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[S TA R T U P ]

Technical Q&A: Charette Process

How It Works On-Demand Security Consulting

On-demand security consulting helps businesses with questions about Department of Homeland Security regulations or other security matters get fast, knowledgeable answers. At Burns & McDonnell, the on-demand service affords immediate access to a certified security professional on an as-needed basis.

Professional associations or other groups may negotiate agreements for on-demand security consulting as a benefit for their members. The sponsoring association selects a consultant to provide services according to specific guidelines. To help its members meet complex Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) and other Department of Homeland Security regulatory directives, the

National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) chose Burns & McDonnell as its strategic partner for regulatory compliance. NACD members receive free on-demand security consultation with a credentialed Burns & McDonnell security consultant for up to 30 minutes each quarter. Association members also receive free updates on regulatory changes and discounted rates for any additional security consulting services.

“Many compliance questions can be resolved fairly quickly over the phone, since the questions often center around understanding a particular CFATS directive,” says R.J. Hope, a senior physical security analyst and project manager in the Burns & McDonnell global security services

group. “It has been beneficial for callers to have a knowledgeable source, outside of government, from which to gain the clarity to move their effort forward.”

Hope holds ASIS board certification as a Certified Protection Professional, recognized as the highest certification in the security industry worldwide. He is also certified as an Associate Business Continuity Planner.

“Our agreement with NACD is for questions regarding regulatory compliance,” he says. “But when a NACD member calls and has other security questions, we advise as we can to get them on the right track.”

For more information, contact R.J. Hope, CPP, ABCP, 816-349-6754.

Q : How can the charette process benefit municipal infrastructure planning and construction?

A: Most people think of a charette as a brainstorming session. When planning municipal projects, charettes can be used to bring in representatives of all stakeholders to be sure that all needs and points of view are considered. However, the charette process can be tailored to meet other goals.

For a client faced with a state water quality deadline, Burns & McDonnell used a charette to speed delivery of a wastewater treatment plant design. This charette was structured specifically to shorten the design schedule. It relied on a concentrated effort involving key decision makers in a series of highly focused meetings — no cell phones or other interruptions allowed.

In this type of charette, there is a clearly defined agenda for each meeting. The group makes design decisions and continuously moves forward without reversing or altering previous decisions.

Because key decision makers reviewed, commented and signed off on each aspect of the project — and designers put in extra hours to make sure any revisions were ready for the next meeting — the complex treatment plant will be completed six months earlier than the normal sequence of design presentation, revision and acceptance would have allowed.

Charettes are a valuable tool for the right project. However, they involve a large

time commitment from clients’ senior staff. If the need and the commitment is there, charettes can save time, allow clients to provide more input and be more satisfied with the end result.

For more information, contact Jeff Keller, 816-822-4371.

Jeff Keller, PE, is a project manager in the Burns & McDonnell Infrastructure Group in Kansas City, Mo.

B U R N S & M c D O N N E L L

2011 No. 4 B U R N S & M c D O N N E L L