Go To Reliable Gap-Filling

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Author Message Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1274 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 - 07:26 am:    111130 GO TO RELIABLE GAP-FILLING by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Cincinnati, OH To score, to make a first down, or to relieve pressure, in football, you think first of your “go to” guy! Mr. Reliable, who will run a near perfect route, catch the ball and run for the necessary gain [or your high percentage kicker or penetrating back]. A simple matter of confidence in someone which is repaid time and again with the right or better solution. And this holds true in many other sports-- best scorer in basketball; last-second goal maker in soccer and hockey; person with added drive to increase speed in swimming or car races; best pinch or clutch hitter in baseball, etc. Keywords: reliable; predictable results; proven success over time; available; expert; helpful; trusted; able to make better! Let’s tie two other entities together in a “go to” relationship-- construction industry and CSI! Indeed CSI [is] [could be] [should be] the “go to” guy for the entire construction industry? If not, why not? The fairly recent decision of NCARB to utilize CSI certification as part of its program is evidence. We assume some CSI presence was involved, but think of what a determined, wider and stronger presence could do within the entire construction industry. Many in the industry have very sharp, deep, yet narrow strains of expertise that they call upon when needed. This is not a knock on them but rather a statement of their dedication to a limited area of work or practice. Even though involved with a wider range of projects, none has need for, or had available the breadth of expertise and problem solving seated in CSI. No brag-- fact! CSI and its members are not driven by ego, but satisfaction in problem solving and providing successful projects in a timely, correct and problem free manner. Some may choose to quarrel with that, BUT it remains true! Nowhere else is there the trove, breadth, depth and instinct of construction know-how than in CSI-- if they don’t know now, they will, hands down, find out. The resources, aplomb and dedication are unsurpassed. CSI is a set of highly experienced, well- founded, knowledgeable people who use resources in a most resourceful manner, to the highest and best interests of their clients. And without bias! Specifications are written on a fair, level playing field for both client and contractors, with no warp, or axe to grind-- fairness; openness, and desire to succeed. None of this is available in an organization for the drawings. These are created and developed by instinct, perceived need-to-know, and what appears to be an unfettered depiction of what construction is desired. Still by their nature they fall short of “telling the complete story” for that portion of the construction. While often highly detailed, they still NEED specifications to augment, expand and explain their content, to legitimize their intent and to fairly require full and proper participation by both parties to the construction contract. UH, sounds like specifications. Is CSI the “go to” guy for industry-wide construction knowledge and documentation? As times change, so rapidly, and construction rebounds and changes, we had better rethink the realities; move to bring this full compilation and configuration of basic construction information, etc. to drawings as well as specifications-- to meet reality or make better; and to pursue a strong directed effort, a determination and full intention to fill the basic knowledge and documentation gaps; and with more vigor, expertise, programs, documents and effort! Let’s challenge the challenge ! “Challenge” is, perhaps, too mild a word! This is a dire need!!!!!