CHANTILLY, Va. — The New Horizons Foundation — A Sheet Metal Industry Initiative has joined with the Electrical Contracting Foundation to fund a project focused on securing data on direct purchasing of materials and labor-only contracts.

The leadership of both foundations states that there is currently no comprehensive database that defines the impact of various procurement strategies. The New Horizons board authorized a financial investment in a research project addressing this need and will participate in a contractor-led task force to oversee and guide the project.

Following a review of proposals by universities and research institutions, Motor Consultants of America has been selected to conduct the research under the direction of Dr. Parviz Daneshgari, president of the firm.

The project’s main components include identifying the ramifications of alternative procurement approaches; identifying positive alternatives to the direct purchase approach; and outlining a framework for participants in the traditional procurement process to collaborate on alternatives that will be beneficial to all. The final report is scheduled to be released in October 2003.

Publication date: 06/23/2003