Private- and public-sector architects will gather at the AIA national headquarters building in Washington, D.C., on November 9 to discuss issues and trends—including security challenges—in the procurement of overseas federal agency projects. "Market Opportunities Abroad: A Workshop on U.S. Government Overseas Procurement of Architectural Services," presented by the AIA International Committee and cosponsored by the AIA Government Acquisition Policy Council and AIA Federal Agency Liaison Group, will explain how architects can become more involved with the global projects of the U.S. government.

As the AIA Firm Survey 2000–2002 showed, over a third of firms with 50 or more employees are currently working on international projects. This workshop is aimed at AIA architects with international practices, especially firms that are expanding their markets and scope of services, and their partners in the process-procurement officers and project managers.

The program
Keynote: Major General Charles E. Williams (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ret.), director and chief operating officer of the U.S. State Department Office of Overseas Buildings Operations, will serve as keynote speaker, presenting an address on "Overview of the Agency and New Directions at the Office of Overseas Buildings Operations, U.S. Department of State."

Federal procurement: Speaking about "The U.S. Government as a Client," representatives from the State Department, Army Corps of Engineers, and Naval Facilities Engineering Command will explain their agencies' programs and the services they seek to procure. They will talk about:
• The mission and charge of the agency
• Summary of the fiscal year 2002 budget and future projections for A/E and construction budgets
• Acquisition policy and selection criteria
• Project delivery methods
• Expertise and capabilities the agencies are looking for in architecture firms.

Process and product: issues in government procurement procedures: A panel of architects and project managers will discuss various acquisition strategies and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Topics include:
• Finding partners (other architects, as well as engineers, project managers, etc.)
• Building team dynamics
• Strengthening and expanding the role of architects in government projects.

Security issues of overseas projects: The panel will discuss security from different points of view. Topics will include:
• Protection of information and communication networks
• Security clearances for personnel assigned to overseas projects.

Admiral T. Joseph Lopez (Ret.), senior vice president of government operations, Brown & Root Services, Kellogg Brown & Root, will offer closing remarks.

Participants may earn up to 5 AIA CES learning units. To download a registration form, click here. If you have questions, contact Ellen Delage, director, International Relations at 202-626-7415.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.