Innovations are NOT “Negative Risks.”

*“Innovation is not about taking crazy risks…you might die, and that’s bad.”~ Gordon Hart*

A common misconception in the construction industry is the belief that project risks and innovations are opposites. In fact, if you have worked on several alternative delivery projects, then you may have heard someone suggest that the team track innovations on the project’s risk register as “negative risks.” However, this is not an effective or accurate way to represent risk cost impacts. While risks and innovations are related, they serve different purposes and are developed using separate processes. IC&E recommends tracking risks on a risk register, and innovations on an innovation log.

Risk Register – The risk register on an alternative delivery project quantifies risk cost and time impacts, identifies risk triggers, and tracks risk resolutions. Depending on legislative authority, many Owners also reference the risk register in their project specifications or incorporate the final risk register into the construction contract. The risk register then becomes a tool used to implement risk resolutions during the construction phase. IC&E has developed a collaborative risk register tool to identify, manage, and quantity risk cost impacts. This tool assists the risk manager to track risk progression at each pricing milestone and enables the rest of the team to actively contribute to its development.

Innovations Log – When one of your project goals is to minimize costs and/or construction duration, you should search out and select a contractor who has a history of successfully implementing innovations into past projects. Contractors with a history of being innovative give you the best chance to meet this cost- and time-savings goal. Their preconstruction scope of work should include developing and managing the innovations log. IC&E has developed a simple spreadsheet tool to track innovations. The contractor should use this tool (or a similar spreadsheet) to lead the team in identifying, vetting, and implementing viable project innovations. This is a collaborative process with the whole team contributing during task force meetings or innovation workshops.

So why is it inappropriate to track innovations on a risk register? Because using a negative number to represent innovations on the risk register can confuse the project team by reducing the true potential risk costs.

Best Practice – We have found that the construction manager is the best party to manage the innovations log, while our experience leading risk management on hundreds of alternative delivery projects makes us (IC&E) the best party to manage the risk register.
For a more in depth conversation about managing risk and innovations, call Dan Bender at 702-523-2354

KYTC Mountain parkway PDB

Mountain Parkway is a critical corridor through the Appalachan region and will create many new opportunities for nearby stakeholders. This project is being delivered through the Progressive Design Build (PDB) method. The PDB method allows the most qualified team members from the cabinet, designer, independent cost estimator, and contractor to collaborate as a cohesive team to optimize the project’s cost, schedule, and budget. IC&E is proud to be working alongside an amazing team at KYTC in Kentucky; we have been working diligently with the Bizzack team (KYTC, Bizzack Construction, Palmer Engineering, Haydon Bridge Company, and Bush & Burchett) to optimize the Mountain Parkway expansion project.

Key Activities

Project Kickoff: align project goals, schedule, expectations, teaming and communication.
Design Progression: track progress at design meetings, provide guidance, review constructability, discuss design options, and provide pricing support.
Risk Management: create risk register, manage working documents, manage the constant progression of risk identification, impact analyses, mitigation strategies, and resolutions at risk meetings.
Cost Modeling: scope alignment (designer, contractor, and ICE agree on assumptions, estimating instructions, subcontractor and supply quotes, quantities, and allowances), “snapshot” cost model development and comparison exercises, and reconciliation of the cost models that provided KYTC with critical information for decision making.
Scheduling: schedule WBS development and phasing optimization, development of time related direct and indirect costs, and contract duration.
Construction Contract: review and negotiate contract language prior to GMP to expedite project delivery, agree to contract language, terms, cost, and dates prior to GMP to reduce contract execution timelines.

PDB has proven to be an effective delivery method for projects like Mountain Parkway. While PDB makes it easier to use these tools effectively, many if not all of these project saving activities can be implemented into any project to increase communication and project success.

We're excited to spotlight one of our fantastic team members, Todd Ressler, who has been a key player since joining IC&E back in September 2023. With over 20 years of experience in heavy civil and infrastructure projects, Todd brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as an Estimator and Project Manager.

Todd holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Drexel University School of Engineering, graduating magna cum laude, and is a Certified Professional Estimator by the American Society of Professional Estimators. Over his career, he has excelled in estimating utility projects ranging from $10MM to $150MM, using his skills in HCSS Heavy Bid, earthwork, and takeoff software.

At IC&E, Todd dives into the complexities of quantity recommendations, OPCCs, Constructability reviews, and helps bridge the gap on project pricing between contractors and owners. This work is crucial for ensuring construction projects run smoothly and successfully. Looking ahead, Todd aims to increase project acquisition and grow the team to handle our expanding workload. He’s passionate about recruiting talented estimators to help drive the company's success. Todd’s own growth journey—from a novice estimator to a confident professional—fuels his desire for continuous learning. He’s particularly interested in exploring risk management and mentoring other estimators, showing his dedication to both personal and team development.

One of Todd’s standout achievements is implementing and programming heavy bid software for Montana Construction, which streamlined their bid process and led to winning more contracts. His knack for performing detailed take-offs and spotting project keys before bidding has consistently set him apart from the competition.

Todd is a seasoned construction project estimator with skills in change management, overseeing the RFP process, and bid administration. He’s a pro at negotiating, assembling labor and material costs, and is well-versed in HeavyBid, HeavyJob, Earthwork Takeoff Software, and Onscreen Takeoff Software. His expertise spans public and private sector projects, particularly in NYC DDC/NYC DEP/Local Municipalities, and complex civil engineering, utility, and site development projects. Known for building and leading strong teams, Todd is also dedicated to delivering top-notch customer support and service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Todd has a rich personal life that adds to his dynamic presence at IC&E. His biggest hobbies are surfing and spending time at the beach. Living in a beach town in New Jersey, Todd and his family are often found enjoying the coastal lifestyle. He also loves traveling, and his favorite destination is Ecuador, where he met his wife. This passion for surfing and the beach reflects Todd's love for adventure and the importance of balance between work and leisure.

Todd Ressler embodies the commitment, enthusiasm, and ingenuity that characterize our IC&E team. His unwavering commitment to excellence and knack for delivering results render him an invaluable asset to our organization. We eagerly anticipate Todd's continued growth and his ongoing contributions to IC&E's future achievements.

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

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:

CMGC or PD-B: Choosing the Right Delivery Method

Are Blue Book Equipment Rates Appropriate for use on Alternative Delivery Projects?

Free Tools! - Innovations Tracking

Pareto’s Principle and Concept Cost Estimates

Meeting Project Risks & Challenges

Leaders Turn Vision into Infrastructure

Free Tools!

Market Volatility Update

5 Year Anniversary!

Early completion milestone bonuses in CMGC contracts

Risk Management Best Practices