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Municipal Engineering

Municipal Engineering

Municipal Engineering

(OP)
I am making the transition from a land development business to one that provides engineering services to municipalities (sewer, water, etc.) It seems as if most cities already have a relationship with a firm - usually they have been with that firm for several years. This business is proving difficult to break into. Just wanted to know if anyone out there has any tips.

RE: Municipal Engineering

Look for the small project bids. Also contact the municipalities indivdually. Most can give out a small prject with a fax bid. I think MN was topped at $25,000. If you have a real speciality maybe the big guy that does the majority work will sub that work to you.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com

RE: Municipal Engineering

Get involved with your local organizations where you can make contact with the city engineers.  When they already know the face when they get a proposal, it helps.

Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com

RE: Municipal Engineering

Have you tried talking to larger firms to see if they will subcontract to you.  In my area all municipal engineers (water and sewer) work off of a fee curve so engineering fees are not an issue.  You just have to continue to build relationships until you get an opportunity to get some work.  I work for a small engineering firm and I hope to someday go out on my own but for now I am working on building as many relationships as possible.   

RE: Municipal Engineering

The rules are writen by the state lawmakers, guess who gives lawmakers campain funds.  I have found work as a consultant only when I have a 'foot in the door' through those contacts via AWWA, APWA, NRWA and other such Orgs

Hydrae

RE: Municipal Engineering

Do you have public tenders for projects in the States?

RE: Municipal Engineering

Yes, public tenders exist but I choose avoid them.  I prefer to submit a statement of qualifications and negotiate a fee.

I was asked once to submit my hourly rates along with a performance and bid bond.  I wrote back that professional service providers typically do not secure performance bonds since the bonding company cannot not step in to provide a service they are not licensed to perform.  

And a bid bond is a guarantee I would not withdraw after bidding but before executing a contract.  I stated I do not beleive the public is served by competitively bidding professional services.

    

Don Phillips
http://worthingtonengineering.com

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