TEI has over thirty years of experience in the industrial and commercial projects and construction industry. Equipped with this knowledge and experience, we provide innovative solutions by bringing a wealth of insight to program, project, and construction situations.

We are available to simply discuss a situation, serve as a sounding board, or dig in and do the detailed fact finding necessary to fully understand the status and needs of the situation and formulate appropriate actions. Our findings, conclusions, and recommendations are most often presented through a written document in a meeting environment. However, this can be supplemented by a presentation or other methods to best serve the client.

Beginning in the early stages of design, the concepts and design details should be continually reviewed for constructability. Formal constructability reviews are practical, as well, at specific stages of design development. The input from construction professionals to the design yield major benefits in the field during the construction phase and continue through into operations.

Closely related to constructability are operability and maintainability – both important considerations during the design phase of any project. TEI has successfully provided this important input for many projects.

TEI has been involved in virtually every aspect of the management of construction field implementation on very small projects as well as very large ones. The proper management of the field aspects of the project is key to successful project completion and operation. Coordination with other functions (operations, maintenance, project team, contractors, etc.) will make or break the overall accomplishment of project objectives. The strategy employed for project implementation must be well-vetted and proven. Our experience brings valuable insights to the construction management discipline.

The contracting effort is generally extensive, containing numerous opportunities for compromise or oversight of important aspects of this essential set of documents. TEI is experienced in navigating the contracting activities, bringing planning and logic to this phase of project development.

Contracting means the actual documents, but is much more extensive.  Included are the preparation for the effort, training the team, and development of the strategy and contracting plan. We have developed the necessary contributing parts and appropriately fit them together to form a complete contracting philosophy. This overall effort requires thoughtful input from the project team and significant coordination which we have successfully done for many projects.

The contractor selection process is made up of several specific steps:

• Contractor Qualification Criteria
• Contractor Identification – Long List
• Invitation for Proposals
• Contractor Screening and Evaluations
• Short Listing
• Bid Evaluation Criteria Development
• Bid Document Preparation
• Bidding Process
• Bid Evaluations
• Bid Clarifications
• Contract Award

TEI has worked through this important process many times, under various conditions, and in several cultural situations. Each step has its own intricacies and nuances which must be considered. Skipping a step leads to unsatisfactory results later in the project. Working with the project team, specific needs are addressed and included in the selection process. We put significant effort in this process to ensure the appropriate contractor is selected from a list of the most qualified contractors available.

A proper and complete estimate is a must for any project in order to lay the foundation for the follow-on project controls work.

TEI can assemble estimates for complicated programs or simple projects. We have access to the premier computerized estimating tools and many years of experience applying those tools to just about every type of project. Estimates can be conceptual in nature or very detailed, based on actual material takeoffs from design drawings.

Along with estimating capability, we can determine the required contingency for the specific situation, evaluating each risk and using a weighted algorithm.

At the beginning and the end of each major phase of project development, lessons learned must be examined. In the beginning of the phase, looking back at what has worked and what has not worked will improve the effectiveness of the project team in developing the subsequent project deliverables. At the end of the phase, documenting the project team’s experience and evaluation of the means and methods that have served to enhance project development will provide valuable input for future project teams.

TEI facilitates these sessions with key project participants, documents the results, and is able to construct a computerized data base of lessons learned for future reference and application.

One important aspect of the TEI business plan is to leave behind a better equipped and more qualified client. We are fully capable of performing all the aspects required to successfully implement a project. However, we also realize that some informed clients don’t want that level of support. Some desire us to work with their in-house personnel to train and mentor them to the point where they are able to do the work independently. We work with client personnel to get everything set up correctly and running in an appropriate manner. Then on a pre-agreed frequency, we return to work with the individuals to be certain everything is performing the way it was expected to. This works the same way it would if the client had personnel about to retire and needed a replacement to step into their position and assume the reigns, only we are not full time employees.

After serving for many years in the Corporate Engineering Departments of Fortune 100 companies, leading and participating in the redesign of several functional areas and groups, TEI is uniquely qualified to assist in the evaluation, design, or redesign of a department, functional area, or group.

With the exodus of so many talented and qualified project personnel from the industry in recent years, companies often find themselves far less capable of executing a project than they once were. TEI is able to evaluate current capability levels and recommend actions that will bring the organizational capability to the required levels. As well, TEI works with the client to identify and assimilate the required talent to meet the present circumstances. The solution could mean full time personnel, part time, or even contracted resources.  In each situation TEI works with the client to provide the most satisfactory result.

TEI is experienced in defining and describing processes and practices necessary for effective implementation of projects.  We work with the client to achieve appropriate implementation.  Proper  training is performed to fully and appropriately integrate all resources.

Proper project control is the identification and resolution of potential deviations in cost and schedule. Too many project control systems are geared at monitoring and reporting data and details and do not allow for the necessary thought and contemplation required for true project controls.

TEI understands the extreme importance of a comprehensive project controls system. We have designed and implemented entire systems. We have been on the ground floor and in the field taking installed quantity measurements. Our aim is to work with clients to deliver an appropriately detailed project controls system so that status is easily understood and potential deviations in cost and schedule are highlighted early enough to take mitigating actions.

One very important compliment to the work process is the Project Execution Plan (PEP). This is the formal document that defines how the project will be executed. There are responsibilities, interfaces, procedures, expectations, and many other key items of information about exactly how the project will be done. All important areas of the project are addressed in appropriate detail. In the project world, no project should ever be undertaken without the benefit of a PEP. This document is “fit for purpose” in that it should reflect the size and complexity of the project. For smaller, less complicated projects, the PEP will not be nearly as detailed and exhaustive as that for a mega project with highly complex components.

TEI will make recommendations but the client will determine the final content of this very important document. We work very closely with the client to be certain all important aspects are appropriately addressed and included.

Management of industrial and commercial projects has become increasingly more complex and challenging. The idea of “fast tracking” a project was once a situational decision, but today virtually every project is “fast tracked”. This calls for a very coordinated and deterministic approach which TEI is able to provide. We work with the client personnel to manage the project, or assume the full responsibility for the management.

TEI recommends project management participation and involvement from the conceptual phase right on through to the turn over to operations. This continuity in leadership provides confidence and security in knowing that the correct activities are being performed at the right time and by the best personnel.

Our areas of expertise encompass the skills required to plan, organize, execute, and put into service a project.

Our focus is on the management and implementation. Beginning with the project management process definition, and progressing through the steps necessary for successful completion, TEI assists the client in making the right moves and decisions. While detailed engineering and design are performed by others, TEI manages, monitors, and controls this phase of the project development. We review designs for constructability and reasonableness. Our purpose is to protect and preserve the owner’s interests through every step of the process.

Identification and understanding potential risks (both threats and opportunities) should begin in the very early stages of project development and continue throughout project execution. TEI is experienced in working through specific project scenarios to identify potential risks to successful project implementation. We work with the project owner team to develop the most comprehensive understanding of the risks in order to then take the next step – developing Risk Mitigation Plans.

Our commitment to safety has been paramount from the very beginning and is woven throughout every project and every assignment with which TEI is involved. We have never been in the position of having to inform a spouse or loved one that their relative is injured or dead. Safety is number one – we do not place anyone in a compromised position or situation. We use the latest in safety protection devices and equipment.

We will not work with those who do not place safety and the safety of the workers in an equal position.

TEI performs safety reviews and recommends improvements. We do safety evaluations, audits, and training – all with the ultimate protection of the worker in the forefront.

Virtually every project underway today is on a “fast track”. Some are even on an “ultra fast track”. This means that the project schedule must be properly tied to the estimate and truly reflect the logic and intent of the planned execution. Schedules must contain an appropriate level of detail, commensurate with the stage and status of the project.

TEI is able to assemble schedules utilizing nearly any preferred software package available. We are adept at understanding the required logic and properly portraying it in the schedule. We understand the importance of a solid schedule and make certain that we base our activities on that plan.

The management of the project site is often set up on a “happen stance” basis with little or no thought given to the coming needs of the field forces, how items will be moved around, security, logistics, traffic flow, needs of ongoing operations, or any number of other considerations.  TEI works to ensure that project and ongoing operational needs are all addressed in the most efficient manner. Site management is focused on providing effective flow and set up for all concerned.

A major aspect of site layout is that of logistics – how workers, materials, and equipment get around the site and are handled in preparation for erection and placement. Proper situation of staging areas and access ways is an important contributor to increased productivity and overall efficiency. Tool cribs, expendable item access, and general layout play key roles in site production enhancement. TEI has done logistics evaluations for sites and understands the importance of proper placement and accessibility to tools, materials, and equipment.

Construction sites are sometimes easy targets for security breaches. Not only is theft a typical issue, but other security considerations must be addressed. TEI collaborates with the project owner to develop a comprehensive security plan that addresses all aspects of security for the site. The focus then switches to training and implementation. Follow up evaluations are conducted to ensure an appropriate level of continued emphasis on site security.

The set up and layout of a project site is very important to the efficient and effective implementation of the project. Inefficient layout contributes to lost time and reduced productivity of the craft workers and construction managers. TEI evaluates and recommends site layout and set up that will contribute to improved efficiency and productivity of all aspects of the project execution. Areas addressed are accessibility, deliveries, break areas, change facilities, and many other important associated considerations.

Courses of various types and length have been developed and facilitated by TEI professionals. We are capable of developing company or department specific training materials. As well, generic training in the different project related disciplines and activities can be presented. Our courses have been from about an hour in length to five full days – depending upon the needs and materials to be covered and explained.

Project teams need the benefit of proper training, especially in these difficult economic times where every move is scrutinized and monitored. While training budgets are being cut in many companies, the wise employers are preparing their valuable resources for the work they will be challenged with in the coming months and years. We will design, develop, and facilitate a course or a curriculum to address the needs identified.

With such high demands for project delivery on time and within budget, it is most important that there is a well-defined work (project) process plan in place. This plan must be well-documented, thoroughly communicated, and easily accessible to the personnel who need to apply it on a daily basis. The “old time” project managers were so experienced that they often executed projects “by the seat of their pants.” This is not an acceptable method in these high demand times. There must be a plan in place that everyone can follow. This plan needs to show the contributions of each discipline and the timing of that participation.

TEI has worked with several clients to develop and implement work processes for project implementation, turnaround planning, and maintenance. These systems were in electronic format and available to everyone for viewing and use. As well, important tools (such as: forms, guides, go-bys, checklists, procedures, practices, and flow charts) were imbedded in the electronic version for easy accessibility.

TEI works with the individual company, plant, department, or group to design the appropriate work process to facilitate project implementation.

The benefits of such a system are many, but repeatability and consistency are the most significant.