The document summarizes discussions from the Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium on October 6, 2009 in Delray Beach, Florida. Topics discussed included the need to prequalify contractors and suppliers for sound attenuation projects, maintaining the option for printed project documents in addition to electronic formats, and improving notification processes for upcoming bid opportunities to give contractors and suppliers more time to prepare qualified bids.

1. Moderated by Steve Vecchi, THC
Director of Sound Insulation Services
Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium
Delray Beach Marriott, October 6, 2009

2. Michael McShane,
Sound Solutions Windows & Doors, Inc.
Casey Mahon,
St. Cloud Window, Inc.
Mark Gauvin,
Harvey Building Products, Inc.
Rusty Callahan
Koch Corporation
Jim Leana
S&L Contractors, Inc.
David O’Leary
G.E. Chen Construction, Inc.
Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium
Delray Beach Marriott, October 6, 2009

3. More so than ever, this current economic climate is drawing
inexperienced companies into the Sound Attenuation
arena. It's a roll of the dice hiring an inexperienced General
Contractor which can create risk and exposure to "all" involved
with the program. Perhaps there is a need to develop a valid
assessment tool for qualifying Bidders. Let’s discuss the
subject of Prequalification of both contractors and suppliers -
when, how, and by whom it's currently done and how
contractors and suppliers feel it should be done.
Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium
Delray Beach Marriott, October 6, 2009

4. Though encouraging, and the intent of paperless is
understood, some programs are moving in the direction of
offering this format only. Would contractors and suppliers
prefer to maintain the "option" of purchasing printed
documents which eliminate valuable time and cost of
retrieving sections for print? How can programs stay on the
cutting edge of 21st century technology yet remain user
friendly to all contractors?
Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium
Delray Beach Marriott, October 6, 2009

5. Some programs have electronic notifications once a party has
registered with the releasing authority; however, a majority still
require frequent calls to the respective Project Management team
for targeted release dates. More often than not, a general target
date (month) is conveyed, however, the indefinite timeframe may
preclude the requesting party sufficient time to prepare and
present a qualified quote/bid. How can programs improve their
notification process to contractors and suppliers for upcoming
bids?
Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium
Delray Beach Marriott, October 6, 2009

6. Moderated by:
Steve Vecchi, THC
Director of Sound Insulation Services
svecchi@thcinc.net
Ninth Annual Airport Noise Mitigation Symposium
Delray Beach Marriott, October 6, 2009