FREE TOOLS! - Innovations Tracking
Henry Ford (Founder of Ford Motor Company) once famously said, “If I had asked the public what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.” Instead of producing an assembly line of horses on anabolic steroids, Mr. Ford used his creativity and innovative thinking to develop an assembly line to mass produce the Model T car in 1908! There were over 15 million Model T cars produced and sold, and by 1925, Ford was producing 9,000 to 10,000 cars every day! Using assembly line technology and passing the savings to the customers, Ford produced these vehicles and sold them for less than you would pay for a bicycle at Walmart today!
Fast forward to 2023, modern construction delivery methods are begging for innovations, and for innovations tracking. First, let’s talk about delivery methods needing innovation. Many Owners select alternative delivery methods because they need a project built fast, built inexpensively, or built fast and inexpensive. In any of these scenarios, developing schedule optimizations and cost saving construction techniques is essential to making these projects successful. Using alternative delivery methods to select the most qualified contractor, and involving the contractor in the design development helps accomplish these goals.
Now let’s discuss innovations tracking. In many cases we have observed, Owners are given authority to use alternative delivery methods by upper management on a trial basis. “Show me you can produce good results using alternative delivery methods, and then we will talk about using them on future projects.” Owners in these situations need a tracking tool to show the cost savings related to innovations implemented on their projects. Responding to this need, IC&E developed an innovations tracking tool. A copy of our Innovations Log is found on our website in the TOOLBOX page. Feel free to download and use on your projects.
Tracking innovations savings is another way IC&E is helping Owners build confidence in Alternative Delivery methods.
To discuss innovations tracking, contact Dan Bender at (702) 523-2354.
ARDOT – Highway 10 Widening
ICE Teams partnered with KIEWIT and ArDOT for Arkansas’ first-ever CM-GC project: the Highway 10 widening. The project improved 1.11 miles of Highway 10 from Pleasant Ridge Road to Pleasant Valley Drive. Along that corridor, Highway 10 was widened from the previous 5-lane undivided cross-section to a 6-lane divided cross-section with a raised median. The project also included constructing a Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) at Rodney Parham Road, constructing new braided ramps north and south of Highway 10, relocating the I-430 Southbound entrance ramp, and relocating River Mountain Road.
ArDOT designed the project in-house, while KIEWIT served as the general contractor and IC&E performed independent cost estimating services for this project. The entire CM-GC team collaborated well and aligned the delivery method with ArDOT’s vision for the CM-GC process. The preconstruction phase of the project was a huge success, and the project has since been completed and is now open to traffic.
Of this project team, ArDOT’s then project delivery administrator, Kevin White, commented that “The quality of work on the Highway 10 CM-GC project was excellent. Innovative Contracting and Engineering was (and continues to be) a great resource regarding the CM-GC project delivery method. The cost estimates and schedule analysis they provided gave the Department confidence that we were receiving a fair price for the project and were able to award the construction contract for the Department’s first CM-GC project.”
Jade Broadhead, Lead Cost Estimator
Jade Broadhead is an exceptional lead cost estimator at Innovative Contracting and Engineering (ICE), where he plays a crucial role in providing accurate and reliable estimates for a wide range of construction projects. With 15 years of estimating experience under his belt, Jade joined the company in 2022 and has consistently demonstrated his expertise, creativity, and dedication to delivering projects efficiently, enhancing constructability, and fostering innovation.
Jade possesses a comprehensive skill set that includes proficiency in production-based cost estimating methods, alternative delivery consulting services, and risk management techniques. He holds a bachelor's degree in construction engineering from Utah Valley University, which further strengthens his foundation in the field. Interestingly, Jade's career journey has been diverse, starting from his early roles as a concrete finisher and foreman during college. He then transitioned into a technology specialist surveyor role before eventually finding his passion in project management and estimating. His hands-on experience in building bridges and roadways prior to specializing in independent cost estimating services significantly contributes to his ability to produce reliable estimates and comprehend projects holistically.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys spending his spare time hiking, dirt biking, mountain biking, and hunting throughout the beautiful landscapes of Utah. His adventurous spirit and passion for the outdoors perfectly complement his role in the ICE team, making him an integral and valued member of the organization.
Overall, Jade Broadhead's expertise, experience, and commitment make him an invaluable asset to the ICE team, and we are delighted to have him on board.
Alternative Delivery Consulting Services (PDB, CMGC, CMAR, DB, P3)
Alternative Delivery Processes Training
Independent Cost Estimating (Production-Based Cost Estimating)
Critical Path Scheduling Using Primavera P6
Constructability Reviews
Risk Management/Mitigation
Innovation in Construction Techniques
Negotiation
Change Order Reviews
Training
We love what we do! We have a passion for finding creative approaches to construction. We are constantly looking for innovative construction techniques to add value to the projects we are working on. Our team has found ways to reduce schedule and/or construction costs on every project we have worked on to date!
Innovative Contracting & Engineering (ICE) is a team comprised of former contractors and professional engineers who have a thorough understanding of market fluctuations, pricing trends, construction strategies, and innovations. Our experience working on alternative delivery projects across the United States has provided our team with a tool bag full of industry best practices. Construction cost estimating and scheduling is our primary focus. This focus is how we stay current on construction trends and price changes, and that helps us produce more accurate estimates than our competition. We have a passion for finding creative approaches to construction. We are constantly looking for innovative construction techniques to add value to the projects we are working on. Our team has found a way to reduce schedule and/or construction costs on every project we have worked on to date! ICE works closely with our clients to improve the quality of their most challenging projects.
Past Newsletters:
Pareto’s Principle and Concept Cost Estimates
Meeting Project Risks & Challenges
Leaders Turn Vision into Infrastructure
Early completion milestone bonuses in CMGC contracts
Risk Management Best Practices
Vision 2020?? Nobody saw this coming!
How can we help you? Send us your questions, comments, and request.
Email, Call, or Text: Dan Bender, 702-523-2354, danbender@iceteams.com