Eating turds requires a permit, or else the helicopter will swoop down on the fifty and it then becomes a turd chasing contest. I have it on close authority that jamming your car keys up your ass is tolerated without a permit. The Drum Major has authority to permit this type of display of humility/disgust up to three days in advance of the game. He usually cuts it out of the visitors’ band’s allotted time!
With 20+ years in the E&C industry executing projects in Europe, Asia and S. America, I can attest that it nearly impossible to control this type of “graft”. Granted, some are better than others and many get very sloppy about it over time. I think those in charge at PSU fit into the extremely sloppy, lazy and stoopid category.Just for those who may be wondering:
How that worked w “Scott’s” (And probably some other contractors):
The processes at PSU at the time (and probably still today) allowed for contractors - once they were working on the job - claims for additional “Overrides and Contingencies” (or some term like that)
The concept would be, let’s say the cost of materials shot up through the roof once the bid was awarded, and work had commenced, the contractor could put in a request for more $$$$ to cover an event like that.
Well, if you go back and pull up the old Scott’s Projects - they would, as a matter of course - after putting in low bids (which would get them the contract) they would request “Overrides and Contingencies” for huge amounts ........ like maybe 50% or more of the original bid.
Which, of course, would always be approved
(I guess the costs of Mulch in Central PA were very volatile)
Just one of many ways that systems are worked around.
Just for those who may be wondering:
How that worked w “Scott’s” (And probably some other contractors):
The processes at PSU at the time (and probably still today) allowed for contractors - once they were working on the job - claims for additional “Overrides and Contingencies” (or some term like that)
The concept would be, let’s say the cost of materials shot up through the roof once the bid was awarded, and work had commenced, the contractor could put in a request for more $$$$ to cover an event like that.
Well, if you go back and pull up the old Scott’s Projects - they would, as a matter of course - after putting in low bids (which would get them the contract) they would request “Overrides and Contingencies” for huge amounts ........ like maybe 50% or more of the original bid.
Which, of course, would always be approved
(I guess the costs of Mulch in Central PA were very volatile
Just one of many ways that systems are worked around.
Here’s one way: Calculate your actual cost. Price it cost plus a margin that would make the project a fuc#ing net margin loser. No one else is assured of having their Change Requests “green lighted” so they price at a much safer risk level. Take the order from your “homey”. Shampoo. Rinse. Repeat!
Every surrender involves a seminal moment. I gave up on board reform when the alumni trustees would not ask simple questions about that dorm and the other one such as "assuming full capacity, how many years until it breaks even?"
