L.R. Kimball

{DB's Corner - #9} Mood Writing

 by Dennis Buirge

Various English subjects such as grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and syntax have always been my worst topics of study with little to no interest over decades.  More learning regarding proper English usage has occurred during specification writing than any previous attempt.  Of particular interest to preferred specification writing techniques is the sentence mood.  Depending on which internet sites are reviewed, 4 major moods seem to be identified, (imperative, indicative, interrogative, and subjunctive) along with several minor moods (infinitive, declarative, exclamative, optative, and that one seeming to be so pervasive today … cursing).

The four major moods in alphabetical order are defined as follows:

• Imperative - to express a request or command, such as ‘paint the walls a white color’
• Indicative - to make a factual statement, such as ‘the architect designs the building’
• Interrogative - a question, generally initiating with the W words of who, what, where, when, why, and how, such as ‘who builds the building?’
• Subjunctive - to show a wish, doubt, or anything else contrary to fact or action that has not yet occurred, such as ‘the Owner requested the Contractor submit his payment application before the end of the month’. 

 According to the Project Resource Manual (PRM), only the indicative and imperative moods are referenced regarding proper specification writing.  So what is the major difference and what does The Construction Specification Institute (CSI) recommend as the preferred specification writing mood(s)? 

The older method, and one used by those who have not been trained via CSI philosophies, is the indicative mood.  This method generally starts with a noun and then identifies the action, causing a longer sentence than the imperative mood.  An example of the indicative mood would be, ‘The general contractor shall secure drywall with metal screws.’  This type sentence structure can cause unnecessary wordiness, repetitiveness, and monotony.  The imperative mood on the other hand generally starts with a verb and then identifies the action.  An example of the previous sentence in the imperative mood would be, ‘Secure drywall with metal screws.’  This type of sentence structure is concise, is readily understandable, and is the recommended mood by the PRM. 

On occasion however, use of the indicative mood becomes mandatory and must be used in a project manual to clearly identify work scope responsibility, such as when identifying either a scope to the Owner or Contractor and during projects involving multiple prime contracts.  The imperative mood cannot be used in those cases to clearly delineate accountability.  This condition of using the indicative mood occurs primarily in Division 00 Documents and Division 01 Sections.  One example is where some Owner’s may provide their own or certain temporary utilities and controls or require the Contractor to do so. 

In another example, even using the indicative mood is not sufficient where using “Contractor shall” when more than one Contractor is under contract will lead to work scope ambiguity.  If the scope is to be performed by a particular Contractor, then proper language could be “General Contractor shall”, which identifies the specific Contractor responsible for the action.  In the case of temporary heating where multiple Contractors could be responsible at different times during construction, the specification should identify who and when, such as the “General Contractor” shall provide temporary heating until the building is fully enclosed, at which point scope responsibility transfers to the “Heating Contractor”.  The indicative mood in these examples gives clear, complete, concise, and correct communication and is better than the imperative mood.  In Divisions 02 through 49, use of the imperative mood is preferred, since particular work scopes and Contractors are generally defined via Division 01 specification Sections. 

In summary, use the imperative mood as the standard method and the indicative mood when identifying scope by either the Owner or Contractor and with multiple prime contracts to clearly define scope responsibility for each Contractor.

Network & Remote Access

By Lori Kleckner

This installment of our security series focuses on section 9 of NENA Security for Next-Generation 9-1-1 Standard (NG-SEC), designed to be used by public safety agencies as a guideline for securing their systems. As today’s emergency services networks are implemented, it is important to identify, document and protect them. Solutions should also be in place to address equipment and circuit fail-over. Network and remote access security addresses several security issues and strategies for mitigation.   

As part of this series, L.R. Kimball has been sharing some common findings of non-compliance with NG-SEC as observed during our PSAP assessments. In the area of network and remote access it is prevalent to find both the absence of firewalls and firewalls that are not properly configured. Accurate network diagrams are generally not made available to the PSAPs. Network redundancy is minimal. This is obviously problematic.

It is difficult to protect the network and associated assets without first defining the network. Once the boundaries of the network are understood (and documented), actions should be taken to secure those boundaries. Firewalls should be in place at each boundary of the network. Firewalls should be configured based on business need of traffic, minimizing the number of ports open and protocols permitted to ingress and egress the network. Following a defined process for maintaining the firewall to assure only appropriate network traffic is entering or leaving the network, is a defense against issues arising from both known and emerging threats.

Remote access to the network is an area requiring close scrutiny to determine the business need. Any access to the network has the potential to introduce malicious activity both intentional and unintentional. Remote access, whether for third-party maintenance access or remote employees, must adhere to polices and the intent of the firewall must not be circumvented.

Network redundancy and diversity often requires consideration of the options available to the PSAP. Redundancy includes duplication of equipment and circuits. Advantages of redundancy are realized during maintenance of equipment and in the event of an unforeseen failure. Redundancy will provide the resources to remain operational while repairs are enacted. In the same manner, the ability to provide an alternate route for network circuits to achieve diversity in the event of an outage, supports maintaining high availability needed to provide emergency call services.

The importance of network and remote access, as well as addressing availability through redundancy and diversity are issues facing today’s IP-connected PSAPs. With strong policies in place and the commitment to follow through, the availability of emergency call services is greatly increased.

Visit our blog next month to gain an overview of change control and documentation.

Progress in Williamsport, PA

Until recently, most Pennsylvanians would think of the Little League World Series when they heard of Williamsport.   A few may think of small airplanes since, from the 1930’s to the 1960’s, the region was the home of the Piper Cub.   Others may think of the ‘Millionaires’, the curious name of the Williamsport High School’s sports teams, and some of those may even link the moniker to the late 1800’s when, thanks to the lumber industry,  Williamsport sported more millionaires than any other town in America.      However, today the name ‘Williamsport’ is being linked with prosperity, growth, opportunity and progress. 

Modern Williamsport’s renaissance is driven by energy.   Like other smaller metro areas, the region’s biggest employers are in the health care, education, retail, and manufacturing sectors.  However, the region is also the gateway into a large part of the Marcellus Shale fairway.  The county has 15 separate businesses in the mineral extraction business and the 491 employees of those companies enjoy an average annual wage of over $71,000, more than twice the county average.  Combine these jobs with the 8915 manufacturing jobs paying roughly the state average wage ($45,000 annually) and you have healthy and sustainable micro economy and the very picture of prosperity. 

Prosperity leads to opportunity and opportunity leads to growth.  Visible and tangible growth is progress.  In Lycoming County, bridges are being rebuilt, rail lines restored and the airport improved.  Local businesses and local governments are investing in improvement projects, revitalization of the downtown, and construction of new hotels, new single and multi-family housing, sprucing up parks and the library, and improving municipal services.    

Progress doesn’t just happen.  Goods and services are required.  The knowledge of the architect and engineer needs combined with the skill of the construction worker.  Once the construction phase is complete then others operate and maintain the project.  In this way the very act of progress, of growth, becomes the driver for prosperity and creates new and different opportunity.  The recent opening of L. Robert Kimball’s Williamsport office,  after successfully working on projects like the Trade and Transit Intermodal Center,  the Church Street Transportation Center, the new Kohl’s and Cinemaplex, and  the Armed Forces Reserve Center, is evidence of this very phenomenon.   

I expect that Williamsport will remain famous for the Little League World Series.  After all, it is one of the best sporting events on earth.  I also expect, and have witnessed, this same progress in other Pennsylvania communities.   This progress is being founded on prosperity created in the community and it is a sustainable prosperity which will create new opportunity.    That is, to borrow a phrase, ‘rest of the story’ about Piper Aircraft.    In 1930, William T. Piper, fresh from success in exploring for oil near Bradford, Pennsylvania, bought a bankrupt aircraft manufacturer to make his vision of a low-cost airplane, the Piper Cub, take flight.  Success breeds success and prosperity breeds prosperity. 

DB'S Corner - 'Sure' Terminology

 by Dennis Buirge

 
 

This blog relates to specification writing, specifically vocabulary, and identifies the correct definitions of several heterographic terms (having same pronunciation, but different spellings and meanings) that may cause words to be incorrectly used within various documents created by the Architect/Engineer.  Are you ‘sure’ when completing the following sentence using the terms assure, ensure, and insure?  Please [assure, ensure, or insure] the Owner that the Contractor will [assure, ensure, or insure] to [assure, ensure, or insure] the project. 

It is possible to find definitions from various sources, but when relating to construction documents, referring to the Project Resource Manual (PRM) created and distributed by The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is most appropriate.  The PRM defines each of the ‘sure’ terms as follows:

    -   Assure:  to give confidence to or convince a person of something.

   -   Ensure:  to make certain in a way that eliminates the possibility of error.

   -   Insure:  to issue or procure an insurance policy.

Starting out with the easiest word first, only use the word insure when dealing with insurance.  It is as simple as that!  This word has been observed on occasion in CDs, when in many occasions the correct word would have been ensure.  The word insure is most likely to be found in Division 00 documents and Division 01 specifications.  When dealing with Division 02 and higher Division specifications, ensure is most likely the appropriate word to be used.  Within each specification Section, the word ensure would most likely be found within [PART 3 - EXECUTION] text, when a work scope is being identified.  While [PART 1 - GENERAL] mostly deals with procurement procedures, [PART 2 - PRODUCTS] is an explanation of materials, system components, fabrication, and finishing.  Only the term assure is used with reference to a person in the sense of “to set the mind at ease”.  Of the three ‘sure’ verbs, it has been my experience that assure is the least used term in specification writing. 

Can you now correctly use the appropriate word in each of the following sentences as they relate to safety? 

   1.   The Contractor is obligated by Article 11 of the General Conditions to (assure, ensure, insure) the project, property, and workers against possible damage or injury. 

   2.   The Contractor should make every effort to (assure, ensure, insure) employees and subcontractors that safety is beneficial to everyone working on the project, whether at the site or in the office.  [One office safety procedure is to use a stapler remover and not one’s fingernails.] 

   3.   The Contractor is compelled to (assure, ensure, insure) that proper conditions are taken at the site to reduce injury and damage; the Architect is not responsible for site safety. 

Summary:  Be ‘sure’ to use the correct word in each application, whether writing, working on, or interpreting contracts, drawings, specifications, or shop drawings, when preparing project correspondence, and when promoting products to the professional community. 

Regarding the correct term usage in the aforementioned sentence examples, question 1 is insure, question 2 is assure, and question 3 is ensure.  The answer to the initial question in the first paragraph is the listed order of the ‘sure’ words: assure, ensure, and insure. 

Next Blog Topic: What mood are you in?

DB's Corner: ASTM

By Dennis Buirge

It would be surprising to find someone using construction documents who has not ‘heard’ of ASTM standards.  How many, though, have an introductory understanding regarding the meaning of those letters and numbers?  Specification writers in particular are familiar with those 4 letters, ASTM, as standards are frequently used when preparing a specification, especially in the ‘reference standard’ method.  The intent of this blog is to give an introduction to various meanings so that one could at least call themselves an introductory neophyte regarding an understanding of ASTM standards. 

If your specification Section incorporates a PART 1 Article entitled ‘References’ and includes “ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials”, you are now about a decade behind the times.  With ASTM founded in 1898 as the American Section of the International Association for Testing and Materials, it predates other standards organizations such as BSI (1901), DIN (1917), ANSI (1918) and AFNOR (1926).  The organization's headquarters located in West Conshohocken, PA, is about 5 miles NW of Philadelphia.  ASTM currently includes members from more than 120 nations, and with about one of every five members living outside the United States and the standards being used around the world in many applications, a new name, ASTM International, Inc. was established in 2001.  In addition, a new logo was included to underscore their international scope and message.  There are now about 12,000 standards that can be searched for titles, scopes, adoptions, referenced documents, index terms, number of pages, and prices on the ASTM website. 

In a specification, one might see a standard reference of ASTM B 221, where there is at least a letter and up to a four digit number, but may also include a dash and a two digit number.  So what is the meaning of that designation in ASTM standards?  The first letter identifies a general designation, followed by its serial number, which is separated from the standard’s year designation by a dash.  The general designation legend is as follows:  A = Ferrous Metals, B = Nonferrous Metals, C = Cementitious, Ceramic, Concrete, and Masonry Materials, D = Miscellaneous Materials, E = Miscellaneous Subjects, F = Materials for Specific Applications, G = Corrosion, Deterioration, and Degradation of Materials, and H = Joint Committee and District Recipients.  One would then know that ASTM B 221 falls into the nonferrous metals category and happens to be extruded aluminum; B 209 identifies sheet aluminum.  The year need not be referenced in Divisions 02 - 49 specifications, if there is a statement in Division 01 that the most current standard at the time of bidding is valid. 

All ASTM standards fall into 15 sections with each section containing many volumes.  The example for construction relates to its falling in Section 4, where there are 13 volumes (4.01 - 4.13).   If one were interested in obtaining all 12,000 standards in all 82 volumes, get out your checkbook, as the 2010 edition is available for approximately $9,700 (verify actual amount with the ASTM website).  About 1,300 construction related standards in a 4 volume set are available, however their website indicates only electronic files are now available and no longer in book form.  The beginning of each construction related volume first includes an alphabetic listing of standards by “content” and then by “list of subjects”, which identifies each standard in one of the six different types explained in the next paragraph. 

The standards are uniform in format and follow the same rigorous approval procedures.  In general, there are six different types of ASTM standards: Test Method - a definitive procedure that produces a test result [Example - E 283-04 Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen]; Specification - an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, system, or service [Example - B 2-08 Standard Specification for Medium-Hard-Drawn Copper Wire]; Guide - information or series of options that does not recommend a specific course of action [Example - C 1193-09 Standard Guide for Use of Joint Sealants]; Practice - a definitive set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations that does not produce a test result [Example - A 807-08 Standard Practice for Installing Corrugated Steel Structural Plate Pipe for Sewers and Other Applications]; Classification - a systematic arrangement or division of materials, products, systems, or services into groups based on similar characteristics such as origin, composition, properties, or use [Example - D 448-08 Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregates for Road and Bridge Construction]; and Terminology - a document comprising definitions of terms; explanations of symbols, abbreviations, or acronyms [Example - D 16-08 Standard Terminology for Paint, Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications]. 

In addition to all of the aforementioned information, there can still be up to 5 callouts with additional numbers and letters that could cause severe confusion.  One example for a classification type standard would be: ASTM D 4066-01 PA0610G33A49360UA067.  Have fun with that one!  Anyone seeking more detailed information regarding ASTM standards can ‘google’ various websites. 

Lastly, MasterSpec and other specification software generally incorporate ASTM standards that include references to both Imperial and SI (metric) units.  An example relating to guy and tie wires for planting stabilization in Section 329300 would be ASTM A 641/A 641M.  If the project manual is not specifying SI units for the project, the specification writer(s) SHOULD NOT include those SI references.  The previous example would be correctly written as ‘ASTM A 641’.  Removing those SI references could be physically deleted or ‘turned off’ via electronic software. 

Next Blog:  Are you sure?

The NG-SEC Series Continues... Physical Security

By Lori Kleckner

This installment in the NG-SEC series discusses physical security guidelines. Although one may not think of physical security as a topic in a cyber security arena, without physical security, network devices are left unprotected from the surrounding environment. All NG9-1-1 information resources must be kept physically secured and protected from theft, misappropriation, misuse, unauthorized access and damage. NG-SEC section 8, Physical Security Guidelines includes:

• Building and Physical Access Control
• Authorized Physical Entry
• Storage Media and Output
• Mobile Devices
• Environmental Controls
• Server Room
• Data Communications Network

During PSAP assessments L.R. Kimball observes PSAPs are generally cognizant of physical security. Among positive findings are closed circuit cameras, keypad entry, attended reception area, and logging visitors. However, once access is gained to the facility, it is common to find the doors to the call center and equipment rooms left open and unattended.

A particular concern for physical security is third-party vendors with open access to the facility. While it is understood that there is a need for certain vendor employees to gain access to the facility on a 24 hour basis, it is not to say that their presence should be completely unattended. It is recommended that such personnel be logged in and their actions while in the facility monitored. It is important that the PSAP is aware of tasks that are performed by all personnel who have access to sensitive areas to prevent mishaps and to remain informed of actions taken.

Another point of concern during assessments is minimal concern afforded to areas with environmental controls. Physically securing the environmental controls is an important and often overlooked aspect of security. With server rooms and workstations that are reliant upon proper temperature and humidity control to operate, environmental controls are necessary. If equipment is not properly cooled, it will overheat resulting in system shutdown, data loss and possible equipment and software damage.

Similar areas of physical concern are:

• Commercial power rooms
• Emergency power rooms
• Communications rooms
• Cable vaults
• Switch rooms
• HVAC equipment rooms
• Operations control rooms

As PSAPs become connected via IP enabled networks, physical security is a growing responsibility that requires further attention. Unattended areas provide the opportunity for data theft and network interruptions. PSAPs should address physical security throughout the facility to assure restricted areas are available only to personnel with a business need.

Our next post will discuss network and remote access security.

Shale gas: Changing the oil and gas industry

In the modern classic ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ author Robert Pirsig uses the chemical process of crystal formation to describe how a small thought can ‘seed’ the formation of larger ideas.  Recently I was reminded of Pirsig’s analogy when a random observation got me to thinking.   In this case, the seed crystal was a question asked to me about the success rate of Appalachian shale gas wells.  Later in the day I became aware that the seed had been growing in the quiet of the dim recesses of my mind.  Apparently, it had fallen into a goop of tidbits of information that had collected there about the nature of the oil and gas industry and the impact that Steven Jobs had on modern life.

Since the untimely passing of Steven Jobs, many have chronicled the ways in which his ideas changed technology.   Like Watt’s steam engine, Bell’s telephone and Edison’s light bulb, Jobs’ achievement is a stunning and revolutionary technologic leap forward.   However, it is not the mere invention of technology that separates the everyday from the revolutionary; instead it is the degree to which Watts, Bell, Edison and Jobs changed every facet of our lives, the way we relate to one another, and the way we interact with our environment. 

So it is with shale gas.  Sure the technological advances, like the ability to bend heavy steel pipes to drill horizontal and ‘turn-azontial’ holes, are really cool.  But, the revolutionary part of shale gas is the way it is changing the oil and gas industry.  For instance, the shales being tapped are thought to be the sediments in which the hydrocarbons formed.  Except where the rock has ‘cooked’ too much from tectonic forces, or where it outcrops at the surface, it will contain gas.   In fact, Range Resources reported that, in the 3^rd quarter of 2011, they drilled 77 wells and ‘[a] 100% success rate was achieved’.

This is a significant change for an industry used to risk.   In the past an exploration and production company would sort through huge lease holdings hoping to find economic plays.  Today’s shale gas companies, free of much of the risk, see the lease holding as an investment.  In a recent Forbes magazine interview Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon said ‘…the game changed…and land acquisition became the key to capturing the greatest value from the unconventional play.  [A] lease situated in the heart of any shale play is essentially a very cheap call option on the right to develop oil and natural gas…’ 

When such significant changes are being wrought to the very foundation of an entire industry it is unlikely that the change will stop there.  Markets will shift, geopolitics will reshape themselves, and the way we live will be affected.  Unless I’m reading the tea leaves wrong, shale gas is ‘revolutionary’ and as important of a leap forward as the Apple computer or the I-Phone. 

Talking Consolidation - with Mike Fischel

By Mike Fischel, ENP - Vice President, Business Development

Last month, I had the pleasure of talking to a group of public safety communications professionals from New England and New York about 9-1-1 and dispatch center consolidation  at the Atlantic Coast Association of Public Safety Communications Officials Conference .  This is an important and growing issue in the public safety field because of the challenges that 9-1-1 and  centers face to improve service, coordinate services, and achieve cost efficiencies in the face of a difficult economy,  new technologies, and a growing expectation from the public about the capabilities of  the “9-1-1 System” to protect life and property.  

The expertise of our staff members have lead us to believe that 9-1-1 consolidation initiatives can provide significant benefits to the public, telecommunicators and first responders if approached in the right way.

These initiatives typically are comprised of three phases:  Feasibility Study, Implementation Planning, and the actual transition to consolidated operations.  The feasibility study phase is a critical step in any initiative because it examines current operations, service, cost, technologies, and facilities in order to determine options, requirements, political environment, and will to support a consolidation among potential municipalities and/or agencies. This study usually is the basis for making decisions regarding the practicality to move forward with detailed planning for the consolidation of 9-1-1/dispatch  centers.  

If the decision is made to move forward with a consolidation, there are several key requirements that are essential to the planning process.  They include development of a governance agreement that addresses authority, control, and policies for the consolidated organization.  A funding approach will be required to establish the source of funds to establish the new organization and its continued operations.  Service offerings and levels of performance must be established. Staffing and human resources including pay, benefits, position classifications, training, and quality assurance programs must be determined.  Finally facility and technology requirements must be specifically defined and secured. 

In our work supporting these initiatives, we have found there are some common lessons to be considered. 

• First, consolidation initiatives based solely on the expectation of saving money are not typically successful.  Successful initiatives are more often based on the desire to improve service, capacity, coordination, and interoperability among agencies and municipalities. 
• Another important lesson is that leadership and program management established early in the consolidation process is a key predictor of a successful consolidation process. 
• Finally, we have found it is helpful to view a consolidation  initiative as a once in a lifetime opportunity to establish an organization and program of services that will bring substantial improvement to the delivery of emergency communication services to the public and first responders.

To discuss consolidation further, sign up for our webinar to be held November 10. 

 

New Office!

For more than 20 years, L.R. Kimball has served the North Central Pennsylvania region.  We have worked with airports, schools, oil and gas companies and local government clients, helping to move their projects and the community forward.  On October 18, the firm recommitted to growth in the region by opening a new regional office in downtown Williamsport. 

Thank you to our clients who celebrated the ribbon cutting with us! 

If you're in the area, we invite you to stop by and visit our new location at 425 Market Street, Williamsport. 

 

FCC releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to demonstrate it's dedication to Next Generation 911 (NG911) with it's latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) released September 22. The NG911 NPRM seeks comment on a number of issues related to accelerating the development and deployment of NG911 technology that will enable the public to send emergency communications to 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) via text, photos, videos, and data and enhance the information available to PSAPs and first responders for assessing and responding to emergencies.    

The NPRM is based on information the FCC received in response to a Notice of Inquiry released December 2010.  That NOI was the first time the FCC publicly requested information related to NG911. L.R. Kimball responded to the NOI with detailed comments that provided the FCC with information gleaned from our industry experience and highlighted our positions on NG911 concepts, particularly SMS for emergency communications. 

As a result of L.R. Kimball's response to the NOI, the latest NPRM specifically requests comment on L.R. Kimball's proposal regarding SMS to 911 that recommends a different point of interconnection between the SMS system and 911. 

L.R. Kimball will continue to stay engaged in these landmark proceedings as the FCC accelerates the development and deployment of NG911. Public comments in response to the NPRM are due on December 12, 2011 and reply comments are due January 10, 2012.