Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Conduits through Embankment Dams• A licensed professional engineer, P.E., with a civil engineering degree• A minimum of 10 years of experience with embankment dam design,construction, and inspections• A knowledge of the rules and regulations governing embankment dam designand construction in the State where the dam is located• Specific experience in the problem areas, such as hydrology, hydraulics,structural, or geotechnical engineering11.2.3 Finding a qualified dam engineerA good way to locate a qualified professional engineer is to contact your State damsafety office for recommendations. If the State dam safety office is not listed in yourlocal telephone directory, you may find this information on the Internet under the(name of State) dam safety office or on the (name of State) government home page.Another source for obtaining the telephone number of your State dam safety officeand/or the names of experienced dam engineers within your State is the Associationof State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) at 859-257-5140 in Lexington, Kentucky.11.2.4 Choosing an engineer who is best for your needsConsultants are typically selected for engineering consulting services using one ofthree basic processes:272• Qualification-based.—Qualification-based selection means that the knowledge,experience, and ingenuity of the engineer are the critical factors in making theselection. This strategy is used when the owner is uncertain about the exactproblem or the best solution to the problem. Typically, several engineeringfirms submit their technical qualifications, experience with similar projects,reputation with existing clients, and any other factors pertaining to the specificproject. The owner selects the three most qualified firms to make briefpresentations outlining cost-effective and innovative approaches to solve theproblem. Based upon these presentations, the owner chooses the mostqualified engineer to develop a scope of work. When agreement on the scopeof work is achieved, the engineer and the owner negotiate a price that is fair andreasonable to both parties.• Fee-based.—Fee-based selection means that the determining factor in choosingthe engineer is the engineer’s fee. This approach can be used if the ownerknows exactly what work is needed and can clearly define the scope of work.This process has the disadvantage that the engineer best qualified to performthe work may not get the job.