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| Web Brief (Nov 05) |
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Business Line Forum 2005: Creating, Discovering, and Recognizing Innovation
Innovation was the main topic at ODOT’s 2005 Project Delivery Business Line Forum in Salem Oct. 26. More than 150 people participated, including state and federal agency officials and, for the first time, attendees from private-sector contracting firms and members of the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Sponsored each year by the ODOT Office of Project Delivery, the forum provides an opportunity for peers and partners to meet, network, and brainstorm on industry and construction topics. As a result, participants gain new insights on the latest trends in project delivery, best practices, new methodologies, and current strategies in the facilitation of large construction projects.
This year, speakers included David Cox, the Federal Highway Administration’s division administrator, and Douglas Gransberg from the University of Oklahoma’s Construction Science Division. As keynote speaker, Gransberg spoke about the barriers to innovation on large projects.
Discussion focused on ODOT’s creative procurement methods and its award-winning Context Sensitive and Sustainable Solutions (CS3) initiative. ODOT’s innovations within the OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program were also highlighted at the forum.
“Our new transportation procurement methods are the most innovative and creative in the nation,” said Jim Whitty, manager of ODOT’s Office of Innovative Partnerships and Alternative Funding. “We can select on best value rather than just on low bid. Our selections can be geared toward what makes the most sense for the project and the stakeholders.”
Overall participant response to the conference was positive, and attendees thought the affirmative, problem-solving, and forward-thinking tone of the day’s presentations contributed to the forum’s success. Attendees were particularly impressed with the agency’s commitment to innovation.
“ODOT is ahead of the pack and a national innovator,” said Hal Gard, ODOT Geo-Environmental Section manager. “We are dedicated to coming up with ways to shorten timelines, reduce costs, and improve environmental outcomes. Not a bad thing. The question now is, how do we build on the success we’ve put in place?”
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