Contact: Emily VanderBush, [email protected]
Airport Consultants Council
(703) 683-5900
Rhode Island Airport Corporation Recipient of 2011 ACC Excellence in Procurement Award
Denver, CO – The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) is the third recipient of the Airport Consultants Council’s (ACC) Excellence in Procurement Award. Kevin Dillon, President and CEO of RIAC, accepted the award on behalf of the corporation on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the ACC/AAAE Planning, Design and Construction Symposium in Denver, CO. The Award seeks to recognize an airport or airport sponsor that demonstrates excellence in procurement and contracting practices.
RIAC was selected as the 2011 Award recipient from a field of very strong candidates because the corporation has a procurement process that is worthy of serving as a model for other airports and public agencies to follow. Among the specific reason cited for the selection were that RIAC:
Has a long-standing policy that was established in 1994 and is readily available to the public,
Uses the policy for all projects whether funded through AIP or other sources,
Fosters open communication during the selection process and provides feedback to firms when selections are completed, and
Utilizes interviews on an as-needed basis and usually includes three firms.
“RIAC is also being recognized because its selections are made by technical staff and approved by the board. This is a great ‘best practice’ for others in the industry to emulate,” said Tom Butcher, Director of Aviation Services with WALKER Parking Consultants and Chair of ACC’s Procurement Committee.
ACC President Paula Hochstetler affirmed the selection, stating that “The RIAC negotiation process is fair as well because there are no overhead limitations or adverse indemnification provisions. It’s a privilege to call attention to those in the industry that exhibit fair procurement practices. Their choices benefit the aviation industry and traveling public alike by enabling the most qualified firms to be selected for projects.”
“This type of recognition acknowledges the exceptional efforts my staff has exhibited in implementing the best practices in the procurement process for the Corporation. They have consistently worked to streamline procurement procedures and have worked to make our process user friendly. It means a great deal for us to be selected by the Airport Consultants Council for this prestigious award,” said Kevin Dillon, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.
The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) is the international trade association that represents the unique interests of consultant firms and related businesses that provide airport development and operations expertise. Founded in 1978, ACC Headquarters is located in the Washington, D.C. area. View the release online at ACConline.org.