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Uniquely broadening its product mix, Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, Fort Myers, Florida, is Construction-Manager-at-Risk (CMR) for minor projects of the Lee County Port Authority. The Port Authority is the operating entity of both Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field General Aviation Airport. Along with the surrounding area, both airports are rapidly expanding.
The CMR agreement is a continuing professional services contract for projects at both airports for a three-year duration and is renewable for two more. Within the agreement, Owen-Ames-Kimball is working for the Port Authority on construction projects of a wide variety, ranging from new construction of hangars to specialty projects and renovation.
On a broader scope, however, Owen-Ames-Kimball is completely involved in full-spectrum services. Working with Port Authority staff and outside architectural/engineering consultants, Owen-Ames-Kimball is assisting the Port Authority in a variety of ways. Owen-Ames Kimball's people are directly assisting in setting out appropriations and timelines for multi-year capital improvement plans. Uniquely, Owen-Ames-Kimball has even provided professional services in casting "front end" documents for CMR projects.
"They-name-it and-we'll-do-it is really the best way to specify our scope in this relationship," comments Durward Hussey, Project Manager for Owen-Ames-Kimball Company. "In that the airport is a constantly evolving physical plant, construction impacts a lot of operational and budgetary considerations. Recognizing that, the Port Authority views our role as beyond just a contractor we're a construction management resource that can provide insight on a host of issues. It's a unique relationship. Everything is on the table. We're here to serve."
Within that broad description of services, Owen-Ames-Kimball also remains key in traditional construction management tasks. During the course of any project, the company provides lead services on budgeting, logistics, safety, quality control, total project and construction scheduling contractibility.
"Our job is to make sure their projects stay on track," comments Hussey.
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"For example, when the drawings are 30 percent, 60 percent and 90 percent complete they are reviewed by the project team and Owen-Ames-Kimball's estimates are analyzed to insure that the project remains within budget.
Ultimately, if there is ever a miss, we've missed. We're on our toes to make sure that doesn't happen."
Carrying into field operations, John Macias and Dan Adams are two key site superintendents that oversee daily field operations.
Owen-Ames-Kimball has recently finished a complete re-work of runway guidance signs and three new T-hangars at Page Field. The T-hangar project also included drainage work, asphalt paving capable of carrying aircraft loads, edge lights, installation of overhead pole lighting, and extension of electrical and water utility lines. Other projects range from adding sidewalks, replacing leaking windows, and overseeing repair of roof leaks. In the near future, runway apron construction at Page Field will join the mix.
Working "air side" proposes several challenges not normally experienced on a typical job site. Schedules, must be flexible as they are influenced constantly by arriving and departing aircraft-always a first priority.
"Often construction must temporarily stop until the aircraft has either departed, or is stationary," states Dave Dale, general superintendent. "Safety and security are very key concerns. But no matter what it takes to do it right, John and Dan are getting it done. The Port Authority is a great client and we enjoy the completeness of the relationship."
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