Where we are now: reflecting on 5 years of State of the Nation

DAVID MCNAUGHT | June 16, 2021 | 158 views

The UK has undergone five years of unprecedented change while facing up to long-term challenges, such as reducing regional inequalities and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Over that period, ICE’s annual State of the Nation reports have set out a range of policy interventions aimed at ensuring the UK has the high-performing infrastructure needed to meet those challenges. Each report has focused on major cross-cutting infrastructure issues, including devolution and reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

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Conisbee

Conisbee is an award winning civil and structural engineering design practice with offices in London, Norwich and Cambridge. We offer a collaborative, enthusiastic and responsive service with an efficient, innovative and creative design approach.

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Market, Engineering Tech

Feature engineering in machine learning

Article | July 11, 2022

Feature engineering is the process of extracting new variables by transforming raw data to improve the predictability of a machine learning model. But feature engineering is not just this kind of simple translation of categories like names or colors into numbers. The following section includes a collection of different kinds of engineering approaches that go beyond a translation of categories into numbers and address needs such as transforming numbers into categories or filtering data points due to missing or false data.

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Engineering Tech

OxBlue Announces AI-Based Capabilities for Social Distancing

Article | July 19, 2021

OxBlue.Com, an Atlanta-Based Technology Company and the Leader in Professional Construction Camera Services, Has Announced the Development of Artificial Intelligence-Based Technology for Detecting Social Distancing on Construction Sites. OxBlue, an Atlanta-based technology company and the leader in professional construction camera services, has announced the development of artificial intelligence-based technology for detecting social distancing on construction sites.

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Engineering Tech

Infrastructure Policy Watch: cost of climate change to UK finances, public views on New Zealand infrastructure

Article | August 24, 2021

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in its latest Fiscal Risks Report has forecast the cost to the UK public finances from climate change (physical risks) and the transition to net-zero (transition risks) across a range of different scenarios. Describing the challenge, the OBR states: There are many other policy challenges to overcome, so the path to net zero can be expected to involve many policy levers on top of carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes, including bans and other regulations, and public subsidies and investment. These will all have economic and fiscal implications of one sort or another – either directly (via taxes and spending) or indirectly (via wider economic outcomes). Taking early action to achieve net zero would add 21% of GDP to public sector net debt by 2050, a smaller amount than that added by the Covid-19 pandemic. This amount comes from increased spending on net-zero investment, the loss of tax revenues (such as fuel duty), revenues from tax on carbon and other costs such as increased debt interest payments.

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Including STEM engagement in U.S. COVID-19 recovery efforts

Article | April 17, 2020

In addition to their core research work, many Federal science agencies have a mission to engage the public with current scientific research; educate Americans in science, technology, engineering, and math; and seed tomorrow’s workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasizes the importance of providing tools for the public to evaluate scientific information, bolstering community science literacy, and engaging the public in conversation about scientific issues.

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Conisbee

Conisbee is an award winning civil and structural engineering design practice with offices in London, Norwich and Cambridge. We offer a collaborative, enthusiastic and responsive service with an efficient, innovative and creative design approach.

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Engineering Tech

Michael Baker International Acquires Tidal Basin

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has acquired Tidal Basin, a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm. Tidal Basin will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and will complement Michael Baker's efforts to support the nation's recovery efforts and rebuild infrastructure to be safer and more resilient. "We are excited to welcome Tidal Basin as a sister company to Michael Baker. This relationship is a tremendous opportunity for the two firms to work closely together to drive more value for a shared client base that encompasses more than 90 locations across the country," said Thomas J. Campbell, Chairman of Michael Baker International and Founder and Managing Partner of DC Capital Partners. "Both firms bring added strength to the market with complementary resources and capabilities to take on larger resiliency projects while delivering the exceptional client service for which they are known." This new relationship pairs the depth and breadth of Michael Baker's engineering and consulting expertise with Tidal Basin's extensive experience and comprehensive suite of services relative to preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program management - which are increasingly important as public and private entities contend with volatile climate activity and man-made emergencies. Tidal Basin has served as a vital resource during times of crisis, including public health emergencies and other unforeseen events. Working more closely together will allow both firms to provide even stronger program and technical management expertise and resources to clients, including governments, businesses and communities. Michael Baker and Tidal Basin have a history of working together on projects throughout the country, including planning projects targeting wildfires in California and infrastructure projects in Colorado and New York. The new relationship between the firms creates many avenues to leverage synergies and growth opportunities across Michael Baker's five distinct verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). Growth opportunities exist through the strong relationship both organizations have with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while pursuing additional business across all Federal agencies. This includes expanding relationships with federal civilian agencies, state and local entities, departments of transportation nationwide as well as projects in the broadband services, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS) sectors, among others. Tidal Basin is led by founder and CEO Daniel A. Craig, a leader with extensive experience with FEMA and the disaster consulting and post-disaster recovery industries. He has advised the White House and more than a dozen governors and state administrations on recovery, housing, and long-term economic recovery strategies. Mr. Craig also served as a presidentially appointed Associate Administrator for FEMA's Recovery Division where he was responsible for overseeing the federal government's recovery efforts on all presidentially declared events including the Space Shuttle Columbia crash, the wildfires of 2003, and the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Mr. Craig is supported by a deep team of industry experts and experienced professionals including Amy K. Baker, Executive Vice President, Government Consulting; Melissa J. Gordon, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions and Stephen T. Surace, President and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, the Tidal Basin team is leveraging its technology enabled solutions to expedite recovery efforts related to the tragic Maui wildfires. The McLean Group acted as financial advisor and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal advisor to Tidal Basin in connection with the transaction. Arnold & Porter, LLP acted as transaction counsel and White & Case, LLP acted as debt counsel to DC Capital. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

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Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

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Construction

Bespoke Metrics and Procore Deepen Collaboration to Streamline Preconstruction Phase

GlobeNewswire | September 14, 2023

COMPASS by Bespoke Metrics, a leading provider of prequalification and risk management technology, today announced the integration of its prequalification system with the Procore platform, marking a significant milestone within its involvement on the Procore App Marketplace. Procore Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of construction management software and launched the Procore App Marketplace in 2016 as an online hub for third party integrations and custom applications modernizing the everyday life of the construction professional. This expanded integration will weave COMPASS's Prequalification tool into Procore's digital workspace, setting a new benchmark for improved precision and an upgraded user experience during the critical preconstruction phase. "COMPASS and Procore are both committed to improving risk management across the construction industry and supporting quality-based selection," said Michael Ho, CEO of Bespoke Metrics. "This enhancement will allow us to leverage our shared vision and expertise to provide a more comprehensive and efficient preconstruction process." The integration of COMPASS's prequalification system with Procore aims to redefine the bidding dynamic. This will make it easier for general contractors to find and hire prequalified specialty contractors, helping save valuable time. "With a mission to connect everyone in construction on a global platform, this collaboration with COMPASS marks a significant step towards achieving this goal," commented Kris Lengieza, vice president, global partnership and alliances of Procore. "The integration of COMPASS's prequalification tool with the Procore platform will help our customers mitigate the risk of engaging stakeholders who lack financial stability. This can ultimately help decrease the potential for project delays and failures.” COMPASS will be sponsoring this year's Groundbreak event. Join us at Booth #31 to learn more about our integration with Procore and how it's reshaping the construction landscape. ABOUT BESPOKE METRICS Offering multi-language concierge service for both subcontractors and general contractors, COMPASS by Bespoke Metrics is a leading prequalification platform that supports industry-wide data collection, verification, and analytics. Through the COMPASS 1Form, subcontractor data is collected using a unique standardized approach, while giving subcontractors full control of their data. General contractors benefit from the analytics derived from standardized data, enabling them to effectively manage project and default risks.

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Engineering Tech

Michael Baker International Acquires Tidal Basin

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has acquired Tidal Basin, a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm. Tidal Basin will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and will complement Michael Baker's efforts to support the nation's recovery efforts and rebuild infrastructure to be safer and more resilient. "We are excited to welcome Tidal Basin as a sister company to Michael Baker. This relationship is a tremendous opportunity for the two firms to work closely together to drive more value for a shared client base that encompasses more than 90 locations across the country," said Thomas J. Campbell, Chairman of Michael Baker International and Founder and Managing Partner of DC Capital Partners. "Both firms bring added strength to the market with complementary resources and capabilities to take on larger resiliency projects while delivering the exceptional client service for which they are known." This new relationship pairs the depth and breadth of Michael Baker's engineering and consulting expertise with Tidal Basin's extensive experience and comprehensive suite of services relative to preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program management - which are increasingly important as public and private entities contend with volatile climate activity and man-made emergencies. Tidal Basin has served as a vital resource during times of crisis, including public health emergencies and other unforeseen events. Working more closely together will allow both firms to provide even stronger program and technical management expertise and resources to clients, including governments, businesses and communities. Michael Baker and Tidal Basin have a history of working together on projects throughout the country, including planning projects targeting wildfires in California and infrastructure projects in Colorado and New York. The new relationship between the firms creates many avenues to leverage synergies and growth opportunities across Michael Baker's five distinct verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). Growth opportunities exist through the strong relationship both organizations have with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while pursuing additional business across all Federal agencies. This includes expanding relationships with federal civilian agencies, state and local entities, departments of transportation nationwide as well as projects in the broadband services, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS) sectors, among others. Tidal Basin is led by founder and CEO Daniel A. Craig, a leader with extensive experience with FEMA and the disaster consulting and post-disaster recovery industries. He has advised the White House and more than a dozen governors and state administrations on recovery, housing, and long-term economic recovery strategies. Mr. Craig also served as a presidentially appointed Associate Administrator for FEMA's Recovery Division where he was responsible for overseeing the federal government's recovery efforts on all presidentially declared events including the Space Shuttle Columbia crash, the wildfires of 2003, and the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Mr. Craig is supported by a deep team of industry experts and experienced professionals including Amy K. Baker, Executive Vice President, Government Consulting; Melissa J. Gordon, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions and Stephen T. Surace, President and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, the Tidal Basin team is leveraging its technology enabled solutions to expedite recovery efforts related to the tragic Maui wildfires. The McLean Group acted as financial advisor and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal advisor to Tidal Basin in connection with the transaction. Arnold & Porter, LLP acted as transaction counsel and White & Case, LLP acted as debt counsel to DC Capital. About Michael Baker International Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm's Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

Read More

Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

Read More

Construction

Bespoke Metrics and Procore Deepen Collaboration to Streamline Preconstruction Phase

GlobeNewswire | September 14, 2023

COMPASS by Bespoke Metrics, a leading provider of prequalification and risk management technology, today announced the integration of its prequalification system with the Procore platform, marking a significant milestone within its involvement on the Procore App Marketplace. Procore Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of construction management software and launched the Procore App Marketplace in 2016 as an online hub for third party integrations and custom applications modernizing the everyday life of the construction professional. This expanded integration will weave COMPASS's Prequalification tool into Procore's digital workspace, setting a new benchmark for improved precision and an upgraded user experience during the critical preconstruction phase. "COMPASS and Procore are both committed to improving risk management across the construction industry and supporting quality-based selection," said Michael Ho, CEO of Bespoke Metrics. "This enhancement will allow us to leverage our shared vision and expertise to provide a more comprehensive and efficient preconstruction process." The integration of COMPASS's prequalification system with Procore aims to redefine the bidding dynamic. This will make it easier for general contractors to find and hire prequalified specialty contractors, helping save valuable time. "With a mission to connect everyone in construction on a global platform, this collaboration with COMPASS marks a significant step towards achieving this goal," commented Kris Lengieza, vice president, global partnership and alliances of Procore. "The integration of COMPASS's prequalification tool with the Procore platform will help our customers mitigate the risk of engaging stakeholders who lack financial stability. This can ultimately help decrease the potential for project delays and failures.” COMPASS will be sponsoring this year's Groundbreak event. Join us at Booth #31 to learn more about our integration with Procore and how it's reshaping the construction landscape. ABOUT BESPOKE METRICS Offering multi-language concierge service for both subcontractors and general contractors, COMPASS by Bespoke Metrics is a leading prequalification platform that supports industry-wide data collection, verification, and analytics. Through the COMPASS 1Form, subcontractor data is collected using a unique standardized approach, while giving subcontractors full control of their data. General contractors benefit from the analytics derived from standardized data, enabling them to effectively manage project and default risks.

Read More

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