Volume IX - Issue VI -June 2007
Fascinating Projects
Train Carrying NASA Rocket Components  According to a NASA press release on Wednesday, 2 May 2007, a train carrying space shuttle reusable solid rocket motor segments from the ATK Launch Systems manufacturing site in Brigham City, Utah, to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, derailed near Pennington, Alabama on Wednesday morning. "Several members of the NASA family were injured in this serious accident. Today our prayers are for those who have been injured and their families. Our employees work in hazardous jobs every day, and it is our goal to keep them safe," said NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale. The special train carrying solid rocket motor segments and a passenger car to monitor their transportation was crossing a bridge or a trestle, which collapsed under the locomotives. Six people were injured when the two locomotives and the passenger car dropped about 10 feet and turned on their sides. One of the cars carrying a solid rocket motor segment was also on its side. The remaining cars containing seven solid rocket motor segments and two aft exit cone segments remained upright. The hardware was intended for use on shuttle Discovery's STS-120 mission in October and shuttle Atlantis's STS-122 mission in December. These segments are interchangeable, and ATK Launch Systems has replacement units that could be used for the shuttle flights, if necessary. Each segment weighs approximately 300,000 lbs. and is protected by a white or yellow colored fiberglass cover during shipment. Until now, Solid Rocket Motor segments have been transported across the USA by rail for more than 26 years with an excellent record of safe transportation. Officials from NASA, the Federal Railroad Administration and other agencies are investigating the accident. For more information visit www.nasa.gov/
Editor’s Note: This article about the train wreck was published because of its potential impact on projects and for educational reasons. Whose project was this transportation activity? How many programs and projects did it impact? Was a rail bridge collapse included in anyone’s project risk management plan? Are there replacement parts or options for NASA? What is the true cost of this accident? How does it affect project schedules, supply processes, major milestones? What about the secondary stakeholders, the families of the NASA workers injured in the derailment? This is an example of a real project risk turning negative, with a potentially significant impact on every contractor, project, program and person involved. We at PMForum want to express our sympathies for those affected, and especially those injured and their families. We also trust that NASA had contingency plans in place for this type of accident!
High Speed Trains in Argentina: Bid for Joining Buenos Aires, Rosario and Cordoba Announced in Buenos Aires Reported by PMF Correspondent Ana Maria Rodriguez in Aregentina Last week, the Government of Argentina made public the economic offer for the construction and operation of a 700km high speed train that would link the three main cities of the country: Buenos Aires, Rosario and Cordoba. Veloxia, a group formed by international Alstom and local partners Iecsa, Emepa and Isolux Corsan, was the only party that presented an economical proposal for the bid. Other three groups were initially interested on it, but did not make final proposals.  In its economical proposal, Veloxia offered two options for the development of the project under a turn-key contract:
Both alternatives include the total economic investment (civil works and infrastructure, rolling stock, maintenance, power supply for the operations and financing costs). According to Veloxia’s proposal, French bank Société Générale would be in charge of financing 80% of the project, while the Argentinean government should finance the remaining 20% of the investment. Bidding requirements included the interested group to finance at least 50% of the project costs. The Argentinean Government applauded the interest shown by Alstom on making investments in the country, and remarked this offer as a milestone in the return of important foreign investments to the country, after the 2002 economic crisis. The Minister of Planning and Public Works, Julio de Vido, expressed that the government is highly interested in the high speed train for the whole section of Buenos Aires- Rosario- Cordoba, and that it was very satisfied with the financial rates offered by Alstom. Mr. De Vido highlighted that Veloxia’s group would accomplish 65% of the works with local companies, since all civil and road works would be developed by Argentinean firms. The bidding requirements included a minimum of 20% local integration. If no major issues appear during the analysis of the economical proposal, the contract should be signed on July 30th and Veloxia would count with 36 months for the construction of the first high speed train in Latin America. The Veloxia project is based on two-floor wagon trains, with maximum capacity of 600 passengers and speed limit of 320 km/hour. With these trains, the total distance from Buenos Aires to Cordoba would be covered in 4 hours, in comparison with 14 hours required for the same distance today. The train would join not only the three largest cities of Argentina (Greater Buenos Aires – population of 12.4 million, Greater Rosario – population of 1.2 million and Greater Cordoba – population of 1.2 million ) but will also provide a fast means of transportation between one of the most productive regions of the country, “the Pampa”. Argentinean exports are mainly cereal, beef and other rural products, which are mainly produced in the region to be crossed by the future train. The Argentinean Government is also interested in having a high-speed train linking Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, the main seaport of the country. With this project, the country would have a fast way of taking its export products from the Pampa to the sea. Alstom has also expressed interest in making a proposal for the Buenos Aires – Mar del Plata project, which according to Mr. Ricardo Jaime, Argentina’s Secretary of Transport, will be ready for a bidding process in approximately two months. Sources: Alstom Home Page: Diario La Capital: Diario Clarín: http://www.clarin.com/diario/2007/04/28/elpais/p-03201.htm Wikipedia: www.wikipedia.org
NASA's NEEMO 12 Project Underway Underwater!
 European Union (EU) leaders have committed to producing 20% of their energy from renewable sources such as biodiesel and ethanol by 2020. Brazil is the world's second-biggest ethanol producer and the top exporter. NASA has sent a flight surgeon, two astronauts and a Cincinnati doctor into the ocean depths off the Florida coast on May 7 for a 12-day undersea mission. During the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations 12 (NEEMO 12) project, the crew will conduct a variety of advanced medical technology experiments, including robotic telesurgery on simulated patients. The crew will also test other space medicine concepts and moon-walking techniques. Veteran space flyer Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper is leading the undersea mission aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Aquarius underwater laboratory. NASA Flight Surgeon Josef Schmid, NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez and Dr. Tim Broderick of the University of Cincinnati complete the crew.  Aquarius is the world's only permanent underwater habitat and laboratory. Similar in size to the International Space Station's living quarters, the 45-foot long, 13-foot diameter complex is three miles off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, about 62 feet beneath the surface. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington operates Aquarius on behalf of NOAA as part of NOAA's Undersea Research Program. The NEEMO missions are a cooperative project among NASA, NOAA and the university. For information about the NEEMO 12 mission, including crew journals and pictures, visit: www.nasa.gov/neemo. Created by The National Aeronautics and Space Act in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is America’s focal point for research, development and exploration of outer space. For nearly 50 years, NASA has been leading the world in the development and usage of advanced program and project management. Additional information about NASA can be found at www.nasa.gov.
Shuttle Atlantis Set to Launch Again on June 8
 Space shuttle Atlantis is back at its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Teams are preparing Atlantis for its mission, STS-117, to the International Space Station, now scheduled for launch on June 8. Atlantis originally was targeted for launch in March 2007, but a hail storm damaged foam insulation on the shuttle's external fuel tank and forced managers to roll the spacecraft back into the Vehicle Assembly Building to make repairs.  Atlantis' payload will consist of the S3/S4 truss that is to be installed on the Space Station. Beginning May 23, propellants will be loaded into Atlantis' storage tanks. The propellant will be used by the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system to move the spacecraft while it is in orbit. The flight readiness review meeting, where the official launch date is scheduled, will be held May 30-31 at Kennedy. For a launch on June 8 at 7:37 p.m., the 43-hour countdown would begin on June 5. STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault and mission specialists Jim Reilly, Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson, John "Danny" Olivas and Clay Anderson are scheduled to arrive at the Kennedy Space Center in During their 11-day mission, the astronauts will work with the space station crew and ground teams to install the girder-like S3/S4 truss segment, unfold a new set of solar arrays and retract one array on the starboard side of the space station. The new arrays will be a mirror image of those installed on the port side in September, and like the crew that installed the port arrays, the STS-117 crew will be in charge of unfolding the arrays and preparing them to track the sun and generate power. Created by The National Aeronautics and Space Act in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is America’s focal point for research, development and exploration of outer space. For nearly 50 years, NASA has been leading the world in the development and usage of advanced program and project management. Additional information about NASA can be found at www.nasa.gov.
Irish/Canadian Company Receives Approval for Wave Energy Project in Oregon Finavera Renewables Inc. has announced that it has been issued a Preliminary Permit for its proposed 100MW Coos County, Oregon wave energy project. The permit approval was granted by the United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"). The permit is valid for a period of three years, and allows Finavera Renewables to conduct various studies, including analyses of oceanographic conditions, commercial and recreational activities, and other impacts potentially associated with the planned project. The company will rely on the studies and stakeholder consultations in framing its application to FERC for a project operating license.  Alla Weinstein, Director and General Manager, Ocean Energy said, "The Coos County project is part of the next step along our path to the commercialization of wave energy. Permitting activities for this project will be based on our experience gained in the Makah Bay pilot project, which is the first wave energy project to file for a FERC operating  The proposed Coos County project would use interconnected clusters of the company's patented AquaBuOY wave energy devices. The project would have a generating capacity of 100MW, and total annual generation from the project is estimated to be approximately 175 gigawatt-hours per-year, which is sufficient electricity to power approximately 15,000 American homes. Finavera Renewables CEO Jason Bak said, "We intend for this project to illustrate how our innovative technology can contribute to the new energy economy through the creation of renewable electricity, jobs and ultimately, shareholder value. This project represents a unique opportunity to develop the wave energy industry in the State of Oregon and the United States, and we are excited to be leaders in responding to the world's need for clean energy. We plan to pursue additional wave energy projects in America in order to deploy the AquaBuOY technology and build the dominant market share in this new renewable energy industry." Finavera Renewables is also continuing the development of the patented AquaBuOY technology. The Company plans to deploy a second generation test device this summer off the coast of Newport, Oregon and is working in partnership with Oregon State University scientists and engineers to explore the technology's potential. The offshore portion of the project would be located in the Pacific Ocean west of Coos County, Oregon, just north of the Curry County/Coos County boundary, and southwest of the City of Bandon.  Finavera Renewables Inc., an Irish company now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is dedicated to the development of renewable energy resources and technologies. The Company's objective is to become a major renewable and green energy producer by developing and operating its assets in the wind and wave energy sectors. Finavera Renewables Inc. is developing the patented 'AquaBuOY' wave energy converter, a device that is based on proven and sustainable buoy technology. The Company is developing wave energy projects for AquaBuOY use in the United States, Portugal, South Africa and Canada. The Company is also developing wind energy projects in Canada and Ireland. In Canada, a two stage 150 MW project is being developed in Alberta. Construction on this advance stage project is expected to begin in 2008. In British Columbia 18 potential wind projects are being developed with a potential capacity exceeding 1500MW and provide a pipeline of projects for long term revenue potential. In Ireland, two wind projects are being developed with a potential capacity of 175MW. Data collection and environmental studies have been continuing at a number of sites in both contries.
IEBRD Finances Wastewater Treatment Projects in Armenia Residents of five municipalities located near Lake Sevan in Central Armenia will benefit from improved wastewater management services following a €7 million sovereign loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to the Republic of Armenia.  The funds will be on-lent to the state-owned Armenian Water and Sewerage Company to finance three wastewater treatment plants and network rehabilitation in the municipalities Gavar, Vardenis, Martuni, Sevan and Jermuk. This will be EBRD’s first municipal and environmental infrastructure project in Armenia. The loan provided by the Bank is complemented by a €5 million grant from the European Commission and the Early Transition Countries Initiative Fund will provide technical co-operation grants of €1.2 million for implementation support and advisory services.  According to Wikipedia, Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. The entire lake is situated inside the eastern Armenian province of Gegharkunik. It is fed by 28 rivers and streams. Lake Sevan covers fifteen per cent of Armenia and is a place of natural beauty and historic significance. The project will support efforts to achieve compliance with Armenian and EU environmental standards for wastewater treatment. Alexander Auboeck, EBRD Business Group Director for Infrastructure said by combining a loan with a capital grant the project is a good example of how the Bank can help make municipal investments affordable even when commercial long term financing is not available. Armenia is part of the EBRD’s Early Transition Countries Initiative, which was launched in 2004 to stimulate market activity in the Bank’s lowest-income countries of operation. To-date, the EBRD has invested almost €120 million in more than 40 projects in Armenia. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in 1991 when communism was crumbling in central and eastern Europe and ex-soviet countries needed support to nurture a new private sector in a democratic environment. Today the EBRD uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in countries from central Europe to central Asia. The EBRD is the largest single investor in the region and mobilises significant foreign direct investment beyond its own financing. It is owned by 61 countries and two intergovernmental institutions. The mandate of the EBRD stipulates that it must only work in countries that are committed to democratic principles. Respect for the environment is part of the strong corporate governance attached to all EBRD investments. Additional information about the EBRD can be found at www.ebrd.com/index.htm.
Memorial Day Projects Across the USA Commemorate Memorial Day, a national holiday for remembering and honoring those who have died in the service of the country, was celebrated across the United States of America (USA) today, May 28, 2007, with parades, events and special projects. Memorial Day in the USA was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, DC. The first US state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. After World War I, the holiday changed from honoring those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.  Memorial Day is now celebrated across the USA on the last Monday in May (established by the US Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays). Many towns and cities throughout the USA hold Memorial Day parades or other commemorative events.  In a special tribute to mark Memorial Day each year, all available soldiers of the US Army’s elite 3rd Infantry (known as The Old Guard) gather at Arlington National Cemetery to perform a special project. Just before the Memorial Day weekend, they place American flags, one foot and centered, in front of the gravestones and columbarium niches of every service member buried or inurned at Arlington Cemetery (more than 200,000). This tradition of honor, known as "Flags-in," has taken place each year since 1948 when The Old Guard was appointed as the ceremonial unit for the U.S. Army. During the Memorial Day weekend, members of The Old Guard then patrol the cemetery to make sure each gravesite remains decorated and honored with a flag. In addition, sentinels for the Tomb of the Unknowns place flags at each of the unknown servicemen graves.  In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual “Good Turn”, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights in Pennsylvania.
Editor’s note: We at PMForum recognize that cities and nations around the world have similar memorial holidays to honor the citizens and soldiers who died for their countries. We want to take this opportunity to salute those human beings who have died so that freedom, democracy and civilized society can survive and prosper on this planet. We also salute the soldiers who are still serving and dying around the world to create a safer and better future for our children and grandchildren. Finally, we want to remind those in the project management world that these sometimes small and sometimes large memorial projects must also be planned and accomplished with great effort, expense and professionalism. Projects, and project management, come in various sizes, shapes and conditions, and for all reasons that we live, work and celebrate. Such projects and project management are important in our everyday lives and for our future. We should keep these matters in mind as we watch the parades and events that are someone’s very important projects. And we should remember that sometimes small projects can have a very big impact on the lives of other people!
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