Paving the Way to Quality Transportation Software
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Paving the Way to Quality Transportation Software
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TAG Minutes
There was an issue raised at the September TRNS*PORT Task Force Meeting in regard to ‘dial-up’ updating of clients. When this issue was addressed by Info Tech, they mentioned that this could be something that the DP TAG could look into. Steve Olena of Texas mentioned that they were using CYTRIX with Web Technology to help out in some of the dial-up screens, as the end-user could connect to their ISP and work at the speed of the ISP instead of dialing in to the DOT’s network. For the most part, the other states in attendance, mentioned that the “dial-up” Site Manager users usually used a T1 or better connection on the DOT Network. A discussion ensued in regard to methodologies used to update software across a DOT LAN. Some of the software mentioned was AppSync, Computer Associates’ (CA) Unicenter, Novell Application Libraries, and SMS. Because the resolution concerning the Ballot Items from the TUG-IRC needed to be drafted, the DP TAG adjourned at 7:23 PM with the understanding that the TAG would meet the next morning after the Informal Roll Call. The DP TAG met on Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 8:30 AM, to approve the resolution that was drafted after the TAG meeting on Tuesday evening. The TAG unanimously approved the resolution for submission at the TUG Business Meeting and adjourned at 8:45 AM R E S O L U T I O NWhereas the TUG Item Review Committee (hereafter referred to as the TUG-IRC) presented in their report, problems relating to the Item Tables and Reference Files of the TRNS*PORT modules. Within their report, the TUG-IRC suggested possible solutions for these problems. The TUG-IRC Report also contained a disclaimer that the solutions suggested were not a “end all” or “cure all” to these problems. These suggested solutions have become ballot items that probably need more research as to what solution is in the best interest for the TRNS*PORT modules. Therefore, let it be resolved by the DP TAG of the TRNS*PORT User Group, we recommend:
2:15 p.m. Proposal through Award David Bollie
The Proposal through Award TAG commenced at approximately 8:45 AM on Wednesday, October 25, 2000. The following was the official agenda for the meeting:
This year, Steve O’Connor, Proposal through Award TAG Coordinator, was unable to attend. Therefore, David Bollie, the Assistant TAG Coordinator, was the acting TAG Coordinator. David Bollie appointed David Mayo from Arkansas Assistant TAG Coordinator for the meeting. Introduction, Greetings and Roll CallThe meeting started with the Introduction, Greetings and Roll Call. There was 11 TAG a member attending the meeting. Two proxies for other TAG members were also in attendance. Patricia Whitney from Idaho declined to be a member of the TAG before the meeting. Janet Weigand from Virginia requested to be a member of the TAG and the appropriate application was provided for her to fill out. She returned the application and the application was given to Mike Jenkins the Acting TUG Secretary. In all, there were 45 attendees for the TAG meeting. Mission statementAll TAG members attending as written by a unanimous vote accepted the mission statement. The minutes from the 1999 TAG meeting were also accepted without changes by a unanimous vote of the TAG members. Short-termThe following short-term goals were carried forward from the 1999 TAG meeting:Correlate the functionality differences between drill down and tabbed folder data entry and utilities.The issue of renewable contracts being handled in PES/LAS.Increased security on sensitive information such as vendor financials.On the first short-term goal, it was motioned and seconded that the goal continues to be a goal. The issue of creating a potential ballot item to correct the problem was discussed, but time ran out of the meeting before a ballot item was created that would facilitate the goal being accomplished. The second short-term goal was unanimously voted to be deleted as a short-term goal. Apparently the issue was determined to be better suited as a workaround in Site Manager or another post PES/LAS module instead of a PES/LAS issue to be resolved.The third short-term goal was voted unanimously to continue to be a short-term goal. However, it was noted that the ballot item 000594 currently is addressed to fix the issue of security regarding vendor financial data. Discussion of endorsing the ballot item was discussed, but time ran out before a vote concerning supporting the ballot item was introduced to the TAG.No other short-term goals were presented at the meeting. However, one long-term goal was voted to be switched to a short-term goal. Long-termThe following long-term goals were carried over from the 1999 TAG meeting:
The ease of total department usage and implementation was suggested. This would involve the TRNSPORT system interfacing with other information technology systems used by the state.The first long-term goal was voted unanimously to be changed to a short-term goal. Charles Engelke of Info Tech gave a brief discussion of how browser technology would allow access to the various TRNSPORT databases without the need for installing client software on every client. Currently there is no set plan for what functions the browser technology will support in the future. Therefore the TAG will propose the following resolution at the 2000 TUG Business Session:There is an interest by states in proceeding to Internet browser technology. Our TAG proposes to conduct a survey to determine the functional priorities of PES/LAS and degree of interest in this technology by the states. We submit that this information gathered be prioritized and submitted to the TUG Chair and forwarded to the Task Force for a formal plan.The second long-term goal was voted to be deleted with no dissenting votes. It was determined that the value added was probably not sufficient enough to warrant the combination of PES/LAS due to the low number of PES and LAS users that would be affected in each state by this combination. Other states indicated that it was a security issue for their state and preferred that the two modules stay separated.The third long-term goal was determined to be too narrow. A unanimous vote resulted in the change of the long-term goal to be stated as, “Integrate electronic data transfer between TRNSPORT and FHWA.” The following ballot items already address this issue: TBD (FHWA Form 45), 99-04LRWP18 (FHWA Reporting Capabilities), and 99-04LWRP20 (FMIS Reporting Enhancement). The TAG did not have time to either suggest collapsing these items into one ballot item or endorsing all of the ballot items. The fourth long-term goal was unanimously voted to be deleted. It was determined that this ballot item was not in the scope of the Plans through Proposals TAG. Innovative contractingNext the TAG discussed innovative contracting and how it should be handled in PES/LAS. Roger Bierbaum from Iowa explained to the TAG that the TRNSPORT Task Force wanted the TAG to come up with some sort of direction for cost + time bidding, including Incentive/Disincentive, Lane Rental, and A+B, and PES/LAS. Since there are already at least two ballot items regarding a time factor of bidding, the TAG unanimously voted in the following resolution:This TAG recommends combining all of the cost + time (lane rental, A+B, and incentive/disincentive) innovative contracting items into one enhancement item. Consideration of the effect this ballot item will have on all of the TRNSPORT modules will need to be made. Support will be provided, as needed, to Info Tech. ElectionInstead of going directly into the ballot items, the TAG conducted election of new officers. David Mayo from Arkansas was nominated for the assistant coordinator and unanimously voted into the position. David Bollie from Alabama was nominated for the coordinator position and unanimously voted into the position. Ballot itemsThe TAG next discussed ballot
items. The following items were
voted to be deleted from the 2000-01 ballot item list:
The following ballot items were voted to be supported by the TAG:
North Carolina introduced three ballot items. One of the ballot items regarded automatic deletion of information in PES/LAS after a certain set time. This was voted unanimously not to be presented as a ballot item. The other two were accepted and Info Tech gave a scope of medium on one of the items and small on the other. Colorado introduced one other ballot item. The ballot item concerned being able to customize buttons, labels, and screens through the configuration file in Expedite. This item was unanimously accepted.The TAG ran out of time to finish the ballot item topic of discussion. Also, the last two topics on the agenda were unable to be discussed due to lack of time. At a few minutes after noon, a motion was made to adjourn and seconded and voted on. There were just a few “ayes”, one “nay”, and many abstentions. 3:30 p.m. Construction Management Cora SharpConstruction Management TAGOctober 24, 2000, Meeting Minutes
CALL TO ORDER 5 p.m., October 24, 2000 Santa Fe, New MexicoROLL CALL The following TAG Members were present:
INTRODUCTIONS The 42+ attendees introduced themselves to the group as they made comments during the meeting. APPROVAL/CORRECTIONS OF LAST YEAR’S MINUTESApproved as written. Kevin Fox from the Michigan DOT gave a brief overview of FieldManager and it’s capabilities. Shirley Daugherty of the Trns•port Task Force (TTF) gave a brief summary of why the TTF decided to include FieldManager in the Trns•port suite of products. The long-term plan is to make FieldManager and SiteManager compatible to ease the transition for state agencies to SiteManager but to allow local entities to use FieldManager for data collection, and allow the sharing of data. REVIEW MISSION STATEMENT AND LONG & SHORT RANGE GOALSAccepted revision to Mission Statement: “To provide a forum for users of AASHTO Trns•port CAS, FieldManager, and SiteManager to discuss maintenance issues related to their respective licensed modules and to discuss proposed enhancements to said modules, thereby making recommendations to the User Group general body and the Trns•port Task force.”Accepted replacement of the Short Term Goals:“Regularly monitor the continued maintenance and development of Trns•port construction/contract administration software. Provide recommendations to the Trns•port Task Force on maintenance issue priorities.”Accepted revision of the Long Term Goals:“Ensure the Trns•port construction/contract administration software continues to be upgraded and enhanced to meet the users needs, including innovative contracting practices and technological advancements. Provide feedback to the Trns•port Task Force on the long-range plan for convergence of the construction management applications.” INFOTECH REPORT by Brad Parks· (Full presentation on Wednesday, September 25, 3:30 p.m. Speaker Session) · CLIENT/SERVER CAS in production in 6 states with 2 states planning implementation · SITEMANAGER · SITEPAD PROPOSAL proposed last year is funded by the states · SUBCONTRACT EXPEDITE PROPOSAL proposed last year is funded by the states · FIELDBOOK / FIELDPAD added to Trns•port community. NEW BUSINESSREPORT OF Construction Issues Review Team SUBCOMMITTEEThis group was formed at last year’s TAG meeting to review the list of SiteManager maintenance issues and provide feedback to the Trns•port Task force on the prioritization of these items for correction in update/upgrade releases. The group was formed of states with SiteManager in production or willing to dedicate resources to this effort. The members are:
Numerous conference calls during the year allowed them to provide a quarterly list to the TTF for direction of the maintenance work by Info Tech. Highest priority was placed on those items that were “showstoppers” for states in production or items that affected contractor payments. The other members of the CIRT commended Susan Powe for her diligence in maintaining the updates and rankings for the priority list. Info Tech also noted that this has been helpful for them in meeting the states needs.Suggestions for the continued operation of this subcommittee:
PRIORITY MAINTENANCE ITEMS (REVIEW TOP 20)A spreadsheet of the most recent list of priorities was reviewed and it was noted that most of the items at the top of the list were related to Contractor Payments or Security. Susan Powe will have copies available for those interested parties at the conference. See note about posting the list on the TUG/TAG WebPages.ENHANCEMENT ITEMS BALLOT ITEM LIST REVIEWThree items that were particularly discussed were:
The TAG would like to recommend to the Trns•port member states that the following SiteManager ballot items be given a higher priority:
The TAG endorses the addition of the following items to the Ballot List for SiteManager:
The TAG would like to recommend that the following items be deleted from the ballot list for SiteManager because they have already been incorporated in the product, or are already in the MSE for 2000-2001:
Deleted and approved. The TAG endorses all the Ballot Items submitted by the Item Master committee, with the exception of TUGIRC9 as written, and recommends that they be implemented as a package. Several states mentioned that they would prefer that TUGIRC9 be modified so that Category key is added to SiteManager rather than deleted from the other modules. ·
Innovative contracting –
Cost+time items
OPEN DISCUSSION
SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTSThe TAG decided to continue with the same members on the CIRT, and they all indicated they were willing to serve another year. (For functional areas, please contact:
ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERSRichard Meador, Missouri DOT, was elected as the new TAG coordinator. Susan Powe, Alabama DOT, was elected as the new Assistant TAG Coordinator. ADJOURN Another TAG marathon session completed at 10 p.m.Thursday, October 269:45 a.m. Contract Monitoring – Bill McDowallContract Monitoring TAG Agenda and Minutes October 25, 2000
Election of Officers34 attendees , 6 member, added 2 (Mike Fowler – VT Barbara Scruggs – VA) · Assistant Coordinator Barbara Scruggs - Virginia· Coordinator – Joe Ferguson – West (By God) Virginia
Review of Mission StatementMission Statement (passed)
Long Range Goals
Short Range Goals
Ballot Items SupportTUG-IRC5 NBI DSS Addition of Item Group Type for Bid Histories To address the problem of diluted bid histories, states would like the ability to “collapse” the histories of like items when generating bid history files. Items similar in scope, cost, unit, and description need to be able to share data to prevent dilution of the bid histories by sparse occurrences. This could be accomplished by addition of a field to the item list for item grouping. Items could then be grouped together based on the assigned criteria and the bid histories for those items could be shared. This expands the data pool for creation of bid histories and allows more regression calculations to be performed.) TUG Item Committee Ballot Items Remove –TMR’s990668
NBI DSS Retain Previous Entry for Subsetting Picks/Filters Subsetting picks and filters should retain previous entries. Ohio Should
be Trns·port wide - General. Part
of the Graphical User Interface Object Model and would affect other modules.990670 NBI DSS Ad Hoc Program Changes Not Save Automatically *The system allows you to exit an ad hoc program (via the upper
right-hand X button) after making changes but doesn’t prompt you about saving
the changes. Everything is lost if
you forget to hit the OK key. *There is no way to save ad hoc changes without
exiting the program. Ohio
Should be maintenance99-04LRWP2 D-79 DSS Use of Vendor Name in Models This work item would require modification of the output from all models that display vendor name and/or vendor number. A vendor name vs. number option would be added to the model options screens. by Contract Monitoring TAG This work item would require modification of output from all models that display vendor name and/or vendor number. A vendor name vs. number option would be added to the model options screens.990665 NBI DSS Misleading Blank Lines at Bottom of List Windows The blank line at the bottom of list windows that really have more lines below is very misleading. Along with other things such as the dysfunctional vertical scroll bar, it makes the software seem somewhat user-unfriendly. Ohio 99-04LRWP3 D-82 DSS DSS Model PRCOMP (revised 10/10/97) PRCOMP presently produces output to produce a “competitive” calculated unit price and “percent” (over/under) difference between awarded unit price and competitive unit price (no extensions are produced). A much needed enhancement to this model would be the ability to subset (if desired) to be able to limit the output to a certain item number(s), range of item numbers, etc. and have the extensions made internally to produce individual contract differences and total contract differences for the nine (9) contracts (or however many were entered). FDOT has written an adhoc program that accomplishes this. Florida (9508-D01) The best way to add the additional item subsetting capabilities would be to modify PRCOMP to use the new Item Selection Model. An additional report would be added to display the summary totals.990658 NBI DSS Print Windows Appear Differently Print windows are different - printing from inside report vs. right mouse click on report name. Ohio 990656 NBI DSS Better Logic for Browse Data Filter Browse data filter has a different logic and format than the view and model Subsetting/Picks tabs. They do basically the same function but look different. For example, Subsetting/Picks offers EQ, EQ:, NE, etc. while the filter has =, <=, <>, etc. and has no way of doing begins with (EQ:). Ohio
Jeff Derrer reported on status
of funding for DSS rewrite – have not attained any from the FHWA yet but we
are still trying and as a group support this.
Resolution
Whereas SAS is an important
database for the BAMS/DSS user community,
Friday, October 27th8:30 a.m. Materials Management - Roger PruittMinutes
of the Materials Tag
Called to order
The meeting was called to order by Roger Pruitt of Georgia.
Mission Statement
The chair suggested that the group review the Mission Statement. The group
determined the existing statement to be adequate.
Short-Range
The group reviewed the Short-Range Plan. The fourth point of the plan was
modified from “Establish a sub-group to review the existing materials related
TMRs and establish priorities among these TMRs to provide the intended materials
functionality of SiteManager in the most expedient timeframe. This sub-group
will be comprised of representatives from Texas, Missouri, Vermont, and New
Mexico. Lonnie Jones will coordinate the group and serve as Task Force
Liaison.” to “Establish a sub-group to review the existing materials related
TMRs and establish priorities among these TMRs to provide the intended materials
functionality of SiteManager in the most expedient timeframe. This sub-group
will be comprised of representatives from Texas, Missouri, New Mexico, New
Brunswick, and Connecticut. Lonnie Jones will serve as Task Force Liaison. Denis
Glascock will coordinate the group.”
Long Range
The Long-Range Goals were reviewed. A new Goal was added, “Monitor the
maintenance of the Materials Management functions and pursue the resolution of
problems identified by SiteManager users.”
Ballot items
There was a discussion of how the balloting process is supposed to work.
The chair introduced a review of the currently proposed ballot items. An
attendee mentioned that he had not had access to the ballot items prior to the
meeting. It was recommended that, during the General Session, the User Reps are
asked to contact the appropriate TAG members and any others interested, and ask
them for their input regarding disposition of any ballot items.
Additional
ballot
Additional ballot items were introduced.
RTF functionality was described in detail for the group following questions regarding its purpose and how it might effect some ballot items.
10:15 a.m.
Cost Estimation – Dino Sarganis
Minutes of MeetingCost Estimation TAGOctober 24, 2000
Roll CallBased on our prompt starting time it was realized that not all members had arrived so the Roll Call was deferred to give all interested members the opportunity to arrive. At this point the introductions were made of members and guests that were present. Later in the meeting the Roll Call was completed and 6 members were present with a total of 22 attendees, 5 of which were Info Tech representatives. A copy of the 1999 minutes was not readily available so this issue will be addressed at the 2001 conference in Indiana. Dino Sarganis of Colorado was elected as the TAG Coordinator and Mike Fowler of Vermont was elected as the Assistant TAG Coordinator.
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AL DOT
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Alton
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Treadway
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YES
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AR DOT
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David
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Mayo
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YES
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CO DOT
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Dino
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Sarganis
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YES
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CT DOT - Proxy
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Joseph
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Bouchey
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YES
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FL DOT
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Chet
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Grimsley
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YES
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GA DOT
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Debra
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Walker
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YES
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IA DOT
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Roger
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Bierbaum
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YES
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ID ITD
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Michael
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McClure
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YES
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IN DOT
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Mike
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Jenkins
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YES
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KS DOT
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John
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Saiki
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YES
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KY DOT
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Ron
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Hyatt
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YES
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LA DOTD
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Wayne
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Weick
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YES
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MD DOT-Proxy
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Andrea
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Spriggs
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YES
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ME DOT
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Gerry
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Duplessis
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YES
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MI DOT
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Loren
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Lemmen
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YES
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MN DOT
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William
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Gordon
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YES
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MO DOT-Proxy
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Todd
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Hart
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YES
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NC DOT
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Jeff
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Derrer
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YES
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NE DOR
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Shirley
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Daugherty
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YES
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New Brunswick DOT
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Bruce
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Stapleton
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YES
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NJ DOT-Proxy
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Carl
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Rebbeck
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YES
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NM SHTD
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Pablo
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Griego
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YES
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NY DOT
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Ronald
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Belli
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YES
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OH DOT
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Jeffrey
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Hisem
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YES
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OK DOT
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John
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Kidd
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YES
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OR DOT
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Kevin
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Thiel
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YES
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SC DOT-Proxy
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J. Brian
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Parnell
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YES
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TX DOT - CSTC
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Rolondo
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Besa
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YES
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VA DOT
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W. D.
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McDowall
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YES
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VT AOT
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Dave
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Eaton
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YES
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WI DOT
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David
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Castleberg
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YES
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WV DOT - Proxy
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Joseph
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Ferguson
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YES
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WY DOT-Proxy
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John
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Childers
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YES
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See Attachment B or file for details NEWTUG2000pdf.pdf
See Attachment C or file for details DeletedTUG2000.pdf
See Attachment D or file for details RemoveTUG2000.pdf
ARTICLE
V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The
governing body of the Users Group shall be a Board of Directors consisting of
the Users Group Past Chair,
Users Group Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer. No member of the AASHTO
TRNS•PORT Task Force can serve on the Board of Directors. Eligibility to
serve, as a Board of Director member will be reserved to the Official
Representative appointed by the MEMBER.
Section 2 Special meetings
The Chair and a majority of the Board of Directors may call special meetings of the membership or of the Board of Directors. The call of the special meeting must state the business to be transacted, and no business shall be transacted except that stated in the call.
ARTICLE
VII - AMENDMENTS
Section
1 Considered
Amendments to the Constitution may only be considered at the Annual Users Group Meeting or at a special meeting as defined in Article VI, Section 2.
Amendments to the Constitution may be submitted by any MEMBER through the Secretary-Treasurer. Such proposed amendments must be circulated to the MEMBERS of the Users Group no later than 15 calendar days before the Users Group meeting at which such amendment will be considered.
Section
3 Approval
Constitutional amendments require approval by two-thirds majority vote of the MEMBERS. Absentee ballots must be received by the Secretary-Treasurer prior to the vote.
October 27, 2000
Trns•port Users Group
Re: Proposed amendment to the “TRNS•PORT USERS GROUP CONSTITUTION”
ARTICLE
V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section
1 The governing body
The governing body of the Users
Group shall be a Board of Directors consisting of the Users
Group Past Chair, Users Group Chair, Vice
Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer. No member of the AASHTO TRNS•PORT Task Force
can serve on the Board of Directors. Eligibility to serve, as a Board of
Director member will be reserved to the Official Representative appointed by the
MEMBER OR
ANOTHER PERSON APPOINTED BY THE MEMBER. AT
NO TIME MAY A STATE HAVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON SERVING ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
AND/OR THE AASHTO TRNS•PORT TASK FORCE.
Thank-you for your consideration.
Sincerely:
Jeff Hisem, User Rep.
State of Ohio
Whereas the TUG Item Review Committee (hereafter referred to as the TUG-IRC) presented in their report, problems relating to the Item Tables and Reference Files of the TRNS*PORT modules. Within their report, the TUG-IRC suggested possible solutions for these problems. The TUG-IRC Report also contained a disclaimer that the solutions suggested were not a “end all” or “cure all” to these problems. These suggested solutions have become ballot items that probably need more research as to what solution is in the best interest for the TRNS*PORT modules.
Therefore, let it be resolved by the DP TAG of the TRNS*PORT User Group, we recommend:
That all ballot items submitted by the TUG-IRC (Ballot Item Numbers TUG-IRC1-9) be removed as ballot items.
With this removal, we also recommend that the problems outlined in the TUG-IRC Report become the basis of further research to be commissioned by either the TRNS*PORT User Group (TUG) and/or the TRNS*PORT Task Force (TTF) (as appropriate). This further research should include solutions to these problems that are in the best interest of TRNS·PORT, and a potential cost associated with each solution. With further research and an established cost for these enhancements, it is hoped that various states may come together and fund these enhancements. TUG-TRC5 to remain on the Ballot.
Trns·port Task Force Report – by Jeff Lee Derrer, P.E., CPM (NCDOT) Chair, Trns•port Task Force See TUG Website for details
Trns·port User Group Report – by Bill McDowall, Chairperson, Virginia, DOT
AASHTO Contractor Report – by Tom Rothrock Info Tech, Inc. See TUG Website for details
John Kidd
Alton Treadway
John Kidd was elected the new Vice-Chair
David Mayo
Alton Treadway
Alton Treadway was elected the new Sectary/Treasure
Invitation to the 2001 Trns·sport Conference – Mike Jenkins invited all to attend the 2001 conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana Department of Transportation has selected the Radisson Hotel City Centre Indianapolis to host our TEA/TUG Conference over the dates of October 14 - 19, 2001. The Radisson Hotel City Centre Indianapolis will accept reservations for your function or call 1-800-333- 3333. See Website for further details. http://www.cloverleaf.net/public/TUG/2001TUG/2001Tug.htm
Offers to host the 2002 Conference – Florida DOT details to be release later in the beginning year of 2001.
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