Facilities planning and construction internship

The Texas A&M University System Department of Facilities Planning & Construction is one of the largest university engineering organizations in the United States. It maintains engineering and construction capabilities to respond quickly and efficiently for the needs of the entire university system. The Department of Facilities Planning & Construction with a staff of approximately 61 engineers, engineering technicians, clerical staff and construction representatives, is administering approximately 40 active construction contracts totalling in excess of $200 million. Construction placement in FY91 is expected to exceed \$70 million. The emphasis for this internship was on engineering and construction in the Texas A&M University System. Proper engineering and construction methods have become increasingly important and a necessary function in the quest for quality construction completed on time and within budget. There are a host of reasons for this, most relating directly to the strict constraints placed on requirements, time and money. The cost of construction materials, labor, and equipment have soared and technology is rapidly changing the construction techniques and kinds of materials and equipment used. It is obvious that prudent engineering and construction methods are essential to attain successfully completed projects. Effective administration, engineering, scheduling, quality control and quality assurance are primary ingredients to effective engineering methods. Each is of practical concern to the organization and the intern. The purpose of this report is to document the experiences acquired during the internship and demonstrate that the objectives of the internship have been met.