DuPage Airport Authority Recipient of the 2012 ACC Excellence in Procurement Award

March 12, 2012
The award, now in its fourth year, recognizes procurement programs and practices that are worthy of serving as a model for other airports and public agencies to follow

Denver, CO - The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) is pleased to announce that the DuPage Airport Authority of West Chicago, IL is the recipient of ACC's 2012 Excellence in Procurement Award. Airport Director David Bird accepted the award on behalf of the Authority at a luncheon during the ACC/AAAE Planning, Design & Construction Symposium in Denver, Colorado. This award, now in its fourth year, recognizes procurement programs and practices that are worthy of serving as a model for other airports and public agencies to follow.

The Authority was selected among a number of admirable candidates for its exemplary practices, including:

  • The airport's procurement policy is formal, written, and is available on the airport's website;
  • The process is used for all projects, whether funded through the FAA Airport Improvement Program or other sources;
  • Selections are made by a non-disclosed committee which includes a representative from a peer regional airport;
  • The negotiation process is fair with no overhead or multiplier limitations or adverse indemnification provisions; and
  • The airport uses independent consulting firms to review project scopes and fees.

"The DuPage Airport Authority has an open, documented procurement process that is readily available to the public. They also have a unique approach to forming their selection committees, including involving another airport representative. This is a critical component of an effective procurement system," said award selection committee chair Tom Butcher with WALKER Parking Consultants.

ACC President Paula Hochstetler affirmed the selection, stating, "ACC is pleased to recognize the DuPage Airport Authority for its model procurement practices. The Authority has implemented a number of innovative practices, and in fact has been called 'a model for the nation' by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Having a good, transparent procurement process in place ensures that qualified firms are able to compete in a fair and open manner. This benefits not only the airport, but the traveling public as well."

"The DuPage Airport Authority is honored to receive this award," said David Bird, Executive Director. "Over the last 8 years the Board of Commissioners and staff have worked tirelessly to implement management policies and procedures that reflect fiscal responsibility, openness, and transparency, and to have our efforts recognized by the ACC is truly gratifying."

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The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) is the international trade association that represents private businesses involved in the development and operations of airports and related facilities. ACC is the only association that focuses exclusively on the business interests of firms with airport-related technical expertise. ACC informs its members of new trends while promoting fair competition and procurement practices that protect the industry's bottom line. Founded in 1978, ACC Headquarters is located in the Washington, D.C. area.