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The Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network is a $416 million project intended to knit together radio communications for Oregon’s emergency responders. The governor and the state Legislature have made this a priority to ensure that emergency service providers can communicate and save lives. The project is under way, and contracts have been let to designers and project managers. The construction manager-general contractor contract is in the process of being negotiated, and now a contract for quality oversight is being solicited. To date, contracts have been awarded to large multinational firms such as Science Applications International and Black & Veatch. Legacy Wireless Services, a local firm, also has been awarded work.

OWIN received three proposals for its largest contract, the one for a construction manager-general contractor, from local firms Hoffman Construction, Howard S. Wright; and from a large national defense contractor, General Dynamics. OWIN won’t confirm who it is negotiating with, but local content should be a significant issue. With Oregon’s real unemployment in excess of 12 percent, local labor must receive priority. It would be a disservice to Oregon taxpayers to see a firm receive this contract and then import most of its workers or export the work to home offices out of the region. These are not ordinary times, and both regionally-based firms have proven track records in managing complex construction works in the region.

OWIN has already hired experts in radio, computers and management. It now needs experts in managing large projects in Oregon. This project is located in Oregon, and the firm selected must be familiar with the business climate, the geography, the weather and how to manage work in the remote parts of the state. Oregon also needs an efficient contractor with reasonable cost structures that has a proven track record in delivering projects on time and on budget. There will be little additional funding available to cover cost overruns.

The state deserves a construction manager-general contractor that is not here just for the project, but also the investment in Oregon’s future. Will a large national defense contractor remain here as part of Oregon’s business community after the work is done?

OWIN is clearly in a tough spot. The governor and the state Legislature expect delivery of a successful megaproject. As an entity, they are a one off organization which has not yet delivered a project of this magnitude. For the amount of money that is being spent, Oregon deserves a high-quality, state-of-the-art system. OWIN needs the best team that can be assembled. Until Oregon shakes off this recession, Oregonians need to share in the wealth.

Christian Steinbrecher is the president of Ukiah Engineering Inc. and a senior consultant at Capital Project Consultants. Contact him at [email protected].