Title: U. S. WASTEWATER CONTRACT OPERATIONS: CONTRACT DETAILS AND VIEWS OF CONTRACTING
Abstract: As wastewater and water utility contract operations become mature, our ability to evaluate the cost and performance of these types of operations has similarly reached its prime. Public officials continue to have limited information available to them when contracting for operations or renewing contracts. What is the range of going rates for wastewater contract operations in different size plants? What advantages or disadvantages of contracting have surfaced recently? Have the structure of these types of contracts changed over time? Budget and schedule limitations may limit the public official’s ability to answer these questions. This paper seeks to unlock the mysteries surrounding both the costs and performance of utility contract operations. George Mason University, in cooperation with Black and Veatch Management Consulting, has conducted a nationwide survey of contract operations of over 200 plants. Building upon the results of two previously conducted surveys; this study has expanded the state-of-the-knowledge significantly. By including an analysis of the renewal (or more importantly non-renewal) of contracts and contract structure changes, this new survey addresses many previously unanswered questions. More is now known about the level of effort associated with contract management. The results of the survey provide valuable insights into contract terms, staffing, new approaches to repair and replacement responsibility and capital renewal, innovative incentives and other trends over the last six years. The comprehensive nature of this study provides municipal governments with the information necessary to achieve operational cost savings goals relative to the size and scope of the operation.
Publication Year: 2003
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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