February 4, 2003
Refer to: HIAM-20
Mr. Richard Lawhun
Director of the Construction Institute
American Society of Civil Engineers
1801 Alexandria Bill Drive
Reston, VA 20191
Dr. Albert C. Gray
Executive Director
National Society of Professional Engineers
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Mr. Thomas Schultz
Director, Transportation
American Council of Engineering Companies
1015 15th Street 8th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005
Efforts to train and certify construction personnel have intensified in recent years with the goal to improve the quality of highways and bridges, and to ensure compliance with Code of Federal Regulations, 23CFR, Part 637, Quality Assurance (QA). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through its National Highway Institute (NHI) has taken a pro-active role in the training of personnel involved in the highway construction industry. In order to streamline the training process and avoid duplication of efforts, the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC) was formed in September of 2000.
The TCCC is a partnership between the FHWA, State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and the highway transportation industry to support the training and certification of the highway construction personnel. The TCCC's mission is to provide leadership at a national level, develop and maintain/update a national curriculum for various transportation disciplines, coordinate/facilitate training efforts, and provide guidance on determining training needs.
The Council is comprised of approximately 25 individuals representing the FHWA, American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), State DOTs, Associated General Contractors (AGC), American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA), American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), and other industry associations.
To successfully sustain the level of effort necessary for proper training and certification of all construction personnel and optimize the Council's effectiveness through further diversification, by way of this letter, we respectfully request that your organization join us in this effort and be represented on this council. Your timely attention to this request is imperative for the Council has scheduled its next meeting for February 18-19, 2003, in San Diego, California. A major focus of this meeting will be on further development of a core curriculum matrix in the areas of Construction, Materials, Maintenance, Safety, and Employee Development. The matrix is to be used as a guide to determine training requirements and options available to meet those requirements. Certain components of the matrix such as competency levels have previously been identified. The Council is soliciting your input in the development of this matrix and hopes to capture such input at its next meeting.
Travel arrangements are currently underway; therefore, I encourage those interested to act quickly in order to secure accommodations at government rate. The meeting will be held at the Shelter Pointe Hotel and Marina at 1551 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego, California. A block of rooms is available at the government rate of $99 plus tax. The number to call for reservations is (800) 566-2524. The hotel is only minutes from the airport and complimentary shuttle service is available.
Even if your representatives are unable to attend the upcoming meeting, they can still contribute to this effort as the council is currently seeking volunteers to serve as permanent members of its five core teams; Construction, Materials, Maintenance, Safety, and Employee Development.
For additional information please contact Mr. Dan Sanayi of this office at (202) 493-0551.
Sincerely yours,
David R. Geiger, P.E.
Director of Asset Management
