FAQ

Q: What is the iPD solution?

A: The iPD (integrated Project Development) solution is a comprehensive project management system, fully integrating all functional aspects of DOT construction projects from electronic bidding through the final contractor payment.

Q: What is the significance of "integrated" in the name "integrated Project Management"?

A: The iPD solution was designed and developed to be a completely "integrated" system to manage DOT construction projects rather than a collection of individual, standalone modules that are linked together by way of external interfaces. The integrated nature of iPD eliminates the need for multiple data entry points into different systems and substantially reduces time requirements and administrative workload to manage construction projects.

Q: What portions of the DOT project planning and management process are included in the iPD solution?

A: The iPD solution includes functionality for:

• Project setup/administration
• Engineer's Estimates
• Electronic Bidding
• Secure bid vault and bid opening
• Automated Civil Rights reporting
• Project Accounting
• Electronic Field Book (for field data entry)
• Plan sales management
• Contractor payment/payroll

Q: How does your Civil Rights subsystem work differently than other available systems?

A: The integrated functionality of iPD collects the required civil rights information at the start of the bidding process — directly from the contractor as the bid is submitted. By requiring information about DBE participation, Good Faith Efforts, and non-DBE responses for every bid, the information is available to create DBE participation reports, Good Faith Effort summaries and even the annual and bi-annual reports with just a few mouse clicks.

Q: What are the benefits of the iPD solution for DOTs?

A: The iPD solution manages the minutia of the construction management process and maintains the detailed information from the bidding process so that DOT employees can use their time more effectively. For example,

• Studies from current customer installations have shown that staff time expenditures on bid openings were reduced by 95%.
• The iPD solution eliminates non-responsive bids, saving time for both DOTs and contractors
• Civil Rights reports can be created in seconds reducing manual tabulations and the risk of federal government sanctions or disparity studies
• Overall administrative efforts are substantially diminished with the elimination of multiple data entry points.

Q: What advantage(s) does iPD have over existing market solutions?

A: iPD provides a solution that meets the needs of state DOTs better than anything currently available. The software combines "best practices" gleaned from over 40 years of DOT experience with the flexibility to customize unique features for a better fit with your internal business processes. Other advantages include:

• No rigid software processes
• No annual licensing fees
• No mandatory service/support requirements

The combination of the right product and the individual attention to customer needs is a mix that will meet the needs of state and municipal DOTs, from the smallest to the largest.

Q: Since iPD is designed as a fully integrated solution, is it necessary for DOTs to purchase or implement the entire solution?

A: iPD was architected as a complete, integrated solution, but was developed in subsystems. Due to the modular nature of the system, the implementation of the entire solution or selected subsystems is available, as needed. Partial installations have been integrated with existing DOT systems.