RQAW | DCCM NEWS

RQAW | DCCM is pleased to announce two Director-level promotions, effective immediately; Nicholas Hoevener, PE has been promoted to Director of Roadway Services and Aaron Crow, PE has been promoted to Director of Water/Wastewater. Nicholas has 10+ years of roadway design, structural design, and project management experience. Throughout his career, he has become well-known for handling multiple projects at various complexities, so having Nicholas lead the Roadway team will ensure excellent customer service and high-quality project delivery as we strive to exceed the expectations of our local clients and continue to grow and expand at the national level. Aaron brings over a decade of experience in analysis, planning, modeling, and design services for wastewater, water, and stormwater projects and has helped many cities and towns pursue and secure funds for various utility improvements. He has played an integral role leading and growing the Water/Wastewater group for the last three years as a Senior Project Manager, and we are excited to watch Aaron take the Water/Wastewater team to new heights.

RQAW is excited to announce two new roles that we are bringing to RQAW|DCCM. Effective immediately, Pete Peterson will be taking on the role of Vice President of Buildings and Places and Shane Spears will be the Vice President of Operations. Pete has over 30 years of diverse industry experience in growing market share and negotiating complex business transactions. Over the last nine years, he has led our Business Development team during a period of record growth, and his involvement with both clients and projects in the Architecture and MEP industries makes him well-positioned to now lead our Architecture and MEP teams into the future. He will be working with leadership in those departments to continue bringing RQAW’s depth of expertise to our Indiana clients as well as exploring opportunities to expand our services nationally. Shane brings 30 years of valuable experience in the transportation industry, managing a variety of daily operations at INDOT. In his new role as Vice President of Operations, Shane will continue overseeing the Water/Wastewater and Survey departments but will also begin overseeing operations in IT, Marketing, and Business Development. His focus will include developing and implementing new processes, strengthening existing relationships, and exploring new business opportunities. These two new additions are both strategic and vital to RQAW’s growth and expansion as part of the DCCM brand, and we look forward to further success under their leadership.

https://vimeo.com/915203908 RQAW I DCCM, an architecture and engineering firm located in Fishers, Indiana has announced Lisa Casler, PE as the new RQAW | DCCM President, effective February 2024. This marks a pivotal moment in the firm’s trajectory following its acquisition by DCCM, an infrastructure design firm headquartered in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1954, RQAW I DCCM has established itself as a leader in the industry over the last 70 years, providing exceptional service and helping their clients build thriving communities. Acquired by DCCM in 2022, this partnership has allowed RQAW to expand its reach and enhance its capabilities through DCCM’s diverse divisions throughout the United States. As a graduate of Purdue University and resident of Hamilton County, Casler has over 27 years of experience in the transportation engineering industry. She began her career in 1997 at the Indiana Department of Transportation, going on to work for an Indianapolis-based engineering firm for 12 years. Since joining RQAW in 2016, Casler has made significant contributions to the company’s success. She has excelled in her roles of Director of Roadway Services and, most recently, Division Director of Transportation, where she was responsible for overseeing the delivery of all transportation projects and services across seven departments. Her commitment to excellence and ability to lead has been instrumental in advancing the goals of the company. Troy Woodruff, former President and continuing Chief Executive Officer of RQAW I DCCM expressed unwavering confidence in the direction of the company, stating, “Lisa is a recognized industry leader in the A&E world and the ideal person to lead RQAW’s next chapter of growth and success. Her strong leadership prepares RQAW well into the future to better serve both our clients and employees. She not only earned this promotion, she is ready for this promotion.” James F. (Jim) Thompson, DCCM Chairman and CEO, also expressed his enthusiasm for Lisa’s appointment, stating, “Lisa’s leadership exemplifies the principles we value at DCCM. Her tenacity and drive are the same qualities that define DCCM’s success, and her strategic vision will undoubtedly propel our company to new heights.” As the first female President of RQAW, Casler will offer a fresh and unique perspective as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. “I look forward to the challenge of shifting my focus from strictly transportation to the company’s overall bigger picture. Being a part of DCCM has given RQAW the tremendous opportunity to become a national presence while still nurturing our local client relationships, and I am committed to preserving the reputation we have built over the last seven decades. The future of RQAW I DCCM is very bright, and I appreciate the opportunity to lead this incredible team.”   Lisa Casler Project Experience I-70 Added Travel Lanes & Pavement Replacement | INDOT Greenfield District I-70 Road Reconstruction & Rehabilitation | INDOT Greenfield District I-65 Added Travel Lanes | INDOT Crawfordsville District I-65 Design/Build Road Reconstruction | INDOT Greenfield District US 36 Added Travel Lanes | INDOT Crawfordsville District Burkart Boulevard Bypass | Seymour, IN US 231 Intersection Improvement| INDOT Crawfordsville District Comfort Drive Roadway Rehabilitation | Montgomery County, IN 236th Street Rehabilitation | Hamilton County, IN On Call Plan Review | INDOT Central Office    

Paving the Way for a Growing Community: US 36 Added Travel Lanes Phase 1 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Phase I of the US 36 Added Travel Lanes project was successfully completed in July 2023, designed by RQAW | DCCM. The recent growth of Avon significantly influenced the initiation of the project, as it led to heightened safety concerns and increased traffic in this very commercialized area. Project Manager Lisa Casler, PE and Public Involvement Lead Joe Dabkowski, PWS collaborated with INDOT Crawfordsville District, the Town, and community members to develop a design that addressed concerns and created long-term solutions without public controversy. The first phase of this project included roadway design, environmental documentation, waterway permitting, and utility coordination, all completed by RQAW | DCCM.(See Figure 1) US 36 originally featured two travel lanes, two through-lanes, no center median, and a central left turn. This layout became a safety concern due to left-turning vehicles having to cross three travel lanes to get to the adjacent road (See Figure 2). To enhance both safety and traffic flow, RQAW | DCCM worked with INDOT Crawfordsville District and the Town of Avon to develop a design that transformed the roadway into three travel lanes in each direction as well as a center median along with designated right and left turn lanes. Community involvement and input were a top priority for RQAW | DCCM throughout the project, as each stage required significant coordination. Lisa and Joe actively engaged with the public, addressing comments and concerns through public hearings and information meetings, which allowed for maximum transparency and communication with business owners and residents of the community. This proactive approach resulted in no public controversy throughout the development of the project, leading to a remarkable level of community support. Joe expressed appreciation about collaborating with a community that strongly advocated for the project, stating: RQAW | DCCM is currently designing Phase II of the three-phase added travel lanes project, scheduled to bid in Fall 2027. For more information and project photos click here.

Please join the City of Valparaiso and project partners for The Linc and Lincoln Highway Garage Groundbreaking Ceremony and Reception on Thursday, September 14, 2023. The groundbreaking event will start at 2 pm located at 217 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Please RSVP to Marci Palmer at [email protected] Street parking is available. Lots are available at Michigan & Indiana, and on Morgan (between Indiana and Monroe).  

As the first annual RQAW Civil Engineering Scholarship kicks off at Indiana State University, the AEC firm is happy to announce that junior, Zachary Braun, has been chosen as this year’s scholarship recipient. Braun’s passion for mathematics and physics as well as his desire to make a difference in the lives of others inspired him to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering Technology. When talking about what the scholarship means to him, Braun said, “Receiving this scholarship opens up so many doors for me. Not only will this dramatically change my financial plan for the upcoming year, but it also means the world to me that it is coming from a company specific to my major.” After graduation, Braun hopes to put his degree to work at an engineering firm that is the right fit for him, wherever that may take him. RQAW‘s CEO/President, Troy Woodruff, noted that the concerning shortage of professional engineers in the state of Indiana became a catalyst in creating this scholarship for Indiana State University. “We must be producing not only highly-skilled engineers, but we need to keep them here in Indiana.” Additionally, Woodruff looks forward to seeing how RQAW’s scholarship will positively impact other civil engineering students, like Braun, for years to come. “Indiana State University is a place that is very important to me. It was the place that prepared me for my own professional career. If I can give back and help pay it forward, then I want to help with that.”  

RQAW engineer Aaron Crow, PE managed a multi-stage plan which exceeded the projected goal, saving the city of Alexandria, Indiana $22 million. Through the focused efforts of Crow and his team, additional phases of the project were no longer needed, which mitigated any additional cost. Crow’s efforts were recognized by the City of Alexandria and covered by the Herald Bulletin.  Click here to read the full story.

RQAW is working with Garmong Construction to deliver Gibson County’s new 42,000-square-foot Sheriff’s Office and Jail. The new facility, located in Princeton, Indiana, will accommodate more than 200 beds and the County’s Sherriff’s office. The overall design concept provides a modern take on the original jail’s exterior design. The Gibson County Jail project is scheduled to start in late 2022 and open in the summer of 2024. Connect with us on LinkedIn.

With over 30 years of extensive involvement in all aspects of jail design at RQAW | DCCM, I have observed a remarkable evolution of county jails, from basic incarceration facilities to ones that offer a more comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and reduction in recidivism. Utilization of advanced construction systems, modularization, and technology has expanded the capabilities of jails, beyond what was possible a few decades ago. However, the constantly changing correctional design environment due to alterations in legislation, inmate populations, budgets, and resources has necessitated constant adaptation. In the last five years, RQAW | DCCM has taken proactive steps towards developing a fully customizable, fully self-contained podular design. This design not only provides our clients with a tailored, cost-effective solution but also addresses programmatic and staff efficiency needs during a time of reduced workforces and heightened awareness of wellness and well-being. (See Figure 1) Figure 1 RQAW | DCCM’s innovative approach to housing pod design allows for up to 300+ inmates around a single elevated control room, with complete sight and sound separation for up to 12 smaller classification units. With a more diverse population, the need for smaller treatment units has been greater than ever. Our designs provide more normalized environment, with all the required support and treatment spaces within the housing unit including classrooms, video arraignment, interview rooms, isolation/padded cells, and medical spaces. Controlled access allows for self-directed movement of inmates, leading to fewer opportunities for conflict and better utilization of staff. A mix of 2-person and 4-person cells and dormitories provides incentivized options for inmates as they move through the system toward becoming productive and responsible members of society. (See Figure 2 & 3) Figure 2Figure 3 Looking ahead, we believe that the “jail of tomorrow” must have a more focused attention to the restoration of the human spirit for those incarcerated. There have been ongoing discussions around deinstitutionalization, but designers must find ways to contribute to it. We need to be innovative visionaries that help with the problem. The facilities of the future must allow for a multi-faceted approach to the underlying problems causing such a large increase in our incarcerated population. Facilities need to be able to address the entire process from onboarding to outboarding, placing greater emphasis on creating Intervention Centers, which will provide opportunities for trained professionals to fully understand the scope and cause of the problem. This approach allows for early classification and implementation of a targeted-care perspective. It is vital that our jail designs shift toward smaller, more specialized facilities in a campus-like environment that provide better care for inmates with specific needs, such as mental health issues or substance abuse problems. (See Figure 4 & 5) Figure 4 Figure 5 Mental health facilities are changing how county jails function by providing specialized care for inmates with mental health issues, but they will have to be more involved at the county jail level. This could involve offering counseling services, medication management, and other forms of treatment to help address their mental health needs. Mental health facilities are also changing how county jails approach discipline and punishment. Instead of relying solely on punitive measures such as solitary confinement, jails are increasingly using therapeutic approaches to address behavioral issues. Moreover, there must be an increased focus on restorative justice, which aims to repair harm caused by criminal behavior through a collaborative process involving the victim, the offender, and the community. This process would involve more restorative justice programs being offered within county jails as well as a greater emphasis on community-based alternatives to incarceration. (See Figure 6) Figure 6 RQAW | DCCM is committed to being the leader in providing viable, innovative solutions to address the evolving future of jails, as we grapple with changing laws and ideologies. We believe that our design expertise in the “jail of tomorrow” will bring positive impacts to the lives of inmates, the staff, and the community at large.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) is providing aid in the amount of $130 B to help local counties, cities, and towns mitigate damage from the COVID-19 pandemic. Smaller communities should expect to receive the first half of funds directly from the State between May 11th and August 9th. Larger communities will collect money directly from the Treasury. The second tranche will be delivered no earlier than one year from the receipt of the first payment. Curious what your county, city, or town will receive? Indiana state and local allocations can be found here: https://www.in.gov/sboa/files/Copy-of-State-and-Local-Allocation-Output-03.08.21-3.xlsx How can I use these funds? Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.* Increase hourly wages above the base hourly wage for essential employees or issue a grant to their employers. Reimburse revenue spent on certain COVID-19 expenses directly related to the pandemic. Provide aid to private employers directly impacted by the pandemic. What other information should I know? According to the information provided in the ARP, each community must have a separate account to receive the funds. Entitlement cities, larger ones receiving funds direct from the Treasury, will need to ensure they have an active SAM registration on sam.gov. Non-entitlement communities need a valid DUNS number which is a nine-character number from Dun & Bradstreet. If your community collects more than $750,000 of federal assistance in a calendar year, the money will go through a “single audit” by the State Board of Accounts. Funds from the ARP are included along with other federal grants, funds, and awards to reach this total. Plan to keep thorough records. The Treasury will require periodic reports on how funds are being utilized and may even continue for years after the money has been spent. Unlike funds received in previous COVID-19 relief bills that do not have a deadline, ARP money must be spent by December 31, 2024. Next Steps Develop a plan for your community to use the funds. Determine local goals and how to achieve them, and list by priority. Strategically combine with other funding options. This allocation may be able to benefit your community more by incorporating other relief bill capital and utilizing other grant and loan options. Share your success with residents and neighbors! *The statute states that the allowable infrastructure includes water, sewer, or broadband. It is unclear at this point if waste and stormwater are allowable uses. As for other infrastructure projects, we will have to wait for Treasury guidance to see what is considered a permissible use. https://www.nlc.org/covid-19-pandemic-response/arp-local-relief-frequently-asked-questions/#how-to-funds