an alternative, as it is extremely heavy, and places severe structural load on the building.  It is also very costly, and installation more difficult due to the weight of each concrete tile.  During a high wind occurence, these 8 lb. concrete tiles can be very destructive when airborne.

I love clay tiles.  But again, we must consider weight, and cost, as the airborne missile scenario is still present.  I've visited apartment complexes where a high wind event blew off thousands of concrete tiles, smashing cars, and the swimming pool was half full of concrete tiles that came to rest.

Davinci does not possess the same destructive impact.

The DaVinci product is "color through", and not a thin coat of paint as some concrete tiles offer.  This is a huge benefit, as the DaVinci system will naturally age.  I don't care what anybody says, but you may not expose any subset of roofing material to the sun, and not expect it to fade.  Some more than others, but it's a fact.

In closing, let me also suggest you inquire about a "synthetic" underlayment, and shy away from a petroleum underlayment.

Your home will have a LEED compliant roof (heat island effect), has reflective properties far greater than ANY asphalt shingle on the market.  You can find that information with the Cool Roof Rating Council.  I'll do a post on them next time.

I consider the DaVinci product desireable for many reasons, and I consider DaVinci Roofscapes to be an honorable firm.  I've trusted them, and was not disappointed.  Perhaps they are worthy of your consideration?

DaVinci Roofscapes, LLC
1413 Osage Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66105
Toll Free: 855-299-5301

 http://www.davinciroofscapes.com/

A reminder:  I have been retired for ten years now.  During this time, I have not accepted, nor solicited compensation, or personal advancement of any kind.  That includes manufacturers, consultants, distributors, or contractors.

I work for you.  I work for all taxpayers. I work for the environment.  My words truly "Independent", and I offer them to you as my civic responsibility only. Here, we do not consider political points of view, liberal, or conservative.  I am absent of influence, and only offer data, so you can make an informed choice.  Nothing more.

As alweays, I am humbled you spend time with me here, and care one bit about what I have to say.  I consider it a privilege to share a skill set with 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 (Florida Certification)
RobertRSolomon@aol.com

 

 

 

 

"RPM UNIT FACES HUGE ASBESTOS CLAIMS"

RPM and ASBESTOS.

Read this please:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130527/STAFFING/305279978/1220/newsletter03



Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance
CCC1325620
http://wikiroof.blogspot.com/

"GARLAND & U.S. COMMUNITIES RIP OFF"

Friends, I don't want to give the slightest impression that I make any of this up.  Every word I say is from science, or public record.

Note: This is verbatim, and I have not corrected spelling errors.

So, let's see what GARLAND says about GARLAND, and U.S. COMMUNITIES:

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.

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 arwarded 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 stear 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.  SELL AT ALL COST, and damn the taxpayer.

I don't know if I can make this statement more simple than it is.

"Competitive Bidding & FAIRNESS in Oklahoma"

Some of you may know I've been consumed by a long running quest to bring fair, open, and competitive, bidding to the State of Oklahoma.

If not, here is the original Oklahoma News 9 investigative report:

http://www.news9.com/story/15953631/school-districts-accused-of-wasting-tax-dollars

I became involved in that cause when a good man, Mr. Denver Green of Saratoga Roofing, contacted me (Aug. of 2011, I believe).  Saratoga Roofing is a member of Roof Consultant's Alliance, and at RCA, we help each other.

NOBODY likes "Proprietary Specifications" that are "Exclusionary", limit competition (if not obliterate it), and against every published law in North America.  You may thank your "Government Purchasing Co-Op's" for that, and they positively hate "competition" because their commissions (that almighty dollar) are less.  Who thinks government purchasing should be paid a commission for goods and services SOLD, rather than money SAVED?

Many others have been instrumental in this (Janet Campbell, Mark Nestler, Brian Gardiner, Tom Gernetzke (RCI President), Oklahoma SA's Office, Oklahoma AG, Citizens Procurement Reform, and those who may prefer anonymity).  Certainly I've missed many of you, so please forgive me.

If you would like to help put us over the top, perhaps 5 minutes of your time can be very well spent (and very much appreciated):


This bill has passed the Oklahoma legislature -- http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2013-14%20ENR/SB/SB630%20ENR.PDF

There is question as to whether the governor will sign it.  How many Oklahoma email can you generate???

We need to have as many people as possible send an email to the Governor:

1.  To email the Governor go to this link -- https://www.ok.gov/triton/modules/formbuilder/form.php?form_id=2ab143b4bba6b0e9da3235121bf3a7ef73719541e049cc5bcddf8ed1564dac13

2.  Fill out the contact information

3.  In the subject line write -- Please Sign SB630

4.  Here is an example for the message box:

Dear Governor Fallin:

I write you today and ask that you sign SB630.  SB630 passed the Senate 43-0 and the House 85-1.

SB630 puts a stop to the sole source abuse that has been occurring in public construction.  Such abuse has cost the taxpayers of the state millions of dollars in excess construction costs.  SB630 will guarantee Oklahoma taxpayers that there is competition in public construction in the state ensuring the best construction product for the lowest cost.  Failure to sign SB630 means Oklahoma taxpayers will continue to be robbed of millions of dollars by a few cheating the state and the taxpayer by prohibiting free and open public competition in the public construction marketplace.

It is vital to the continued economic growth of Oklahoma that you sign SB630.  I thank you in advance for you signature on the bill.

Respectfully,

5.  Select Yes on the request for a reply.

 

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

The bill itself:

An Act

ENROLLED SENATE



BILL NO. 630 By: Jolley of the Senate

and

Murphey of the House

An Act relating to sole source purchase contracts; amending 74 O.S. 2011, Section 85.22, which relates to competitive bidding; modifying certification requirements; authorizing substitution of certain products; prohibiting purchasing restrictions to certain geographical areas; authorizing promulgation of rules to implement act; providing for codification; providing for noncodification; and declaring an emergency.

SUBJECT: Competitive bidding procedures

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 74 O.S. 2011, Section 85.22, is amended to read as follows:

Section 85.22. Any competitive bid submitted to the State of Oklahoma or contract executed by the state for goods or services in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) shall contain a certification, which shall be in substantially the following form:

A. For purposes of competitive bids, I certify:

1. I am the duly authorized agent of _____________, the bidder submitting the competitive bid which is attached to this statement, for the purpose of certifying the facts pertaining to the existence ENR. S. B. NO. 630 Page 2
 


of collusion among bidders and between bidders and state officials or employees, as well as facts pertaining to the giving or offering of things of value to government personnel in return for special consideration in the letting of any contract pursuant to the bid to which this statement is attached;

2. I am fully aware of the facts and circumstances surrounding the making of the bid to which this statement is attached and have been personally and directly involved in the proceedings leading to the submission of such bid; and

3. Neither the bidder nor anyone subject to the bidder's direction or control has been a party:

a. to any collusion among bidders in restraint of freedom of competition by agreement to bid at a fixed price or to refrain from bidding,

b. to any collusion with any state official or employee as to quantity, quality or price in the prospective contract, or as to any other terms of such prospective contract, nor

c. in any discussions between bidders and any state official concerning exchange of money or other thing of value for special consideration in the letting of a contract, nor

d. to any efforts or offers with state agency or political subdivision officials or others to create a sole brand acquisition or a sole source acquisition in contradiction to Section 2 of this act.

B. I certify, if awarded the contract, whether competitively bid or not, neither the contractor nor anyone subject to the contractor’s direction or control has paid, given or donated or agreed to pay, give or donate to any officer or employee of the State of Oklahoma any money or other thing of value, either directly or indirectly, in procuring the contract to which this statement is attached.

Certified this _______ day of_________________ 20__. ENR. S. B. NO. 630 Page 3
 


SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 85.45j.1 of Title 74, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or agency rule to the contrary, any bid submissions received by a state agency or any political subdivision pursuant to authorized sole source bidding procedures established by the provisions of Section 85.45j of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which substitute an item with one that is alike in quality and design or which meets the required specifications of the bid shall be considered and shall not be prohibited. In terms of public construction contracts, with exception of specific products submitted and approved prior to release for bidding by the Oklahoma Attorney General for matching preexisting materials, at least three equivalent items from more than one manufacturer and more than one supplier or representative shall be included in the required specifications.

B. In addition, no sole source bid proposal shall require any limitation that materials must be supplied from a vendor within any specific geographical area. Geographic preference for vendors inside the geographical boundaries may be given, but only when the cost is the same or less.

SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law not to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services is authorized to promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

SECTION 4. It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval." ENR. S. B. NO. 630 Page 4
 


Passed the Senate the 30th day of April, 2013.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

Passed the House of Representatives the 17th day of April, 2013.

Presiding Officer of the House

of Representatives

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Received by the Office of the Governor this ____________________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.

By: _________________________________

Approved by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma this _________ day of ___________________, 20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.

_________________________________

Governor of the State of Oklahoma

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________ day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.

By: _________________________________   

 

We are beginning to take back our roofing discipline from government administrators who know nothing about us, yet dictate who can, and can't participate.

 

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO COMPETE FOR YOUR OWN TAXPAYER DOLLARS!

 

Please keep in mind that Private work is self policing, where in Public work, the sole manufacturer "Preferred Vendor" is MANDATED.  This is absurd, and no public official can rationally explain how 'Exclusion", and "No Compete" scenarios benefit YOU, the taxpayer.

 

In Oklahoma, "No Bid" contracting was up 124 million dollars over the previous year.  Is that the direction we should be following, or shall we choose "Fair Competition"?

 

The Governor of Oklahoma has this on her desk, and I will keep you informed.

 

If you can spare 5 minutes to write her, the entire roofing discipline will be in your debt.

 

Time for taxpayers, manufacturers, distributors, consultants, and contractors EVERYWHERE to stand up.

 

My plans are to address the same problem in Texas, and then clean up my own state (Florida).

 

While this work requires a great deal of time, and effort, am proud to do it for my Brothers and Sisters within the roofing discipline.  I am humbled by the encouragement and support so many of you have shown to me, and to this cause. 

 

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

 

Respect.

 

Robert R. "Ron" Solomon

Director, Roof Consultant's Alliance

CCC1325620

RobertRSiolomon@aol.com

Tampa, Florida   

"Roofing & the "Coalition for Procurement Reform"

Please allow me to start this off by thanking the leadership of Roof Consultant's Institute that bring honor to our discipline.  These men and women are unpaid for their service, and still work very hard at their "Day Jobs".

Considered by me as the "Reference Standard" of all things roofing.  When roofing, or reroofing a structure, be sure to have a qualified roof consultant who is an RCI member as part of your team.

By now, I don't think it's a secret that our government (all governments really) cannot efficiently spend money.  Each day, I receive examples of "No Compete" bids, or contracts in public works.  Today, I received two for example, and they are both schools shutting out everyone but their "Preferred Vendor".

There is a real groundswell forming in opposition to "Purchasing Co-Op's", and predatory sales models based entirely upon "Exclusion" of all competition.  "Line Item" bids aren't bids at all, and no "Competition" has occurred.  "Competition" that is required in all 50 States, all Territories and Provinces of Canada.

"Coalition for Procurement Reform" is a friend to roofers, and ALL TAXPAYERS!

Please look them up, and see what you can do:

Website:    www.procurement-reform.org

 

Coalition for Procurement Reform

2415 Westwood Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23230

(804) 288-2950 phone

 

Kristy Joplin

Executive Director

 

kristy@procurement-reform.org email

www.procurement-reform.org website

 

 

I am writing about them today because they are "right".  SOMEONE has to stand up against all this waste and preferential treatment, and CPR is doing a fine job of it.

 

Here's their latest press release:

 

 

CONTACT:

Coalition for Procurement Reform, cpr@procurement-reform.org, (804) 288-2950

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

RPM International Posts Big 3^rd Quarter Loss in Anticipation of Settlement

 

Medina, Ohio – April 4, 2013- Ohio-based RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) has posted a net loss of $42.36 million for the three months ending February 28, ahead of an expected $68.8 million settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).  The anticipated settlement is the result of an investigation into past roofing contracts between RPM’s Building Solutions Group (which includes Tremco) and the GSA; specifically, the compliance with pricing terms and conditions of GSA contracts under which Tremco sold goods and services to the federal government.

Kristy Joplin, Executive Director of the Coalition for Procurement Reform, states, “As a member of CPR, I am pleased to see the Federal Government investigate the value they are getting from this purchasing program at GSA. We are confident that the Department of Justice investigation will ultimately result in a more transparent, open, and fair bid process.”

RPM International, which also makes coatings, sealants, and paints, stated that its Building Solutions Group is cooperating fully in an effort to resolve the investigation, and is in settlement talks with the DOJ and GSA.  RPM has taken an adjustment for the anticipated $68.8 million settlement; however, the actual total of RPM’s loss remains subject to approval by the DOJ. 

Frank C. Sullivan, Chairman and CEO of RPM, stated that the company is hopeful that a final settlement would be reached prior to May 31.

The Coalition for Procurement Reform’s mission is to reform the current use of procurement processes.  Our proposed reform solutions would increase healthy competition, increase transparency in the system and ultimately save taxpayer dollars.

 

As you know, I'm only in the "Fairness" business.  A $68.8 million dollar penalty represents only a small percentile of the money YOU paid them for school roofs.  To me, that is shameful, irresponsible, and damaging to us as a society.

 

There's the information, and it can mean as much, or little, as you like.

 

I lower my head in respect to those of you who spend time with me here.  You will 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 

 

 

 

"The Dark Side of Roofing, and Government Purchasing Co-Op's"

“Government Purchasing Co-Op’s Destroying Schools”

Purchasing agencies try to justify their existence by telling us sheep that:

1.)     We buy in bulk, and pass the savings to you.

2.)    Our bargaining power saves money.

3.)    You don’t have to worry about “Competition”, because we’ve already done that for you.

Now that kind of sounds like Wal Mart doesn’t it?  The problem for Co-Op’s is that Wal Mart actually does save you money, they’ve cut the costs, and they have a fleet of professionals always whittling away at vendors for best pricing.

Government Purchasing Co-Op’s are a bunch of administrators who get paid a COMMISSION based upon a PERCENTAGE of all goods or services.  Not very “Real Life” is it?  They get paid MORE when the goods and services cost MORE!

These “Machines” are so intertwined, so infinitely vague, and filled with chaff, that a person is unable to understand what they’re actually trying to emote.  That is intentional by the way, because they have to skirt state and federal procurement laws already in place.

I’m going to offer the verbiage of people who intentionally try to limit competition for roofing services.  I am sure all other trades, disciplines, and individuals are handled in the same exclusionary way.  But here, I talk about roofing, so we will refine our search to that .  The examples are not meant to “Single Out” anyone, but to illustrate a pattern.

GSA, and purchasing agencies are so far out of control, that they are eliminating fair competition for roofing services intentionally.  Tremco, and Garland (as examples) are the most expensive (and without additional benefit) roof systems you will find.  Coupled with an amazingly expensive “Maintenance Program” that is stealing our schools blind.

It’s interesting to me that nobody seems to know much “reality”, but that doesn’t seem to concern a purchasing agent.   Most of the time, between 30% and 50% of your roofing taxpayer dollar goes STRAIGHT into a commissioned salesman’s pocket.  How’d that feel?

All LAW is designed to protect the taxpayer’s best interest, and that their money is spent efficiently.

HERE is where the Purchasing Co-Op people have their biggest obstacle.  Since they can’t rationally argue why it’s okay to spend taxpayer dollars without competition, they “interpret” the law, or create a “committee” to “interpret” it for them.  The spirit of the law means nothing to selfish, greedy people.  A frailness of humans, I’m afraid.

Frail, or not, they are stealing your taxpayer dollars through “Relationships” which could also be described as “Collusion”.

Let’s look at a few people who claim to save you money:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/7/prweb8651374.htm

E&I Cooperative Purchasing Awards Roofing and Related Services Contract to Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance, WTI

Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance together with WTI (Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.), a subsidiary of Tremco Incorporated, announced today that they have been awarded a contract for Roofing and Related Services through Educational and Institutional (E&I) Cooperative Purchasing.

Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share on LinkedInEmail a friend.

Beachwood, OH (PRWEB) July 20, 2011

 

Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance together with WTI (Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc.), a subsidiary of Tremco Incorporated, announced today that they have been awarded a contract for Roofing and Related Services through Educational and Institutional (E&I) Cooperative Purchasing. This contract provides Tremco Roofing and WTI with a distinct product offering in the higher education marketplace.

 

Based in Jericho, New York, E&I is a member-owned, not for profit buying cooperative established by members of the National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) in 1934 to provide lower costs for higher education. Current annual E&I Cooperative purchases exceed $1.5 billion, and membership is comprised of over 2,000 institutions.

 

Brian Burden, Tremco Roofing’s Market Development Manager for U.S. Education says, “The E&I contract provides Tremco Roofing and WTI with an opportunity to further expand our relationship-based sales approach into a key growth market. More importantly, it enables prospective higher education clients to work with best-in-class facilities and procurement professionals, as well as highly skilled construction contractors. When colleges and universities elect to partner with E&I and their awarded vendors, they know that proper due diligence has been done. Quality is expected and realized in both the procurement process and in the construction deliverable.”

 

The Roofing and Related Services contract will allow E&I members to access pre-competed, line-item contracts to address roofing and building envelope needs. The contract is based upon a nationally solicited request for proposal (RFP) and multiple bid responses. Ultimately, Tremco Roofing and WTI were chosen as the sole national provider for this five-year agreement.

 

About Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance

Headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance helps manage life cycles for customers in education, healthcare, government, manufacturing and many other industries. In business since 1928, Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance is a division of Tremco Incorporated, which is itself part of the RPM Building Solutions Group, an international leader in the construction, maintenance and repair markets. Tremco Roofing works closely with Tremco Incorporated subsidiary WTI, which provides general contracting and roofing services. Both Tremco Roofing and WTI are ISO 9001:2000 certified. To learn more about us, visit http://www.tremcoroofing.com or call toll free at 800-562-2728.

Isn’t that positively delightful?

They aren’t bidding on a specific school, but filled out a “line item” form, and now has a 5 YEAR CONTRACT!  The “line item” method is designed to circumvent the law.  No “Competition”, or attempt to provide “Competition” ever existed.  It can’t, because each school, and structure are different.  They are not “bidding” on anything, because no specification, drawings, or measurements exist on a “hypothetical”.

Let’s refresh your memory of how nice the Tremco (RPM)people are, and EXACTLY what they’re doing to your taxpayer dollar.

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130404/FREE/130409882/0/SEARCH

RPM posts big loss as it accounts for potential settlement of fed investigation

 

By MARK DODOSH

 8:51 am, April 4, 2013

RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) has reported a big third-quarter loss as the company accounted for the potential cost of an anticipated settlement with the federal government related to an investigation of past roofing contracts with the General Services Administration.

 

The Medina-based maker of coatings and sealants said the loss in the quarter that ended Feb. 28 totaled $42.4 million, or 33 cents a share. RPM said the loss mainly was due to an estimated loss contingency of $68.8 million associated with an investigation of roofing contracts between the company's Building Solutions Group and the GSA.

 

RPM said the Building Solutions Group is in ongoing settlement discussions with the Department of Justice and the GSA aimed at resolving the investigation. The company said it is cooperating with the investigation, which involves compliance with certain pricing terms and conditions of GSA contracts under which the Building Solutions Group's roofing division sold products and services to the federal government.

 

RPM said the “substantial majority” of the contingency relates to the sale of products and services from 2002 to 2008. The company said the actual amount of the loss, which remains subject to approval by the Justice Department, may vary from the amount of the contingency.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, RPM earned $6.6 million, or five cents a share.

Sales at RPM rose 9%, to $843.7 million from $773.6 million.

“With the exception of our roofing division, most of our North American industrial businesses benefited from the gradual economic recovery in the U.S., especially our businesses serving commercial construction markets," RPM chairman and CEO Frank C. Sullivan said in a statement.

Reader Comments

By  at 9:40 am April 8, 2013   

The state of Ohio requires schools and State agencies to purchase Tremco thru State Term purchasing. Why isn't anyone reporting the correption involved with the State Term purchasing process. Only three companies are allowed to participate in State term purchasing of roofs on state buildings. Tremco, Garland and Durolast. These companies are not the mainstream providers of commercial roofing in the industry. The State will notlist any other company because they say their bidders list is closed to competition. The State and tax payers are not receiving competitive bids.

The reader is correct.

If you are a taxpayer wondering how the “Dark Side” of commercial roofing is robbing your schools, I will attempt to make it clear how they are doing it.

Friends we are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars diverted to a few.  It is DESIGNED to work that way, and they spend millions to make sure it LOOKS legal.  It is obvious sleight of hand, and I hope to one day testify in a Federal Court to expose them, and set further precedent.

STOP PURCHASING CO-OP’S

Roofers:  Write P.O.’s to manufacturers who do not steal: GAF, Firestone, Carlisle-Syntec, or Johns Manville.

Taxpayer:  If you see the name Tremco, or Garland, you are being ripped off.

Administrator:   If you see the name Tremco, or Garland, you are being ripped off.

Unions:   Tremco and Garland are bringing your union roofers nothing but shame.

Virtually EVERY roofing consultant on earth avoids them like the plague, and Roof Consultant’s Institute has condemned purchasing Co-Op’s.

I will suggest you all stay clear of them, and avoid the spotlight.  When you get caught, you will be all alone.

Happily, we are making great progress in the elimination of the hardships these people create for you, and our schools.

 

Please type "School Roofing Scam" into your browser, or YouTube, and there will be no shortage of public record to support my comments.  You will note the two primary players Tremco and Garland.

SHAME.  SHAME.  SHAME.

Let me humbly thank each of you for caring about what I have to say, and for spending 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

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