NSPS Radio Hour on Monday, June 26 will Feature Guest Susan Marlow – 11:00 am EDT

Susan Marlow is the founder and CEO of 19-year-old Smart Data Strategies, Inc. located in Franklin, TN. Her in-depth knowledge of the conversion and the software implementation process, and her belief in the importance of the property layer as one of the NSDI foundation layers of information involves her in many movements to promote a unified local, state, and national property database. She is active in a number of national organizations involved in geospatial activities.

Ms. Marlow will discuss PARCELS FOR THE NATION with host Curt Sumner.

During the show, listen for the "key question" and be the first to email the correct answer to quikstakescontest@americaswebradio.com to win a $50 gift certificate from our sponsor, Parker Davis Quik Stakes. No purchase is required to receive the gift certificate. Winners limited to once every three months. 

BCFC to Host Forum on Unfair Non-Profit Competition with Private Sector, Including Universities

On Tuesday, June 25, the Business Coalition for Fair Competition (BCFC) will host a forum to measure the sources and impact of unfair non-profit competition with private sector companies, especially small business.   This forum is scheduled to take place from 10:00am to 2:00pm at The Inn at Fredericksburg Square, 525 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy will participate in a listening capacity to hear from a wide range of markets, professions and industries. The SBA is considering this issue as part of a White House "Innovation Initiative," an effort focused on the specific needs and concerns faced by companies and entrepreneurs.

Non-profit organizations are provided special tax status under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. These groups are required to pay an "unrelated business income tax" or UBIT on its commercial or "non-exempt" activities. The Federal Government first exempted charitable organizations from tax in 1913. In 1950, in response to complaints about unfair competition, Congress changed the tax law by creating the UBIT. Under UBIT, revenues from sources unrelated to the non- profit's tax-exempt purpose are subject to taxation.

The forum will bring to light the many cases in which the government is losing tax revenue from the lack of enforcement of UBIT activities and those that result in economic disadvantage to for-profit businesses through direct, unfair competition.

The most recent White House Conference on Small Business, in 1995, made this a priority issue when its plank read, "Congress should enact legislation that would prohibit government agencies and tax exempt and anti-trust exempt organizations from engaging in commercial activities in direct competition with small businesses." 

For further information or to RSVP for the event, please contact John "JB" Byrd, BCFC Government Affairs Manager.

NSPS Testimony Earns National News Media Attention

Click Here to view testimony during the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Hearing.   Scroll to 56.45 to hear NSPS responses to questions from the committee.

Click Here to view Curt Sumner’s testimony. 

NSPS Executive Director Sumner speaks with Committee Chairman Wahlberg

- The Washington Examiner

- Professional Surveyor Magazine

 - PatriotsBillBoard

Report Highlights Progress, Difficulties in MAP-21 Project Delivery Provisions

A report released by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General found that while the department has made significant progress toward accelerating project delivery as stipulated in the current highway bill, MAP-21, USDOT needs to establish completion dates for all planned actions and eliminate some rulemaking delays in order to accomplish the speedy project delivery desired in the 2012 law.

NSPS Radio Hour on June 17 will Feature Guest Chas Langelan

Chas serves on the board of the Surveyors Historical Society (SHS) and is currently leading the  all-volunteer team organizing this summer’s Surveyors Rendezvous 2013, at historic Philadelphia --- to which everyone is invited.  He will be discussing  the Rendezvous and other SHS activities with host Curt Sumner.

During the show, listen for the "key question" and be the first to email the correct answer to quikstakescontest@americaswebradio.com to win a $50 gift certificate from our sponsor, Parker Davis Quik Stakes. No purchase is required to receive the gift certificate. Winners limited to once every three months.

The "key question" for the June 17 show will be, "How long have you been involved with the Surveyors Historical Society?"

2012 Statistics Regarding the Number of Surveyors in the US

NSPS has compiled the following statistics based on information acquired from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and NCEES.

The BLS statistics are from May 2012, and indicate that there are 40,190 professional surveyors employed in the U.S. 

The NCEES statistics from January 2012 indicate that 43 states plus District of Columbia (7), Guam (16), Puerto Rico (1087), and Virgin Islands (16) reported resident and non-resident licensees separately. The total number of licensees reported as “resident” is 34,598. 

7 states (Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Nebraska, and Vermont) did not segregate resident from non-resident licensees. The total number of licensees reported among those states is 6,638. The NCEES statistics indicate that 70% of all licensees are “resident”. This would mean that of the 6638 licensees collectively in AR, DE, FL, GA, IN, and NE, 4,646 would be resident.

Combining the “reported” 34,598 resident licensees in the 43 states (plus the territories,) and the calculated 4,646 licensees in the other 7 states, the total number would be 39,245.

This compared favorably with the 40,190 reported by the BLS.

Therefore, it is safe to say that there approximately 40,000 licensed professional surveyors in the U.S. based on the combined 2012 statistics from BLS and NCEES.

NSPS to Testify Before Congress on Davis-Bacon Act

NSPS Executive Director Curt Sumner, PLS, has been invited to testify before the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, at a hearing entitled, “Promoting the Accuracy and Accountability of the Bacon-Davis Act,” to be held at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Sumner will discuss NSPS concerns with the Department of Labor’s recent ruling that expanded the Davis Bacon Act, and its prevailing wage requirements, to certain services by members of survey crews on federally financed construction projects. Meanwhile, support for the NSPS position is growing. More than 10 taxpayer and pro-business organizations have joined together in a letter to the Secretary of Labor opposing the Davis-Bacon expansion affecting surveying contracts.

Perception Problem? What do you think?

Surveyor was ranked #6 on Forbes' 10 High-Paying Blue-Collar Jobs.

What do you think about this?

Lessons Learned from Near Miss

As reported by David Milligan

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT

A concrete truck operator had finished placing concrete and was backing up to leave the area. While backing, the truck operator did not see a surveyor worker that was in his travel path. The surveyor was kneeling down to tie a boot ribbon when he noticed the truck was upon him. The surveyor quickly exited the area behind the truck and signaled the driver to stop. There were no spotters in the area.

LESSONS LEARNED and REMINDERS

The severity of this situation could have been a lot greater had it not been for the quick reflexes and situational awareness of the surveyor.

EM 385-1-1 Section 08 and 18 state:

08.B.04 A signal person shall be provided when the point of operation (includes area of load travel and area immediately surrounding the load placement) is not in full view of the vehicle, machine, or equipment operator; when vehicles are backed more than 100 ft (30.4 m); when terrain is hazardous; or when two or more vehicles are backing in the same area.

08.C.04 All barricades, warning signs, lights, temporary signals, other devices, flagmen, and signaling devices shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the local DOT requirements.

18.C.14 When backing or maneuvering, operators will take the applicable precautions outlined in 08.C.04. If a signal person or spotter is not used, operators will walk behind their vehicle to view the area for possible hazards before backing their vehicle.

Geospatial Workflows Redefining Industry Ecosystem

Sanjay Kumar, who has one of the best overviews of the geospatial world, says that surveyors in other parts of the world are more directly involved than in the US, Canada, and some Euro countries.  Read his article in Geospatial World.

NSPS to Participate in Conference on Exporting Opportunities for U.S. Surveyors

Surveyors looking to win contracts and offer their services outside the United States can gain information and practical knowledge at a "Geospatial and Engineering International Conference - Entering and Expanding Global Business Opportunities," November 13-14, 2013 at the Westin Hotel in Alexandria, VA.  NSPS will be a participating organization.  NSPS members will qualify for a special registration discount.

The conference will enable firms to export their services, data and products to overseas clients.  It will feature agencies and organizations that finance, procure, coordinate, and manage geospatial and engineering projects outside the United States with presentations on their programs, budgets, requirements, and procurement procedures. Agencies that assist U.S. companies with exporting will inform firms of services available to assist with expansion into the global market.

Private sector professionals experienced in international business will share best practices and lessons learned. The conference will also include unique teaming, partnering and networking opportunities. Session topics will be geared toward firms that are new to exporting and those who seek to expand their international portfolio.  Participating agencies, speakers and sponsors will be announced at a later date and time. Interested professionals can sign up for email information on the conference the web site.

NSPS Radio Hour on June 10 to Feature Donny Sosa, esri

Join host Curt Sumner and Donny for a discussion about the specifics of the upcoming Survey Summit, July 6-9, 2013.  For more information visit www.surveysummit.com

The Survey Summit is a unique learning and networking opportunity where the geospatial community comes together to focus on high accuracy mapping, surveying, civil engineering, and GIS technology. This event will help you stay relevant and stake your claim in the future of professional surveying.

During the show, listen for the "key question" and be the first to email the correct answer to quikstakescontest@americaswebradio.com to win a $50 gift certificate from our sponsor, Parker Davis Quik Stakes. No purchase is required to receive the gift certificate. Winners limited to once every three months.

The "key question" for the June 10 show will be, "What kind of guitar do you play?"

Davis-Bacon Issue Generates Interest in Congress

Several members of Congress have expressed concern that the Labor Department has classified members of survey crews as "laborers and mechanics", subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.  NSPS government affairs consultants, John M. Palatiello & Associates, Inc. have begun educating Congressmen and Senators about the controversial new policy and receiving feedback from lawmakers who want to reverse the Labor Department ruling.  A possible Congressional hearing, at which NSPS may be invited to testify, is among the actions being considered.

Huizenga Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Boost Small Business, Reform Government Run Amok

Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) has announced the introduction of H.R. 2098, The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2013, the first step in a new approach to reforming Federal Prison Industries/UNICOR:

"Millions of Americans remain out of work, many through no fault of their own," said Huizenga.  "As small businesses continue to struggle in the current economic environment, one thing they shouldn't have to worry about is their own government using prison labor to drive them out of business.  The Federal Prison Industries Act of 2013 levels the playing field for private sector job creators by eliminating UNICOR's 'no-bid' contract status and forcing this government-owned behemoth to compete and operate in the same manner as private industry.  Additionally, this legislation forces UNICOR to meet federal health and safety standards and pay a market rate for the production of goods and services provided.  If UNICOR is going to act like a business, it must play by the same set of rules as a business. The status quo affords UNICOR a unique competitive advantage that simply should not exist.  It's time to get the government working for people, not taking their jobs."

Lead Democrat cosponsor Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) released the following statement in support of H.R. 2098:  "This bill we are introducing—versions of which I have sponsored or co-sponsored over the last dozen years— will require the Federal Prison Industries’ brands to compete with private-sector businesses on a level playing field," Rep. Maloney said. "It should improve the ability of private companies to win contracts for government work and it will improve the working conditions of FPI employees. It's a win-win for everyone involved." 

Background:

UNICOR, or Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), is a government-owned corporation that employs offenders incarcerated in correctional facilities under the Federal Bureau of Prisons. UNICOR manufactures products and provides services that are sold to executive agencies in the federal government as well as the military.  Examples of these products and services include clothing and textiles, office furniture, electronics, fleet and industrial products, recycling, and services such as call center and help desk support.  UNICOR operates 81 factories located at 63 prison facilities across the country.

The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2013 requires FPI to compete for government contracts by minimizing unfair competition with the private sector firms, and driving fair and reasonable prices. The bill will also substantially enhance the opportunity for public participation in the process by which UNICOR is authorized to produce a new product or expand production by requiring a detailed independent analysis of the impact on the private sector a UNICOR expansion would have.

The bill also makes reforms to FPI by imposing federal occupational, health, and safety standards on FPI with respect to its industrial operations; allowing inmates within FPI to work for a tax-exempt charity, religious organization, or local governmental unit or school district that has an agreement with FPI; requiring the Department of Labor to raise the hourly minimum wage rate for inmates to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1939; and establishing an enhanced in-prison educational and vocational assessment and training program to help with release readiness preparation.

The original co-sponsors on this bipartisan reform legislation aimed at boosting private sector job creation are: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY), Rep. Dan Benishek (MI), Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN), Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC), Rep. Trent Franks (AZ), Rep. Walter Jones (NC), Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Rep. Candice Miller (MI), Rep. Mick Mulvaney (SC), Rep. Edward 

RICS HQ Recently Hosted a Five-Strong Delegation of Licensed Professional Land Surveyors, Representatives from the States of Virginia, Iowa, Georgia and Tennessee.

David Holland (NSPS Governor/VA) has written an article for Professional Surveyor magazine detailing a recent trip to England by five Surveyors from the United States. The article will appear in a future edition of the magazine.

Among the activities of the delegation was a visit to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Below is an accounting of that visit written from the perspective of James Kavanaugh, RICS Director/Land Group:

Pictured are: Stephen Letchford (VA); David Holland (VA; NSPS Governor); James Kavanaugh (RICS Director/Land Survey Group); Chuck Dunlap (VA); Richard Leu (Iowa; NSPS Governor); Bart Crattie (TN)

The USA operates a state-by-state licensing system for professional land surveyors but has a national surveying body (National Society of Professional Surveyors). The delegation was on a fact finding mission to the UK and also managed to visit places of geographic and surveying significance such as Greenwich.

Discussions ranged from the historic links and shared surveying heritage of the UK and USA, including presentations on the UK system of mapping, land registration and property ownership, to developments in professional practice and technology.

The US delegation was especially interested in the wide-ranging remit of RICS professional practice as compared to some parts of the world and the evolution of the profession in the UK. Potential collaboration on RICS best practice and client guides was discussed, as was the RICS online academy and its potential application for state surveyors. The group also invited RICS to participate in the forthcoming celebrations planned in Philadelphia for late August 2013 to mark the grave of Charles Mason, the UK land surveyor of Mason–Dixon line fame.

RICS prepared a speech for the then Prime Minister Tony Blair to read at the 2002 celebrations and restoration of some of original boundary monuments. US land surveyors tend to be acutely aware of their history and the Mason-Dixon Line has gained a hold on the US national memory as the division between North and South, Yankees and Dixie, freedom and slavery.

More prosaically, its original intention was to quell a 1760s bloody boundary dispute between the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania. RICS Land has a strong and growing relationship with our colleagues in the US and this visit will hopefully be the start of developing opportunities within the state licensed sectors which employ over 20,000 professional land surveyors in the USA.