Indiana Asset Management Bid Request Canceled

A request for price proposals for professional services related to bridge height, vertical clearance data, and related asset location and management services by the Indiana Department of Transportation has been withdrawn after an objection was filed by the Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural and Engineering Services (COFPAES), of which NSPS is a member organization.  COFPAES indicated the solicitation was for professional surveying services, as defined by the Professional Surveyor Practice Act of Indiana, but did not require an Indiana professional surveyor.  The request for pricing also violated the Indiana mini-Brooks Act, the federal Brooks Act, and the Federal Highway Act, all of which require qualifications based selection (QBS) for such contracts.

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 web site.

NSPS provides input to NSDI plan

On August 26, NSPS government affairs representative John "JB" Byrd participated in a meeting of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) to provide comments and feedback on the draft National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) strategic plan update. Last week, NSPS submitted formal comments on the Draft NSDI to the FGDC. The current version of the draft proposal may be found here. Byrd commented that the USGS 3DEP, NOAA Height Modernization and geodesy framework programs, and a national parcel system should be highlighted as critical framework layers, while repeating the call to have underground infrastructure/utility location data added as a new framework layer in the NSDI.

NSPS Radio Hour Guest set for August 26 — 11 a.m. EDT

Host Curt Sumner will interview Joel Leininger, owner of what is believed to be the oldest active surveying company in the US.

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.

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 web site. 

ACSM Past President Jim Plasker Announces Retirement as ASPRS Executive Director

 
Soon after his term as ACSM President ended, Jim Plasker took the position of Executive Director for ASPRS. However, he has continued his service to ACSM (and subsequently to NSPS) as a member of the organization’s delegation to ABET, serving in a number of capacities including representation on the ABET Board. NSPS wishes Jim the very best in his retirement, and hopes he will continue his service in its ABET activities.

August 12, 2013 -- Bethesda, MD -- ASPRS Executive Director James Plasker has announced his retirement from ASPRS and plans to step down from his position, effective January 2014. Plasker was selected as the Executive Director in 1998 to succeed William French who had served in the position for 20 years.

As ASPRS Executive Director for nearly 16 years, Plasker led or significantly contributed to numerous programmatic efforts on behalf of the ASPRS membership and the broader geospatial community. These included resolution of professional licensure issues and expanded geospatial representation to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); development of the Ten Year Remote Sensing Industry Forecast (Phases I-IV); increased awareness of Landsat data continuity issues and the requirement for a National Land Imaging Program; ASPRS participation in several U.S. Department of Labor career and statistical reporting programs including NAICS and ONET; expansion of both the number and monetary value of the ASPRS awards and scholarships endowed through the ASPRS Foundation; supported a number of ASPRS studies on camera calibration, digital orthophotography and the value of Landsat data; aided ASPRS volunteers in the development of the LAS common data exchange standard and the best practices guidelines for procurement of professional geospatial services and geospatial products; oversaw expansion of the ASPRS Certification Program to include technologists and intern categories; and increased efforts to support the accreditation of applied science and engineering programs through his continuing service to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

During Plasker’s tenure he also oversaw implementation of the Society’s strategic plan, including an expansion and modernization of the ASPRS publications program; fulfillment of the decision to operate its conferences independently; improvement of the financial health of the Society; recovery of the APSRS Foundation and full endowment of its awards; and the payoff of the mortgage on the Headquarters offices. The Society now has a working investment policy for Society short and long term reserves, which specifically enabled the recovery of the publication of ASPRS manuals from an outside publisher and supported ongoing Society operations as the Nation’s economic condition worsened in recent years. In addition, Plasker has implemented technological advancements in the Headquarters IT infrastructure as well as the membership database and website capabilities.

Upon announcing his retirement, Plasker said, “ASPRS is a world‐class geospatial organization with members located in nearly every country. As such, I have had the pleasure to serve the membership as well as represent the Society, along with volunteer leadership, both internationally and to our sister societies in the USA. The opportunity to work with my colleagues throughout the geospatial community to enhance and improve our profession has been most rewarding to me and hopefully to the ASPRS membership in general.” He looks forward to working with the ASPRS Board of Directors to ensure a smooth and effective transition to a new Executive Director.

Speaking for the ASPRS Board of Directors, President Steve DeGloria expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for all that Plasker has accomplished on behalf of ASPRS; “His dedication, leadership, and commitment to our professional society and geospatial community have been outstanding. We look forward to continuing interactions with Jim during this transition period and his continuing support of ASPRS in the coming years.”
An active ASPRS member since his college days, Plasker began his career with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and for 26 years he served in a broad range of capacities, including chief of the Technology Office and chief of the Mapping Control Operations in the Rocky Mountain Mapping Center; assistant chief for Production Operations and associate chief of the National Mapping Division; and associate chief geologist for Operations in the Geologic Division. During his tenure with USGS he was responsible for the development of the National Aerial Photography Program and the National Digital Orthophotoquad Program, both collaborative efforts with colleagues from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the private sector. These programs formed the underpinnings of several current Federal image mapping functions including the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). He was also responsible for the development of the USGS Digital Raster Graphic Program through close cooperation with the private sector, and facilitated a multi-organizational Task Force on the Model Law on Surveying to advise NCEES at a time of rapidly changing professional geospatial practice. 

Plasker has also held many volunteer leadership positions within ASPRS, the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, the International Federation of Surveyors, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the U.S. National Section of the Pan American Institute for Geography and History, and ABET. In retirement, Jim and his wife, Billie, plan to return to their native Oregon and once again enjoy the climate and lifestyle of the western U.S.

Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.

NSPS Radio Hour Guest set for August 5 - 11:00 am EDT

The guest for today will be Kris Kline.  Kris will join host Curt Sumner to report on the release of his new book, “Rooted in Stone: The Development of Adverse Possession in 20 Eastern States and the District of Columbia”. 

He will also discuss mining rights and subterranean interests , as well as issues caused by surface water flow.

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.  

Surveyor Credits Trig-Star for Career Choice

Upon reading the announcement of Trig-Star Winners in NSPS News and Views, Texas Professional Land Surveyor Mike Brown contacted NSPS headquarters to acknowledge that his participation in the 1998 Trig-Star competition is almost entirely responsible for his change in career path.  Brown is licensed in 10 states and is a Certified Federal Surveyor.

Selling Surveying via Trig-Star  featured in the August issue of Dual Frequency