FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Danette Ward
512.494.5254
ward@fiatech.org

Technology Roadmap Workshop to Focus on Homeland Security Challenges and Solutions

AUSTIN, TX, October 4, 2002 - Addressing new security challenges and identifying viable solutions in the construction and design industry will be the theme of the "Capital Projects Integrated Technology Workshop: Addressing Homeland Security Challenges for the Construction Industry,” hosted by FIATECH, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Workshop will convene technical and management professionals from the private sector, state and federal agencies, and academia at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, VA, November 13-15, 2002.

Participants will work together to incorporate homeland security issues into the existing Capital Projects Technology Roadmap—a comprehensive technology research and development agenda focused on the future of the industry. An executive summary of the Technology Roadmap can be obtained at www.fiatech.org or by calling Liz Landeros at 512-232-9669 or landeros@fiatech.org. In addition to focusing on new security concerns, the Workshop will also address launching the implementation of the Technology Roadmap.

“The Technology Roadmap is the result of a year-long collaborative effort that reflects input from over 200 participants representing nearly 100 companies and endorsed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Advanced Technology Program, the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Research Council of Canada, the Federal Facilities Council (FFC), The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP), Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), the Civil Engineering Research Foundation (CERF), and the Construction Industry Institute (CII),” Ric Jackson, FIATECH Director explains. “As a result of heightened security concerns that directly affect the way our industry conducts business, the U.S Department of Commerce requested that we reexamine the Roadmap and incorporate new strategies and goals for the future.”

Participants will identify specific industry challenges and goals related to major phases of the capital projects life cycle, including planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance support. The Workshop format will include plenary presentations from key agency officials as well as small breakout sessions.

Detailed information is available at www.fiatech.org/2002capitalprojects. Attached is a complimentary registration form for members of the media that needs to be completed and faxed back to FIATECH. Hotel reservations can be made by contacting Liz Landeros at (512) 232-9669 or landeros@fiatech.org.