Building Operating Management Building Maximizer Newsletter from Building Operating Management

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IDC Vendor Spotlight

Important New Research From Meridian Systems and IDC

Maximizing Infrastructure Investments From the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In a 2009 Vendor spotlight from IDC1, analysts report that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is providing over $150 billion for construction of various infrastructure projects. This combined with the convergence of three driving forces: 1.) crumbling infrastructure; 2.) long-term growth projections based on U.S. and international mega-region trends; and 3.) the ARRA with its emphasis on infrastructure investments and job creation; creates a "perfect storm" for U.S. federal, state, and local governments.

 
To download the complete report from IDC Government Insights, Maximizing Infrastructure Investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit the Meridian Systems Information Library. Visit the Info Library

This report provides an overview of ARRA and its impact on infrastructure projects, and covers the critical success factors for government agencies as they pursue these improvements. As it relates to infrastructure, building project owners operate in a continual “plan, build, operate” life-cycle mode. 

  • Planning includes design and development, managing project pipelines,
    site development, etc. 
  • During the build phase there is contact, schedule, and change management, quality oversight and budget tracking. 
  • Operations include the direct asset management including monitoring, maintenance,
    and work orders.

To be successful, owners need an IT ecosystem that meets multiple challenges, including support for this entire “plan, build, operate” life-cycle, effective financial management and reporting capabilities, as well as integration to other critical business systems within the organization.  For ARRA purposes, IT compatibility with existing financial management systems is key according to IDC. IT value capabilities include those that focus on:

Funds management

  • Auditable / Process driven fund distribution
  • Track all obligated and remaining funds
  • Track funds as discrete funding sources

Avoiding cost overruns and project delays

  • Manage the contractual obligation of funds
  • Manage contractual obligation changes and invoice payments
  • Auditable / Process driven change management

Responsibility to the public

  • Information visible to the public
  • Automated project status reporting
  • Show jobs created and dollars spent per project

Two of ARRA’s goals are to create and preserve jobs and to invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term benefits. ARRA has created a new “reporting reality,” demanding that project owners provide higher levels of management, project oversight and transparency.

To read the complete research report, and to learn more about the IT solutions that answer the key challenges put forth by ARRA, visit the Meridian Systems Information Library: Maximizing Infrastructure Investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Healthcare, Utilities, Transportation, Public Works, Education

To review the latest ARRA oversight requirements, log in to review the Meridian Systems Webinar: Recovery Act Update: Details and Solutions Construction Professionals Need. Visit the Info Library

1 IDC Vendor Spotlight: Maximizing Infrastructure Investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, October 2009 by Thom Rubel, IDC #lcUS21650009.

Meridian Systems