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Municipal Engineering

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Civil/Environmental
Jun 23, 2007
52
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.
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Do you have public tenders for projects in the States?
 
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
 
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