Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog

EDC SOLARWALL

As everyone is on time codes around here, they get protective over them and I had to kick the authorising office to release funding for our ConRep here on site to book his time to. I get a distinct feeling that if this had not happened then we would find ourselves locking horns further down the line trying to justify the hours. Thankfully HRH The Queen has not asked for a time code and my time remains free of charge to USACE unless I can come up with a cunning plan to make some money out here…..

During the weekly meeting I enquired about the findings of the investigation of the existing wall construction and the contractor made an almighty slip up in blabbing about extra costs and the conversation quickly turned into a regain when they realised the Client was listening in. The phrase – “please stop talking you’re scaring scaring the government” really made my day. The contractor was invited to consolidate his (collective) thoughts on how best to approach us with cost variations instead of just banding ideas around in an open forum. Have heard nothing back as yet, but having reviewed the documentation it looks like the cost will be materials based. This highlights the beauty of the ‘option’ system of bidding within a government environment. It allows a bid price to be put in with several options, meaning that whatever level is actually approved can be spent and in instances such as this, the options can be tweaked to make sure you still get the best value for money without the whole project falling through.

I have also been coordinating potentially useful information for the contractor to use when compiling his method statements (de-conflicting site specifics and coordinating with facility managers and trying to pre-empt what they will need.) This is in the hope that subsequent submittals will be approved without the need for further comment and keep the timeline on track.

Reviewed design submittals – approved with comments back to contractor.

ECIP Project – Bldg 732 / 760

Attended kick off meeting for the installation of Solarwall on 2 other buildings on the depot. These are in concept phase and Rob Duke is involved from the E&M side of life.

School Visits

Have volunteered to take part in the outreach programme to go and promote science and engineering in the local schools. My first assignment is a careers day at a Baltimore Middle School – 12 – 14 yr olds, due to take place on 1 June. Further events will be planned provided I don’t get arrested at the first event.

Ashley Reservist Centre

Undertook further investigation and data collection for use in TMR1. Suicide level increasing.

And in other news….

This feature is temporarily cancelled due to lack of interest….

McFry – Out.