R. W. Beck News RSS Feed

Two Midstream Acquisitions Close Following SAIC Review

bbell — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 07:52:46 GMT

DENVER (October 28, 2010) – Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), through its wholly owned subsidiary R. W. Beck, provided independent due diligence services instrumental in the financing of two recently announced gas midstream transactions.

Earlier this month, Cardinal Midstream, LLC announced the pending acquisition of Antero Resources’ midstream assets located in the Woodford Shale area of Oklahoma for $268 million. In addition to wholly owned gas gathering and treating assets, the transaction also includes a 60 percent interest in Centrahoma Processing LLC, a joint venture with MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. that operates two gas processing plants in the area.

In addition, Quicksilver Gas Services LP announced that Crestwood Holdings Partners LLC had closed on its purchase of Quicksilver Resources Inc.’s ownership interest in Quicksilver Gas Services LP and its general partner Quicksilver Gas Services GP, LLC for $701 million in cash and other consideration. Quicksilver Gas Services LP subsequently changed its name to Crestwood Midstream Partners LP. Crestwood Midstream Partners LP owns and operates three natural gas gathering systems and related natural gas processing, treating, and compression assets located in the Barnett Shale area in north Texas.

In both transactions, SAIC provided the buyers with independent, objective reviews and analyses of technical, operational, and commercial aspects of the subject midstream assets in support of the transactions’ financings.

SAIC Verifies Hawaii Wind Project Technology for DOE Loan Guarantee

bbell — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:57:13 GMT

DENVER (October 8, 2010) – Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), through its wholly owned subsidiary R. W. Beck, provided an independent review and analysis of the engineering, technical, and construction aspects of First Wind’s 30 MW Kahuku Wind project in Hawaii to help facilitate the closing of its $117 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy. First Wind is an independent wind energy company focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind projects in the United States.

The wind project, which began construction in July, will consist of twelve 2.5 MW wind turbines and will have the capacity to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power up to 7,700 Oahu homes each year. It will also include a battery energy storage system that will be the largest of its kind in the state. SAIC will continue to provide construction monitoring and testing services until the construction is complete in February 2011.

SAIC Advises Lenders for 45MW Solar Photovoltaic Project

bbell — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 07:35:47 GMT

DENVER (October 4, 2010) – Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), through its wholly owned subsidiary R. W. Beck, provided an independent review of one of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The Avenal Solar project in Kings County, Calif., includes three contiguous PV installations with a combined capacity of 45 MW-AC, which is enough to power 36,000 homes. The facility was developed by Eurus Energy America and is owned jointly by Eurus and NRG Solar, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc.

SAIC performed an initial feasibility review of the project, including a detailed technology review of the project’s thin-film PV modules, followed by a full technical due diligence review in support of the project’s financing on September 22. Construction of the Avenal Solar project is already underway, and SAIC will perform construction monitoring for the project’s lenders through the start of commercial operation in mid-2011.

SAIC Helps Paducah Power Meet Summer Electricity Demand

BBell — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:00:34 GMT

DENVER (September 27, 2010) – Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), through its wholly owned subsidiary R. W. Beck, assisted Paducah Power System (PPS) with the development, testing, and operation of a 124 MW natural gas-fired peaking plant, which began operation in June to help PPS meet peak summer electricity demand. PPS is a municipally owned electric distribution utility serving residential, commercial and industrial customers in Paducah, Ky.

SAIC provided overall program management and power supply planning for the plant, which is run mostly during “on-peak” hours to reduce electricity costs for PPS customers. SAIC also provided design and contract management for the project’s 16-mile natural gas pipeline and the electrical transmission line and substation upgrades.

The new peaking plant successfully passed all commissioning and testing and is now commercially operational.

SAIC Energy Experts to Speak at Autovation

bbell — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:17:53 GMT

(AUSTIN, TEXAS) August 31, 2010 – Energy industry experts and consultants from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] and its wholly-owned subsidiary R. W. Beck, will speak at Autovation, the Utilimetrics Smart Metering Conference and Exposition, in Austin, Texas, Sept. 12-15. With topics ranging from cyber security and smart grid technology to business case development and implementation, this conference addresses many challenges utility executives face in today’s evolving energy market.

SAIC’s experts will share their insights during the following sessions:

Sunday, Sept. 12 (Pre-Autovation Courses)

- "From ‘Bolted on’ to ‘Built in:’ A Practical Approach to Secure and Compliant Smart Grid Deployments" presented by Chief Cyber Security Technologist Gib Sorebo

- "Introduction to Water AMI" and "How to Manage a Successful Water AMI Project" presented by Vice President Don Schlenger

- "Ready, Set, Go – Reaching Success: Planning, Procurement, Implementation, and Successful Use of AMI/Smart Grid Technology" presented by Consultants Walter Levesque and Steve Hadden and Director of Smart Gird Integration Louis Szablya

Monday, Sept. 13

- "Expanding Technology and Water AMI" presented by Schlenger and David Hughes from American Water Works Co.

- "Voltage Optimization Management" presented by Senior Project Manager KC Fagen and Wayne Amondson, manager of transmission and distribution engineering for Cowlitz County Public Utility District

Tuesday, Sept. 14

- "Preparing a Successful AMI Business Case" workshop presented by Levesque and Hadden

- "State of Vermont Utilities and Universities Collaborate to Win $68 Million from DOE" moderated by Hadden and presented by Consultant Dave Scott and speakers from Central Vermont Public Service, Green Mountain Power, and the University of Vermont

Wednesday, Sept. 15

- "Metering Service: Managing Organization, Quality, and Customer Expectations with AMI (and AMR)" presented by Scott, Steven Faulhaber from Central Maine Power Co., Glenn Bennish from Hydro One, and Tom Lawton from Advent Design

For more information and the full conference schedule, click here. Also, be sure to visit SAIC/R. W. Beck at booth 526 during the conference.

About SAIC

SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company’s approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.8 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. For more information, visit www.saic.com. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®

###

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in SAIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2010, and other such filings that SAIC makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

R. W. Beck to Speak at Northeast Biomass Conference

bbell — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:10:24 GMT

DENVER (July 22, 2010) – Thomas Stringfellow, a senior consulting engineer with R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will speak at the Northeast Biomass Conference and Expo in Boston, Mass., August 4-6.

Stringfellow will present "Making a Biomass-Fueled Power Plant Financeable." He will discuss how using modular design and construction techniques can help reduce project costs and minimize risk in order to achieve a viable, cost effective project.

For more information on the conference, click here.

R. W. Beck Supports VELCO’s eEnergy Project

bbell — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:56:53 GMT

DENVER (July 19, 2010) – Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) and the Vermont Distribution Utilities have selected R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, to provide grant administration and technical support for its eEnergy smart grid project, which will expand the deployment of smart meters in Vermont from 28,000 to 300,000 by the end of 2010.

This project is being financed in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment Grant program, which was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. R. W. Beck will help the eEnergy Vermont Team with ARRA reporting, grant requirements planning, and financial reporting systems. The firm will also work with the team to help select and integrate its smart grid technology, implement a communications system, and develop a rate design.

The project will enhance and expand utilities’ secure control systems for substations, the electrical distribution and transmission grids and field test customer systems such as in-home displays and energy-focused home area networks.

"R. W. Beck combines business acumen with technical expertise in smart grid to offer in-depth experience in helping implement ARRA grants and built the grid of the future," said Allen Stamp, eEnergy Vermont Program Manager "We look forward to working with them to expand the smart grid in Vermont."

R. W. Beck to Speak at IEEE Power and Energy Meeting

bbell — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:44:21 GMT

DENVER (July 12, 2010) – KC Fagen, a senior project manager with R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will be speaking at the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers’ Power and Energy Society General Meeting in Minneapolis, Minn., July 25-29.

Fagen will present his paper, "Distribution Efficiency Voltage Optimization Supports Lowest Cost New Resources." He will share insight on the Distribution Efficiency Initiative and the results of its two independent projects.

For more information on the General Meeting, click here.

R. W. Beck to Speak at Texas Public Power Meeting

bbell — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:01:09 GMT

DENVER (July 7, 2010) – Director of Smart Grid Integration Louis Szablya of R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will speak at the 2010 Texas Public Power Association’s Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, July19-21.

Szablya will present "Beyond the Smart Grid Hype: What’s Real and How to Move Forward?" He will talk about a practical path to the Smart Grid including advanced metering infrastructure, distribution management systems, and when these and other advanced Smart Grid applications and technologies will become real.

For more information on the annual meeting, click here.

R. W. Beck Utilities Expert to Speak at Florida Municipal Energy Conference

bbell — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:24:21 GMT

DENVER (July 6, 2010) – Bill May, senior project manager at R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will be presenting at the Florida Municipal Electric Association and Florida Municipal Power Agency’s 2010 Annual Conference in Naples, Fla., July 20-23.

The recent downturn in demand for power coupled with the addition of new generating facilities has resulted in excess capacity for some power suppliers. For utilities in need of power, this situation has created, at least temporarily, a buyer’s market. Whether through short-term next-hour energy-only transactions or long-term firm energy and capacity transactions, even in a buyer’s market, sellers can improve their economic situation by selling power at less than their embedded cost during the seller’s projected period of excess capacity. In his presentation, "Excess Capacity in a Buyer’s Market: Advantages for Buyers and Sellers", May will discuss how to take advantage of these opportunities and show examples of transactions that provide benefits to both buyers and sellers.

For more information on the conference, click here.

R. W. Beck to Speak at CS Week

bbell — Mon, 24 May 2010 09:24:24 GMT

DENVER (May 24, 2010) – Senior Consultant Brown Thornton and Vice President of Smart Grid Infrastructure Keith Kerzel from R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will present at this year’s CS Week Conference, which is being held from May 23 to 28 in Nashville, Tenn.

Thornton will present "Implementing Dynamic Rates with AMI." He will discuss the requirements and processes necessary to successfully develop and implement dynamic rate structures after an advanced metering infrastructure system is in place.

In "Beyond the Smart Grid Hype: What’s Real and How to Move Forward?" Kerzel will provide an impartial assessment of the state of Smart Grid technologies. He will share insight on how to develop a practical Smart Grid strategy and how technologies will evolve to build a smarter grid for the future.

For more information, visit www.csweek.org.

R. W. Beck Supports Vermont Utilities’ Meter Automation

bbell — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:23:29 GMT

DENVER (May 13, 2010) – Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS) and Green Mountain Power (GMP) have chosen R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, to support their collaborative meter automation acquisition. The two utilities, the largest electric utilities in the state, are working together to acquire and deploy advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The work is part of the eEnergy Vermont project, which is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment Grant program.

Over the past two years, R. W. Beck has assisted CVPS and GMP in defining AMI procurement strategy, preparing specifications, applying for DOE funding, and assembling the request for proposals (RFP). After issuing the joint RFP, the utilities again selected R. W. Beck to guide evaluation of AMI proposals, selection of AMI prime contractor(s), risk assessment and management, and contract negotiation for AMI delivery and installation.

“Our AMI system will have a major impact on the utilities’ future,” said Gary Belock, AMI project manager with Central Vermont Public Service. “R. W. Beck’s extensive understanding of smart grid technologies and strong business acumen will help guide both utilities during this complex decision-making process.”

“R. W. Beck has provided valuable insight throughout the AMI procurement process, and we look forward to working with CVPS and R. W. Beck on the next step to bringing meter automation to our customers,” said Green Mountain Power Smart Grid Leader Brian Otley.

GMP Selects R. W. Beck for Smart Grid Program Support

BBell — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:22:04 GMT

DENVER (May 6, 2010) – R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will assist Green Mountain Power on its advanced metering infrastructure implementation and grid automation program, which is funded in part by an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant. GMP provides electricity to approximately 94,000 customers in Vermont.

The firm will support GMP through the implementation of its Smart Grid program over the next three years. R. W. Beck consultants will assist with project management, change management, AMI acceptance testing and implementation support, regulatory support, and design and engineering services for both substation and distribution automation.

R. W. Beck has extensive experience with AMI and Smart Grid programs and helps clients build a practical path to a smarter grid.

R. W. Beck to Speak at Electric Energy Conference

BBell — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:23:20 GMT

DENVER (May 5, 2010) – Mike Donnelly, senior energy advisor at R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will be presenting at the Rocky Mountain Electric League’s Spring Electric Energy Conference, which is being held May 16 to 18 in Santa Fe, N.M.

Donnelly will present "Uncertainties in Fundamentals Forecasting of North American Fossil Fuel Prices" on Tuesday, May 18. He will discuss the long-term demand and supply drivers for fossil fuels and the uncertainties of the cost of carbon combustion. He will also provide an outlook for gas prices for the Western Electricity Coordinating Council area.

RMEL’s Spring Electric Energy Conference covers issues in generation, transmission, distribution, safety, customer service, human resources, and other management topics. For more information, click here.

SAIC Ranks 54 on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms List

BBell — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

DENVER (April 28, 2010) – R. W. Beck’s parent company, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), ranked no. 54 on Engineering News Record’s annual list of the largest engineering, architectural, and environmental design firms.

Annually, ENR ranks the 500 largest design and consulting firms by revenue. In last year’s rankings, R. W. Beck ranked no. 113 with revenue of $110 million. R. W. Beck became an SAIC company in August 2009 and was included in SAIC’s nomination for this industry ranking.

To view ENR’s full list, visit www.enr.construction.com.

Click here to view SAIC's complete Industry Rankings.

R. W. Beck Helps Update Beaufort County’s Solid Waste Options

BBell — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:46:14 GMT

DENVER (April 27, 2010) – Beaufort County, S.C., has selected R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, to evaluate options for cost-effective and environmentally sound solid waste management in future years.

In 2004, R. W. Beck initially evaluated collection, disposal, and recycling options for the County. The firm researched options that were available for the County’s solid waste, evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of each, and provided a cost analysis for managing solid waste under each option for the next two decades. Over the past five years, R. W. Beck has worked with the County to implement elements of these management options, resulting in net savings of several hundred thousand dollars per year.

Now, R. W. Beck is working with the County again to update the cost of various transportation and disposal options for solid waste. The firm will identify and interview disposal facilities across the region to determine their interest and terms to accept solid waste from Beaufort County. R. W. Beck will also evaluate hauling and disposal costs for these facilities and update the firm’s proprietary financial model that summarizes the cost per ton to manage the County’s solid waste.

The firm will also help the County evaluate the potential costs and benefits associated with the construction and operation of one or more transfer stations to more cost-effectively access disposal facilities and determine the appropriate strategic approach for such a facility.

R. W. Beck to Speak at EEI Strategic Issues Roundtable

BBell — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:01:49 GMT

DENVER (April 5, 2010) – Mark Gabriel, senior vice president at R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will speak at the Edison Electric Institute’s Strategic Issues Roundtable, which is being held April 14 and 15 in Washington, D.C.

Gabriel will present "Adding Intelligence to the Grid." He will review the five major trends that will have a huge impact on the electric energy industry. He will then share his insight on adding more intelligent devices to the grid and the potential issues with the Smart Grid.

"Today’s electric companies are faced with several growing challenges, including the carbon/capacity conflict and intelligent infrastructure," Gabriel said. "These issues have the potential to affect not just the industry but also society."

For more information on EEI’s Strategic Issues Roundtable, click here.

SAIC/R. W. Beck to Present at Resource and Supply Planning Conference

BBell — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:54:00 GMT

DENVER (March 16, 2010) – Experts from SAIC and it’s wholly-owned subsidiary R. W. Beck will present at the sixth annual Resource and Supply Planning Conference: Best Practices in an Era of Renewable and Reduced Emissions. This conference is organized by Electric Utility Consultants, Inc., and will be held March 23 and 24 in Washington, D.C.

R. W. Beck’s National Director of Energy Markets Rob Patrylak and Supervising Director of Strategic Resource Planning Bob Davis will present "Simulating National Energy Policies and Their Cumulative Effect on Resource Planning" with SAIC Senior Engineer Jay Ratafia-Brown. They will discuss how the National Energy Market System can be leveraged to examine how different energy legislative measures, including climate legislation, could impact energy prices and demand and the productivity of various industries and market segments. They will also share their insight on how proposed changes in policies will impact energy markets and utility planning, and attendees will learn best practice approaches in addressing energy policy change in integrated resource planning analyses.

Patrylak will also present "Impact of Greenhouse Gas Concerns on Resource Mix" with Peter Warnken, manager of resource planning at PacifiCorp. They will discuss one approach to address carbon risk in the integrated resource planning process.

Davis and Todd Strauss, senior director of energy policy, planning, and analysis at PG&E, will share their insights in a presentation on the "Impact of Demand Response, Energy Efficiency, and Distributed Energy Resource on Resource Planning." They will examine location-dependent resource aspects, load management, and end-use energy efficiency.

SAIC’s R. W. Beck to Present at NWPPA Engineering & Operations Conference

BBell — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:59:07 GMT

DENVER (March 15, 2010) – R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, Senior Vice President Mark Gabriel and Senior Consultant Tim Wolf will present at the Northwest Public Power Association’s Engineering and Operations Conference and Tradeshow, which is being held March 29 through April 3 in Tacoma, Wash.

Gabriel will offer the keynote speech, "Smart Grid: What is it? How does it work? What do you do with it?" during the morning general session on Tuesday, March 30. He will help the audience to understand what is real, not real and achievable in a market filled with hope and hype.

During the hot topics sessions on Wednesday, March 31, Wolf will speak on "Smart Grid – Enabler of Conservation." He will review the various conservation and energy efficiency benefits utilities should consider in building business cases for smart grid and advanced metering infrastructure. He will also provide high-level quantification of the benefits, the relevant technologies and data required to enable the applications. Lastly, Wolf will provide insight into utility customer attitudes toward conservation, including barriers to adoption of technologies and programs.

For more information on the R. W. Beck speakers and the entire conference program, click here.

SAIC Awarded $21 Million Blanket Purchase Agreement for Biomass Engineering

BBell — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:38:45 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAIC’s Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, R.W. Beck, to Provide Independent Engineering

Services to Support Department of Energy’s Office of the Biomass Program

(McLEAN, Va.) March 9, 2010 — Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, R.W. Beck, has been awarded a blanket purchase agreement by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Golden Field Office to support The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Biomass Program. The BPA’s period of performance expires Sep. 30, 2015 and has a ceiling value of $21 million.

The Biomass Program works with industry, academia, and national laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research in biomass feedstocks and conversion technologies. Through research, development, and demonstration efforts geared toward the commercialization of integrated biorefineries, the Biomass Program is helping transform the nation’s renewable and abundant biomass resources into cost competitive, high performance biofuels, bioproducts, and biopower.

As part of the program, the DOE recently announced that it will partially fund via grants the design, construction, and operation of 18 integrated ethanol biorefinery pilot and demonstration projects, helping promote the development and commercialization of cellulosic and algae derived biofuel and biochemical production in the United States. Under the BPA, R.W. Beck will serve as DOE’s independent engineer on these projects, providing services including assistance in program management, technical and financial due diligence, construction and operations monitoring, and Recovery Act compliance.

"We have extensive experience providing renewable technologies support services and design-build projects to government and commercial customers, and we understand the complexities associated with ethanol biofuels and biochemicals technologies and their deployment in the market place," said J.T. Grumski, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.

About SAIC

SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company’s approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.saic.com. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®

###

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in SAIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2009, and other such filings that SAIC makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

Contact:
Melissa Koskovich
(703) 676-6762
Melissa.l.koskovich@saic.com

Laura Luke
(703) 676-6533
laura.luke@saic.com

R. W. Beck Serves as Program Manager for Florida Desalination Plant

BBell — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:52:28 GMT

DENVER (March 9, 2010) – R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, is working with the City of Hialeah, Fla., on the design and construction of the city’s new desalination plant. When complete in 2011, the plant will treat 10 million gallons of brackish water per day with the capacity to expand to up to 17.5 million gallons per day.

Over the next year, the firm will assist with program management, stakeholder meetings, and facilities testing oversight.

Acting as the program manager for the last two years, R. W. Beck provided procurement advisory services for selecting a design-build-operate contractor. By using this alternative project delivery approach, the city and county expect to secure several benefits for their customers, including optimal risk allocation, competitive design selection, cost savings, and ongoing technical innovation.

"R. W. Beck has been involved since the first steps of procurement for this significant desalination project, so we have been able to provide insight to help Hialeah plan for its future water supply," said R. W. Beck Senior Consultant Joe Dysard.

R. W. Beck to Teach Utility University Courses at DistribuTECH

BBell — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:51:39 GMT

DENVER (March 8, 2010) – R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, will have four energy and Smart Grid experts teaching pre-conference courses at DistribuTECH’s Utility University, which is being held March 21 and 22 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla. These pre-conference courses focus on relevant and topical issues to enhance learning and networking opportunities for utility professionals.

Senior Consultant Steve Hadden, Senior Project Manager KC Fagen, and Consultant Andrew Owens will present "How to Create a Practical Smart Grid Technical Plan" (course #206) on the morning of March 22. They will discuss how to successfully plan Smart Grid implementations that produce immediate and lasting value and become the foundation for future Smart Grid enhancements. Attendees will gain complete familiarity with effective smart grid planning, from early strategy through business case and corporate approval of the project.

Later that day, Consultant Walter Levesque and Hadden will present "How to Procure and Successfully Implement a Smart Grid Plan" (course #209). They will teach attendees to establish smart grid requirements, create the RFP, evaluate proposals, develop implementation and strategic communication plans, and complete the procurement process. Attendees will benefit from an enhanced understanding of effective procurement and implementation planning, vendor selection, and critical contract negotiation issues.

For more information on the Utility University and the full conference schedule, click here. Also, be sure to visit R. W. Beck at Booth 948 during the conference.

R. W. Beck Employees Raise Thousands for National Food Drive

BBell — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:31:19 GMT

DENVER (March 5, 2010) – Throughout the month of February, R. W. Beck’s employees raised nearly $7,000 and hundreds of pounds of food during the firm’s National Food Drive, which benefits more than 25 food banks from San Diego to New York City and virtually everywhere in between.

R. W. Beck’s U.S. offices were divided into five regions and a friendly, internal competition encouraged each region to increase donations throughout the month. At the end of the four week campaign, the West Coast region won by donating the most food and money per person for four community food banks.

R. W. Beck, an SAIC company, was built on a strong commitment to bring positive and lasting change to the communities where we live, work and do business. In addition to the National Food Drive, in 2010 the firm will participate in more than a dozen local community events benefiting causes ranging from cancer research to homelessness. For more information on the firm’s community involvement, click here.

R. W. Beck to Speak at Clean Water Agencies Conference

bbell — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:16:01 GMT

DENVER (January 19, 2010) – R. W. Beck Executive Vice President Ed Wetzel will present at the National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ 2010 Winter Conference, which is being held February 2 to 5 in Austin, Texas.

Wetzel and City of Indianapolis Public Works Director David Sherman will present "Monetizing Utility Assets to Fund Infrastructure Needs—the Indianapolis Story." They will describe the deteriorating infrastructure of the city, financial conditions and challenges, effect of the EPA Consent Decree, and possible alternatives to best monetize utility assets. Finally, they will discuss the three alternatives the City is currently evaluating.

"R. W. Beck has worked with the City of Indianapolis to assist them through the process of evaluating their alternatives in addressing their critical infrastructure needs," said Wetzel. "In our presentation at NACWA’s Winter Conference, David and I will discuss Mayor Greg Ballard’s approach to alternative solutions and share our insights on the process, lessons learned, and potential paths to move forward."

SAIC/R. W. Beck to Share Insight at EUEC Energy & Environment Conference

bbell — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:57:47 GMT

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) January 12, 2010 – Experts from Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE:SAI] and its wholly-owned subsidiary R.W. Beck will share their insight during presentations at EUEC 2010, the 13th Annual Energy and Environment Conference held Feb. 1 – 3 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

The conference is one of the country’s largest energy and environment events, bringing together more than 2,000 environmental business leaders, energy executives, and government policymakers. At this year’s event, experts from SAIC and R.W. Beck will speak on the following influential energy industry topics:

"NEPA Process, Public Involvement, and Minimizing the Pain." William Mundt will discuss lessons learned from the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed coal-fired power plant and provide an introduction to the EIS process.
"Issues with Equator Principle Categorization and Compliance." William Stark will highlight problems that may arise during project categorization and share suggestions for minimizing inconsistencies between Equator Principles Financial Institutions categorization criteria.
"Evolution and Optimization of Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Measures." Tony Georgis will prioritize and estimate the general system and energy efficiency potential of smart grid and energy efficiency program measures.
"Climate Change Adaptation Planning." Sandra Miranda will detail how climate change adaptation planning is progressing in California, including discussion of a regional study in San Diego and planning efforts being considered in the Bay Area.
"SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership – Implementation Status." Jette Findsen will describe EPA’s Emission Reduction Partnership and provide information on what participating utilities are doing to track their SF6 emissions.
"Managing Cyber Risk in a Smart Grid Inter-Connected World." Michael Echols will define the high level elements of smart grid as identified in the U.S. Department of Energy’s "Modern Grid Strategy," breakdown one of the program elements, and discuss how the technology is being implemented.

"We are proud to have an active role in this important event for the energy industry, and we look forward to sharing our in-depth knowledge and expertise, ranging from energy efficiency and management to climate policy," said J. T. Grumski, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.

For more information on these presentations and the entire EUEC 2010 program, visit www.euec.com.

About SAIC

SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company’s approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, Va., SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.saic.com. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®

Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in SAIC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January 31, 2009, and other such filings that SAIC makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

R. W. Beck to Speak at Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Summit

bbell — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:19 GMT

DENVER (December 1, 2009) – R. W. Beck Senior Vice President Mark Gabriel will speak at the 2009 American Public Power Association’s Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Summit, which is being held Dec. 9 to 11 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Gabriel will present "Keeping the Lights On and More – Solutions to Sustainable Energy Challenges." He will examine the future of utilities, including how America can achieve sustainable energy solutions in a practical and economically feasible way. He will provide insight into five megatrends that are impacting the energy industry and the resulting new business view for utilities.

"Today’s energy industry is faced with several growing challenges, including those regarding carbon/capacity, intelligent infrastructure, and the evolution of a new business model," Gabriel said. "These trends have the potential to universally affect the industry and society."

For more information on the Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid Summit, click here.

R. W. Beck Now an SAIC Company

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:59:00 GMT

DENVER (August 3, 2009) - R. W. Beck Group, Inc., is now a Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) company. For more information about SAIC's acquisition of R. W. Beck, read the news release here.

R. W. Beck Signs Agreement to Join SAIC

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 6, 2009) – R. W. Beck Group, Inc., signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI), pending shareholder approval. SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® company serving customers in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure and health markets.

"With the development and rehabilitation of many aspects of our nation’s infrastructure becoming increasingly critical, and the ongoing threat of natural and man-made disasters, both SAIC and R. W. Beck leadership believe that combining the capabilities of the two companies will produce results of significant benefit to our clients and overall business,” said Russ Stepp, president and chief executive officer of R.W. Beck. “The leading-edge technologies, services and expertise we bring will enable the development of more robust solutions for current and future clients.”

R. W. Beck will join SAIC’s Infrastructure, Logistics and Product Solutions Group led by Group President Joe Craver. The Group, one of four at SAIC, provides technical and engineering solutions for a variety of clients and mission areas, including all hazards preparedness and logistics; energy management services; and environmental support. R. W. Beck’s core consulting and engineering organization will join the Group’s Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure business unit led by J.T. Grumski to combine synergies in environmental services, including water, wastewater, and solid waste management; energy management and grid technology; infrastructure planning and design-build; and capital program management. Beck Disaster Recovery, Inc., of which R. W. Beck Group Inc. is the majority owner, will join the Group’s Homeland Protection and Preparedness business unit led by John Ferriter to create a comprehensive offering of preparedness, emergency response, training, and disaster recovery for federal and municipal clients.

The acquisition is expected to close at the beginning of August 2009, subject to R. W. Beck shareholder approval and customary closing conditions, including expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

About R. W. Beck Group, Inc.

Founded in 1942, R. W. Beck (rwbeck.com) serves public and private infrastructure organizations and financiers in the energy, water, wastewater and solid waste industries. The company’s 550 technically based business consultants—including engineers, economists, analysts and other professionals—develop sustainable solutions specific to clients’ engineering, economic, financial, planning, operational and organizational challenges. R. W. Beck’s clients include utility organizations, government entities, financial institutions and commercial clients. As a wholly-owned subsidiary, BDR (beckdr.com) is the nation's leading provider of program management services for hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness/planning, response and recovery.

About SAIC

SAIC (saic.com) is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering, and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company’s approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.