Many of you are likely aware that the U.S. has a public law that mandates the use of Value Engineering (Public Law 111-350, 124 Stat. 3718). It reads as follows:

§ 1711. Value engineering

Each executive agency shall establish and maintain cost-effective procedures and processes for analyzing the functions of a program, project, system, product, item of equipment, building, facility, service, or supply of the agency. The analysis shall be—

(1) performed by qualified agency or contractor personnel; and

(2) directed at improving performance, reliability, quality, safety, and life cycle costs.

Further, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has a regulation that provides an interpretation of this statute referred to as OMB A-131. The OMB directs all federal agencies to maintain a VE program. Some agencies have embraced VE and have outstanding VE programs that increase the value of taxpayer dollars. Many agencies, however, do not have VE programs.

The USAV Symposium this May is focused on inviting personnel from federal agencies to learn about VE programs and the successes of those agencies with active programs. One of the key documents that will be highlighted and discussed will be A Blueprint for Value: Implementing Value Engineering Programs in the Federal Government. This document was developed based on a collaboration between federal government agency personnel and members of SAVE International®. It lays out the case for creating and developing value programs for federal agencies.

The program that has been planned for the USAV Symposium will involve a variety of presentations and forums focused on establishing and developing value programs. Although the focus is on the federal government, anyone involved in value programs, or that provides VM services to public agencies, will greatly benefit from attending this event. You can register here and attend either virtually or in person.

I look forward to seeing you all at this event!

As democracy in the U.S faces many challenges, my concern is for those peers and colleagues that we have supporting the Federal sector of our country.  The broad brush that is being used to make Federal employees redundant will only lead to unimaginable challenges and hardship (yes some will reinvent themselves) but the whiplash of losing your job, then being asked to return, and then to be fully dismissed will have a lasting negative affect on the economy and the moral state of mind of the country.

Please take the opportunity to support our federal colleagues and do the kind thing by supporting them during this challenging time.

My last Editor’s Voice article is below which was written during the wildfires occurring in Southern California.  Also in this issue are articles to get the word about the 2025 USAV Symposium (please attend if you can) and numerous other relevant and timely articles.

Editor’s Voice – January/February 2025

My heart goes out to my fellow Americans living in the Los Angeles area, such devastation and such sadness.  Lives have been lost, thousands of homes and whole neighborhoods; very similar to the damage we saw a few years back with the fire in Sonoma and Napa Counties and the hurricane damage we see in Florida and the southeast that has been ramping up.

Yes, climate change is a culprit here, but what about our stubbornness in rebuilding in areas where these disasters happen with a high frequency?  Can we continue to pay the high price with lives and dollars? How would the Value Methodology (VM) apply to this very challenging situation?  What are the functions we are dealing with here:

·        Preserve Life

·        Minimize Damage

·        Mitigate Risks

·        Avoid Urbanization

·        Maintain Historical Development

·        Maintain Status

·        Build Anywhere

·        Disregard Risks

The first few functions would lead to alternative solutions like not building in the fire and mudslide prone areas of Los Angeles nor the coastal parts of Florida, for example.  The latter functions are business as usual, ignore risks and build in locations that potentially should not be built in.  There are examples from other countries where, historically, volcanos have ravaged part of the island, and those countries do not allow homes to be built in those areas.  Should that be our thinking here?  Make those areas protected and public use but not overdeveloped and hoping or wishing that the next natural hazard does not happen or happens somewhere else.  What is rational and prudent if we did apply the (VM) to this issue?  What changes would we make, and would it be for the better?  What do my VM peers think about this situation - should we apply logic and reason to this situation or let other, non-value thinking, drive what happens?

Again, my thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of Los Angeles and other areas hit by natural disasters, but with a lot of things, thoughts and prayers do not deliver the solution needed.

Everyone be safe out there and be good to your fellow humans and help those that need help at this trying time.

The 2025 U.S. Advocacy for Value (USAV) Symposium is a two-day event being held May 14-15, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. A draft agenda has been published and the speakers for the Symposium will be announced soon. This event is a great opportunity for those within our Value Engineering (VE) community to learn about existing VE programs at the federal level, but it’s also an even greater opportunity for those outside our community to learn about our industry overall. Please spread the word to all your contacts about this premier event. You can also refer to the article in this issue by SAVE President, Rob Stewart, for much more information on the 2025 USAV Symposium.

The other event is the 2025 Value Summit being held September 15-16, 2025 in New Delhi, India. As previously mentioned, this is the first time the SAVE Value Summit will be held in Asia. The Summit is being hosted and organized by the Indian Value Engineering Society (INVEST) and the theme is “Value Methodology for Strengthening the Pillars of the Economy.” Registration will be opening soon and include special registration opportunities for spouses. The Call for Presentations is being projected to open in April. More details will become available as we get closer to the Summit.

I hope to see you soon at one of SAVE’s events in 2025! Until then, please stay healthy and safe.

Do you know of a Government Champion or an initiative within your agency that exemplifies a commitment to value-driven decision-making? We invite you to submit a nomination and help us highlight the incredible impact of value programs across the public sector.

The USAV awards are NOT the same as the SAVE awards which are also open for nominations.

Award Categories:

• Outstanding VM Project - Recognizing outstanding projects within your organization
• Outstanding VM Program - Honoring programs that drive value-based improvements
• Outstanding VM Process - Celebrating process improvements that enhance mission delivery
• Value Champion of the Year - Acknowledging leaders who advocate for value programs

Nomination Details:

• Each nomination must have a sponsor; self-nominations for champions will not be accepted
• Submit questions and completed nomination via email to usav@value-eng.org
• Deadline is April 1, 2025

The USAV Committee encourages all government agencies to showcase their innovative efforts in maximizing efficiency, effectiveness, and value delivery. By recognizing and sharing these successes, we hope to further inspire the adoption of value-based practices across the public sector.

We look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating your achievements at the 2025 USAV Symposium in the Washington, DC area!

Many agencies remain unaware of the full potential of VE and their obligations under federal mandates. The 2025 USAV Symposium shines a spotlight on these requirements, providing clarity and guidance on how agencies can leverage an emphasis on value to optimize resources and deliver exceptional results.

However, this event is about more than just compliance - the basic function is about embracing a culture of value. The 2025 USAV Symposium will showcase inspiring success stories from agencies already reaping the rewards of robust Value Programs. These real-world examples will demonstrate how agencies are already focusing on value delivery while at the same time they drive innovation, streamline processes, and unlock significant cost savings, ultimately allowing the government to achieve more with less.

Inspired by these successes, attendees will gain actionable insights into building and implementing their own Value Programs. Expert speakers and interactive sessions will provide a blueprint for success, covering critical aspects like:

• Building Awareness: Educating stakeholders on the power and potential of VE within their agencies.
• Developing Expertise: Cultivating a skilled workforce equipped to implement and manage successful Value Programs.
• Establishing VE Programs: Gaining crucial support from agency leaders to champion and sustain a culture of value.

The 2025 USAV Symposium is a call to action. Join us as we unlock the full potential of value delivery, empowering agencies to achieve more for the American people.

What’s new:

• Updated Content: New and updated questions are included for enhanced clarity and relevance which aligns with the VM Guide and Core Competencies.
• Improved Format: Questions are restructured to meet the latest guidelines and provide a consistent look and feel.
• Adjustment to Scoring: Scoring has been modified to reflect the new questions and weighting of the exam. A minimum score of 75% (45 correct out of 60 questions) must be achieved to pass the VMA exam. The number of questions on the exam and the duration of the exam remain unchanged.

We recommend candidates thoroughly study the VM Guide and Core Competencies prior to taking the VMA exam.

Candidates who have completed the VMF1A and VMF1B courses can register for the VMA exam by contacting the SAVE business office at certification@value-eng.org.

Candidates wanting to retake the VMA exam can contact the SAVE business office at certification@value-eng.org to request an exam retake code.

SAVE is also announcing the launch of the new Certified Value Specialist (CVS) Application, CVS Renewal, and VMA Renewal forms. These align with the updated Certification Program Manual and are available to download and submit via the SAVE website.

What’s new:

• Updated Content: Updated forms align with the updated Certification Program Manual. The forms are required for all CVS Applications, CVS Renewals, and VMA Renewals.

• Streamlined: The CVS Application requires only Practice VM, Learn to Facilitate VM, and Communicate VM Q&A.
• Improved Format: Collate the completed form and backup documentation into a single, bookmarked PDF (not to exceed 10MB file size) as directed in Certification Program Manual Section 2.2.3.4. Note: Backup documentation for the VM studies listed under Practice VM is not required and will not be considered.

We invite you to explore the new Certification section of the SAVE website. All certification-related documents and forms are available under Certification Resources at www.value-eng.org/CertificationProgramDocuments.

Work on the new CVS exam continues and is anticipated to be implemented in the first quarter of 2025. The CVS exam will be a two-part exam: Part 1 will be an online format, and Part 2 will be live facilitation. Review the Certification Program Manual for additional information.

SAVE will be sending updates and reminder emails, in addition to Value World articles, to keep everyone apprised of what’s happening.

For 28 years, Blane served the Washington Department of Transportation, excelling in design, construction, and training. His remarkable journey continued with HDR Engineering, where he dedicated 15 years as a national director in engineering and risk management.

John Corcoran, SAVE Director of Conferences, offered this remembrance: “Blane provided our planning committee tons of information from prior conferences. I will always appreciate the support he gave me and the committee. Blane also made a presentation at one of the first Summits I attended that is still one of the best I have seen.”

Blane's life was a testament to dedication, enthusiasm, and service, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. Click here to read the full obituary for Blane.

This milestone marks a significant step in promoting the Value Methodology (VM) across the Middle East, with a dedicated team of professionals leading the way in Kuwait to enhance value, optimize resources, and contribute to sustainable development.

Leadership Team

Our leadership team - President Mr. Hamad Alzubairi and Vice President Mr. Abdulrahman Alfuraih - brings years of expertise and a shared passion for applying SAVE standards to projects that make a difference.

Our Mission

The Kuwait Chapter’s mission is to advance the principles and practices of the VM by fostering collaboration, promoting education, and supporting industry professionals in Kuwait and the wider region. Our efforts align with SAVE’s global vision and Kuwait Vision 2035 for a sustainable future.

Key Objectives

• Promote the VM across industries and educational institutions
• Educate and certify professionals through tailored workshops and certification programs
• Drive innovation by applying the VM to public and private sector projects
• Collaborate globally to share knowledge and success stories with international chapters
• Contribute to sustainability by aligning our efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Sustainability Focus: SDG Alignment

We are deeply committed to supporting the United Nations SDGs through our initiatives, particularly:

• SDG 4: Quality Education - Partnering with universities to educate future professionals
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Driving innovation in infrastructure development
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Applying the VM to urban planning for resilient communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Collaborating with global and local stakeholders for shared success

Upcoming Initiatives

·       Awareness Campaigns: Workshops, webinars, and industry events

·       Professional Development: Certification programs, including the Certified Value Specialist (CVS) credential

·       Collaborative Projects: Partnering with government bodies and the private sector to implement value-based decisions

Join Us!

The SAVE Kuwait Chapter welcomes professionals from all backgrounds who share our commitment to improving performance, reducing costs, and delivering enhanced value to projects.

For more information, visit our webpage at www.value-eng.org/group/kuwait.

Background and Challenges

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, presenting new challenges for cities. Heavy rainfall can cause rapid and uncontrollable flooding, affecting infrastructure as well as private and public buildings. Urban areas with sealed surfaces and inadequate drainage systems are particularly vulnerable.

To address this, Dortmund has adopted a holistic and future-oriented urban planning approach that not only focuses on heavy rain prevention but also creates synergies with other climate challenges such as heat waves and water management.

The Value Methodology Approach

VM is an established method for the systematic identification, analysis, and optimization of measures. In Dortmund, the approach has been used to:

·        Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between municipal administration, engineering firms, scientists, urban planners, and other relevant stakeholders.

·        Develop creative and cost-efficient solutions that make optimal use of available resources.

·        Prioritize sustainable and integrated measures that have long-term positive effects on urban development.

The VM studies in Dortmund followed a structured evaluation process, analyzing different measures based on functional requirements, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and synergies.

Process of the VM Studies

The studies were conducted in several phases:

1.     Problem Identification

·        Identification of flood-prone areas using existing data, damage reports, and simulations.

·        Detailed analysis of current drainage infrastructure and water flows.

2.     Mapping-Based Flood Risk Analysis

·        Creation of 2D surface runoff simulations.

·        Identification of water depths, flow velocities, and critical points in various heavy rain scenarios.

·        Development of urban planning visualizations to make solution approaches more tangible.

3.     Development and Evaluation of Measures

·        Approximately 40 ideas per study area were identified and assessed using a decision matrix based on the following criteria:

o   Effectiveness in flood prevention

o   Synergies with climate adaptation (e.g., green spaces, water management)

o   Cost-benefit ratio

o   Reduction of flood depths and affected areas

o   Urban design impact

4.     Deriving a Comprehensive Concept

·        Selection of the most effective and sustainable measures.

·        Integration into existing planning and strategies of the city of Dortmund.

·        Preparation for implementation, including cost and timeline planning.

Technical and Urban Planning Solutions

To increase resilience against heavy rainfall, measures were developed that combine technical, urban planning, and nature-based elements. These included:

1.     Multifunctional Land Use

·        Conversion of streets and squares into retention areas that act as water storage during heavy rain events.

·        Utilization of green spaces and parks for controlled water absorption.

·        Integration of water management into new urban development projects.

2.     Improvement of Drainage Systems

·        Optimization of sewer networks through expansion or restructuring.

·        Installation of underground retention basins to temporarily store excess water.

·        Construction of relief channels and open watercourses to redirect water efficiently.

3.     "Water Sensitive City" Measures

·        Promotion of blue-green infrastructure, such as rainwater storage, green roofs, and green facades.

·        Adaptation of urban design for better infiltration, including permeable surfaces, infiltration trenches, and green roofs.

·        Integration with heat island mitigation strategies for climate-adaptive urban development.

Synergies with Existing Climate Adaptation Strategies

The VM approach facilitated the alignment of heavy rain prevention measures with Dortmund’s broader climate adaptation strategies. This ensured synergies between heat mitigation, water management, and urban design:

·        Cooling effect through water surfaces and green structures: Water can help reduce temperature peaks in urban environments.

·        Enhancement of biodiversity and public spaces: Features such as vegetated water areas and green facades improve the city's aesthetic and ecological value.

·        Integration with sustainable mobility concepts: Road modifications for water retention were combined with sustainable transport initiatives.

Conclusion: A Future-Oriented Model for Heavy Rain Prevention

VM has proven to be an effective method for interdisciplinary, functional, and sustainable heavy rain prevention. Through close cooperation between various disciplines, the use of numerical simulations, and consideration of urban planning aspects, Dortmund has developed an integrated concept.

A key success factor is the synergy with existing urban development and climate adaptation strategies, creating a long-term resilient and livable city. The findings from these studies provide a blueprint for other municipalities facing similar challenges.

This article is based on a presentation at the German VAVE Conference in 2023 by the companies Pecher AG, MUST, Krehl & Partner and City of Dortmund.