TolTest, Inc. - Global News

Lakeshore Engineering Services, Inc. Acquires TolTest, Inc.

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST

DETROIT, MI and MAUMEE, OH, April 28, 2010 � Lakeshore Engineering Services, Inc. announced today that it has acquired TolTest, Inc., creating one of the largest Midwest Federal Government and Municipal Contracting Companies, Lakeshore TolTest Corporation, with global presence. This Corporation will be lead by Mr. Avinash Rachmale, PE and as Chairman and CEO.

TolTest, Inc, is a Top ENR Specialty Contractor, based in Maumee, Ohio. TolTest, Inc brings over 80 years of history, deep knowledge and experience in the Federal contracting industry. Like Lakeshore, TolTest works in the public sector, performing work for the federal government, local governments and municipalities. TolTest, as a specialty contractor does work in traditional construction, environmental remediation and bulk fuel services with projects spanning across US, Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Fareast.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Lakeshore is a full-service infrastructure construction services company that provides complete general construction and infrastructure management services to federal and municipal government agencies worldwide.

The acquisition of TolTest, Inc. represents a significant business move by merging two of the areas largest and most successful federal and municipal contracting firms. This will also set the stage for reduced costs and boost customer value to our federal and municipal Government clients.

Lakeshore TolTest Corporation will have its corporate offices headquartered in one of Detroit�s Landmark Albert Kahn Buildings at Woodward and East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan, cementing Lakeshore�s commitment to stay and grow in the City of Detroit. Lakeshore, with this acquisition, will have in excess of 650 employees, over 40 office locations in 12 countries worldwide, and revenues in excess of half a billion dollars.

Lakeshore is guided by Mr. Rachmale�s vision and by his ability to attract �exceptional talent� to the organization. Rachmale is enthusiastic and optimistic about the combined company�s future. �This acquisition and merging talents of both companies gives us a bigger presence in the federal arena where we do most of our work. We will be able to offer even better client services because of the synergy that we are creating. We will have the scale, the capacity, the capital, and the people we need to compete and win in the rapidly expanding and cost conscious global market place.�

Lakeshore and TolTest have had a relationship for more than 10 years and share complementary business strategies and corporate cultures. The new TolTest Division will continue to be led by its President, Ernest C. Enrique, PE and the existing Management Team. Mr. Enrique stated: �Lakeshore and TolTest have successfully worked together, and continue to work as joint venture and teaming partners, for the past several years on several Federal Government opportunities. Both companies know each other very well resulting in value added to our customers and making this a logical and seamless next step for future growth potential.�

Mr. Rachmale stated: �Today�s action is clearly in the best long-term interests of our customers, shareholders and employees, as well as for the City of Detroit, where we will increase our very strong commitment to the community. We expect Detroit to be our home for our Company. We expect that our continued investment in Detroit will make this our center for excellence for best in class in our construction business and in operations and administration.�

Mr. Rachmale concluded: �This acquisition creates an extraordinarily strong and rapidly growing global competitor in our core businesses. Together, we will have the best service in the world, strong operational performance and the highest level of commitment in the industry.� Through this acquisition, we will be able to invest and expand more effectively by reason of our combined scale, expected profitability and global reach. We have some of the finest executives with great realm of experience to allow our Company to make a positive impact. The organic growth of our respective companies is already strong, and the cost savings and revenue synergies opportunities are excellent.

For additional information and interview request, contact:

Lakeshore Public Relations Department
Charlene Mitchell-Rodgers, Manager
313-483-3871 - office
313-492-1176 - cell
charlenem@lakeshoreeng.com

GPI Wins Key Navy Design-Build Contract on Guam

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OHIO � Guam Pacific International LLC (GPI, a CMS/TolTest Joint Venture) received a contract award for the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) Small Business Design-Build (D-B) Guam Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC). The MACC has a contract ceiling of $500 million, with an expected expiration date of March 2015. This was a Best Value solicitation competed among 13 firms. GPI was one of six firms awarded a contract. GPI was also awarded the $12.9 million seed project for the construction of a combat support vehicle maintenance facility at Andersen AFB. NAVFAC Marianas is the contracting activity.

GPI is a joint venture between Indiana-based Custom Mechanical Systems, Corp., an 8(a) small disadvantaged business firm, and Ohio-based TolTest. The two firms have a government-approved Mentor-Prot�g� arrangement under the Small Business Administration. Both firms currently have offices on Guam. Additional team members include Core Tech International Corp., Black Construction Corp., ARCADIS, and GMP International Inc.

The MACC will provide D-B new construction, renovation/modernization, and routine repair/maintenance of Government facilities on Guam. Work will typically include all design, labor, transportation, equipment, material, tools, supplies, engineering, supervision, and administration services needed to complete the scope of work. Facility types to be constructed or renovated may include operations and training facilities, maintenance and production facilities, supply facilities, hospital-medical facilities, administrative facilities, housing and community facilities, and utilities and ground improvements. Work will also include sampling, testing, removal and disposal of lead-contaminated paint, asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Ernest Enrique, PE, TolTest President, stated, �This is a key win for both firms. TolTest has worked on Guam since early 2003, performing over $40 million in work at the island�s Navy and Air Force installations. With this win, we are well positioned to do our part for the anticipated installation buildup on island and eager to work with the Navy on this important contract.��

TolTest Wins National Award For Quality in Asphalt Paving

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Lanham, MD - The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) announced today that TolTest Inc. of Maumee, Ohio, has won a 2009 Quality in Construction Award for excellence in construction of an asphalt pavement. The company received its award on Wednesday, January 20, at a special awards breakfast during the Association�s 55th Annual Meeting in Maui, Hawaii.

The Quality in Construction Awards recognize asphalt pavements of excellence.� �NAPA selects the recipients of its paving awards using a known set of standards that have been shown to give a good result,� commented Jim Weeks, 2009 Chairman of the NAPA Board of Directors. �This award demonstrates the high quality of work that the asphalt industry is achieving.�

TolTest Inc. won the award for the repair of runway 14-32 at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.� The company replaced a deteriorating concrete pavement with a smooth hot-mix asphalt pavement that met the customer�s strict tolerances for compaction, elevation and smoothness.� TolTest completed the work without impacting the operations of this important military air base.

TolTest Names Enrique President

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OH -- TolTest, Inc. named Ernest C. Enrique, P.E., president effective January 1, 2010.� Mr. Enrique joined TolTest in 1986. In 1997 he was elevated to vice president and co-owner. Mr. Enrique has been instrumental in the growth of TolTest from a regional testing firm to a worldwide provider of construction management, environmental remediation and bulk fuels services. A key executive responsible for strategic direction, he has helped position the company to win and execute federal government contracts, primarily with the Department of Defense. His contributions helped TolTest grow more than 450% over the past 5 years with the completion of over $1 billion in federal government work worldwide.

Mr. Enrique, a licensed professional engineer, has a master's and bachelor�s degree in civil engineering. �He serves on the Board of Trustees of Lourdes College and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Military Engineers and the Technical Society of Toledo.

Mr. Enrique succeeds David Alleman as President. Mr. Alleman continues in his role as Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the executive steering committee.

TolTest�s $54.8M Dover Runway project featured in Air Force Civil Engineer magazine

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Dover�s runway undergoes �Reconstructive Surgery�

Air Mobility Command�s (AMC�s) pavement engineer, Mr. Ken Hevner, has developed an aggressive long-range program for upgrading airfields throughout the command. The latest and largest of these projects is the reconstructed runway at Dover AFB, Del. This project represents many lessons learned and a strong partnership between AMC, the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron at Dover, the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, Air Force Subject Matter Experts, designers, and the construction contractor.

Background

Dover�s runway designated 14/32 was originally constructed in 1943. Over the last sixty plus years, the runway has supported a multitude of military and contracted aircraft for peacetime and war operations, serving as the stepping off point for U.S. troops and supplies from the time of Operation Overlord in World War II to the current actions for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Recently, reconstruction of this critical runway became imperative as it became a victim of alkali-silica reaction (a chemical reaction between the aggregate and the Portland cement) and was severely deteriorated.

Contracting Strategy

The contract for design of the reconstructed runway was awarded in 2005 and a request for proposal (RFP) for a firm-fixed-price (FFP) construction contract went out at the end of FY06. However, because of funding constraints, the FY06 RFP was shelved, and then re-issued in June 2007 with one notable change. To mitigate cost risks caused by volatility of oil prices, the 2007 solicitation established hot mix asphalt (HMA) as a cost plus fixed-fee line item, with the remainder of the project on a FFP basis.

Scope

The size of the project � in costs and scope � was significant. Awarded in September 2007 at a cost of $53M, the project�s final cost was $54.8M, an approximate three percent cost growth, during a time of notable fluctuations in asphalt costs. In total, the project encompassed an area roughly the size of 60 football fields: 382,037 square yards of subgrade material underwent preparation after approximately 472,989 square yards of pavement were removed. Almost 70,000 tons of this pavement, along with three miles of storm drainage material, were recycled (crushed) on site, and most of it reutilized for construction of overruns, shoulders, and staging areas. The project involved 202,000 manhours worked (with no lost-time incidents) and approximately 42,000 vehicles processed through two access points (without incident).

Site Conditions

The existing subgrade beneath the runway contained some areas of earth that had been compacted for half a century and were optimal for the reconstruction effort. However, there were significant areas of unsuitable material and unanticipated subgrade utilities, such as communication duct banks, fuel lines, power cables, and drainage structures, including a 36-inch steel culvert with an intact headwall located directly beneath the runway. There were also other geotechnical conditions to deal with, the most troublesome being a former lake, according to historic aerial photographs.

Innovative Engineering

During earthwork operations, the electrical contractor removed existing lighting, conduit, and wiring, prepared for new installation, and then installed new �home run� cables from the 14/32 runway back to the lighting vault. To expedite the activation of pavement areas disturbed by electrical crossings, the contractor installed �flowable fill� material (i.e., 750 psi concrete), dyed red to indicate electrical cables were present below. In all, 111 miles of new electrical wire, 22 miles of new duct bank, and 464 signs and lights were installed. Another notable construction technique was the use of two-piece lighting cans. Every light location was surveyed and the upper lighting can portion removed, so that operators paved over them rather than having to work around them. After resurveying each light can location, the material over the can was cored (using 14-inch diameter or larger barrels), and the new top extension was installed and grouted in place. The process resulted in quicker paving operations, with a better final product.

Finished Product

The ends of the runway were paved with 90,235 square yards of 16-inch thick Portland cement concrete (PCC) with the daily production runs at, or exceeding, 2,400 linear feet of 20-foot wide lanes. The total paving distance was 47.2 lane miles, with 4.6 lane miles of PCC. The high quality PCC paving operation was the result of good mix design, an onsite batch plant for control of materials and quantities, and having knowledgeable, experienced personnel operating the equipment. The interior portions of the runway and overrun were paved with 128,078 tons of HMA.

Lessons Learned

The use of Title II Construction Inspection with qualified construction inspectors and their own surveyors and QA lab is crucial to providing proper oversight on a project of this magnitude.

Although it is not always possible to account for all utilities on older bases and runways, extra effort in locating them during the design effort will save significant time and funding during construction.

Using a cost plus fixed-fee contract line item number for HMA is useful to obtaining bids that are in line with current market values; however, future efforts should include just the liquid asphalt binder portion, and not the entire HMA costs.

The design contractor should use previous reports (e.g., pavement condition index and pavement classification number) and data to provide estimates of areas and volumes of unusable subgrade materials, rather than assume that, once removed, all materials will, or can be made to, meet specifications. The design engineer needs to make an educated decision on the quantity of materials that will need to be removed or stabilized to meet the airfield specifications.

Conclusion

The newly reconstructed Dover 14/32 runway opened the first week June 2009, ready to sustain U.S. military operations for the next half century, supporting our troops, our allies, and people in need around the world at a moment�s notice.

TolTest�s D-B Recycling Center featured in latest issue of AFCEE CenterViews

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Air Force officials are calling the recently completed recycling center project at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., an exemplary use of the three elements: reduce, reuse and recycle. AFCEE contractor TolTest, Inc., deconstructed the upper half of the old 80-foot-tall, 4,000-square-foot Coal Conveyance Building and reused major building components � including approximately 40 tons of steel � to construct two new structures at a new location a mile and a quarter away.

The new structures and a 300-square-foot courtyard between them comprise the new Recycling Center. One of the buildings has 370 square feet of office space and includes a restroom with shower, locker area and kitchenette; the other structure is a �drive-through� facility for material drop-off.

Each of the new facilities is approximately 1,600 gross square feet.

TolTest used the structural steel, wind bracing, purlins (roof supports), standing seam roof and siding recovered from the old structure to construct the new Recycling Center.

Crews stripped, sized, primed and repainted reused steel, siding and roof sheeting to match adjacent buildings.

�This recycle center is a demonstration of how reuse is preferable to recycling for building materials; sustainability is achieved here with careful material selection and planning,� said Kenneth Davis, Warren AFB chief of design.

Base officials said Warren architect Jason Mennella�s green project vision became a reality through the efforts of AFCEE contracting officer representative Ernesto Perez and TolTest project personnel.

The new facility features sustainable site design, waterefficient design, highly efficient energy and atmosphere strategies, recycled materials and resources, sustainable indoor environmental quality design and other unusual design innovations � making the project among the most sustainable designs ever accomplished at any Air Force base, said officials.

The center�s other features include:

Outside lights on a photocell and timer to save energy.
On-demand water heaters, restroom fixtures, lighting fixtures and HVAC equipment.
Sustainable design and construction that will withstand extremes of the Wyoming weather, including high winds and extreme temperatures, and provide an estimated 30 years of additional life for the building.

In addition, several tons of soil were removed from the site and were recycled and reused on the base; 100 linear feet of fencing � including privacy fencing � was installed to secure the building; and an additional 298 feet of fencing was installed to separate the Recycling Center storage yard from the adjacent hazardous material storage yard.

�Deconstruction and recycle instead of demolishing � what a concept,� said Mr. Perez. �Deconstruction is the process of disassembling a building and reusing or recycling as much of the building as possible. We did it.�

Historically, he added, buildings have been demolished and hauled to a landfill. The new way is deconstruction.

�Deconstruction is more sustainable, can save costs by reducing hauling and landfill tipping fees and possibly fulfill Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design credits,� said Mr. Perez.

TolTest environmental remediation project featured in Jan/Feb 2010 issue of The Military Engineer magazine

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Multiple Contaminant Removal at Tyndall AFB, FL

From 1981 to 1992, the Little Cedar Creek Fire Training Area at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., provided a training ground for firefighters on aircraft and fuel spill fires. Although such training is essential in military settings, an unfortunate side effect of such land usage is contamination of soil and groundwater caused by the use of fire accelerants. In the case of the Little Cedar Creek Fire Training Area, an August 1999 contamination assessment report of Site FT023 showed soil and groundwater contamination due to petroleum constituents with free product. January 2002 tests confirmed approximately 2,600-gal of petroleum free product in the area's shallow aquifer.

Toluene, ethylbenzene and total xylene levels exceeded the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) soil cleanup target levels (SCTL) for leachability criteria. Benzene exceeded residential SCTL, and total petroleum hydrocarbons exceeded industrial criteria during sampling performed in 2002. Furthermore, well sampling in 2004 revealed benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and total xylene (BTEX) levels exceededing FDEP groundwater target cleanup levels (GTCL). Benzene exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) maximum contaminant level and light non-aqueous phase liquid was detected at the site at a thickness of .5-ft.

Earlier cleanup efforts at Site FT023, including passive and manual removal methods and one attempted interim remedial action, had only minimally impacted free product levels. Clearly, a more aggressive technical approach was needed to bring Site FT023 into environmental compliance.

In 2005, TolTest Inc. was tasked to reassess the site under an Air Force environmental contract managed by the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE). The project team applied value engineering of several technical approaches, with the goal of optimizing volatile organic compound (VOC) contaminant removal.

A total of 7,632-yd3 of petroleum-contaminated soil was either transported and disposed off site or treated on site by aeration between July 2005 and August 2006. In-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) injection events performed in 2007 reduced the remaining VOCs to within FDEP natural attenuation default concentrations (NADC).

Based on the successful implementation of the soil and groundwater remedies and the residual low levels of groundwater contamination remaining at the site, the closure strategy implemented was termination of active remediation and natural attenuation monitoring (NAM) . After four quarters of monitoring, the site's groundwater has reached EPA and FDEP cleanup criteria.

Engineering Considerations

During soil excavation activities to implement an approved Remedial Action Plan (RAP), the project tean1 observed a continuous black organic layer existing across the site at approximately 3-ft below grade that would have affected the ability of the soil vapor extraction (SVE) and dual-phase extraction systems to remediate the site. During hot spot soil removals, liquid containing hydrocarbon sheen was seen trapped above a pl astic liner beneath a concrete fire training pit.

The team performed an engineering and cost analysis to ascertain the best remedial approach to deal with the unforeseen site conditions. Options included modification of the SVE system to treat soils above and below the organic layer, on-site soil land farming and on-site soils ae ration . Based on costs and meeting the contract period of performance, soils aeration and ISCO was determined to be the best option to treat both soils and groundwater.

Based on an engineering analysis of site geology and hydrogeologic characteristics, additional RAPs for the site were prepared and submitted for approval to the client, AFCEE and FDEP. Remedial action alternatives consisted of on-site soils aeration and ISCO. The solution has been effective: On a pilot test, BTEX concentrations were reduced from 4,749-parts per billion (ppb) to less than 3-ppb, while tests on groundwater showed a 99 percent reduction ofVOCs follovving remedial activities. Aerated soils were then reused as backfill for the excavations.

For the full -scale soils treatment, TolTest excavated 7,632-yd3 of soil from depths of between 6.5- ft and 7.5 -ft and ran it through a trommel unit- a heavyduty power screen vvith a 9-yd3 hopper and a 5-ft by lO-ft rotary screen-at a rate of 150-yd3 per hour. Soils were processed two to five cycles until field screening data showed contaminant levels of less than 100 parts per million (ppm) measured vvith an organic vapor analyzer (OVA) . The maximum soil stockpile pretreatment OVA concentration was 40,553-ppm.

Two ISCO injection events were performed for remedi ation of the free product in the groundwater: In June 2007, approximately 8,820-gal of reagent was injected, and in August 2007, an additional 9,180-gal of reagent was injected. Due to lower-than- expected BTEX levels between the first and second injections, additional injections were not necessary, and active site remediation was terminated.

Regulatory Issues

TolTest worked in partnership with Tyndall AFB environmental officials and FDEP to ensure compliance with all regulatory guidelines.

As per Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Chapter 62-770, NAM commenced upon attainment of NADC concentrations in groundwater and no soil contamination. The NAM requhed a minimum of one year of quarterly groundwater monitoring. Because the contaminant plume was shown to be stable or shrinking, the project team pursued a No Further Action determination under Risk Managerrient Options Level II in accordance vvith Chapter 62-770.680(2) . After four quarters of monitoring, the site met cleanup standards.

Milestones

The Little Cedar Creek Fire Training Area project was a results based product delivery task order with six performance objectives or milestones to be met with in a year-yea r period of performance. Using an innovative approach, each of the milestones was achieved under the performance-based contract.

During the final stages of monitoring, Tyndall AFB was involved in a Resource Conservation and RecovelY Act (RCRA) order that transferred t11e regulatory oversight of Site FT023 from FDEP to EPA Region 4. Quarterly sampling and reporting took place from April 2008 to April 2009. Having met the performance objective of reaching FDEP cleanup standards, TolTest submitted the Site Rehabilitation and Completion Report (SRCR) to the Air Force on May 18, 2009.

The remediation activities succeeded where others failed. Thorough planning, knowledge of state regulations and communications vvith Tyndall AFB, AFCEE and FDEP enabled the project team to remove the free product and eliminate soil and groundwater contamination at Site FT023 within the period of performance. Free product was reduced from .5-ft to less than the GTCLs.

TolTest Wins $21.6M Renovation Project at USAF Academy

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OHIO � TolTest, Inc. has been awarded a $21.6 million construction project at Vandenberg Hall, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado.� This task order (TO) was awarded under TolTest�s Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization Acquisition Task Order Contract (SATOC) with the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA).

TolTest�s scope of work on this project involves renovation of six floors inside Vandenberg Hall, a 1,320-room dormitory for Air Force cadets.� Work items that will be completed inside the 40-year-old building include the removal and replacement of a $4 million curtain wall; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades; and the installation of a photovoltaic roof system on the building.

This project is the third construction sequence in a series of nine sequenced construction projects to renovate the hall.� Vandenberg Hall is a historic building and all changes must be closely coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Under this contract AFCESA has the option to award an additional $13.4 million in work by the end of 2009.� This option involves the fourth-phase construction sequence.

Ernest Enrique, PE, Vice President and Program Manager for TolTest�s SATOC projects stated, �TolTest looks forward to providing the USAFA with a facility that will enhance cadet life at the Academy. Maintaining the historic integrity of Vandenberg Hall is key to the successful completion of this project and will be a main focus of TolTest.�

TolTest Awarded $37.1 Million Runway Project at McGuire AFB

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OHIO � TolTest, Inc. has been awarded a project to complete the Construction and Repair/Replacement of Runway 06/24 at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. �This $37.1 million task order (TO) was awarded under TolTest�s Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization Acquisition Task Order Contract (SATOC) with the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA).

Runway 06/24 is 150-ft wide, 10,001 ft in length, and comprised of asphalt and bituminous concrete. The project scope of work involves the removal and replacement of runway cement pavement; mill and overlay of taxiway pavement; demolition and removal of taxiways, shoulder construction, and installation of runway lighting and signs.

The project solicitation was completed against all SATOC contract holders. The project award for Construction and Replacement of Runway 06/24 at McGuire AFB was based on a �best value� analysis.� AFCESA selected TolTest because of their ability to provide a best value to the government based on defined criteria including: specific technical and management approach to the project; price; ability to complete the project within the required schedule; and past performance history.

McGuire AFB is under the operational control of the Air Mobility Command (AMC), and provides airlift and aerial refueling for all of America's armed forces.� McGuire AFB is at the forefront of military operations, with regular deployments of airlift and support elements for combat operations.

Ernest Enrique, PE, Vice President and Program Manager for TolTest�s SATOC projects stated, �We are excited to work with AFCESA on this important project at McGuire AFB.� TolTest considers runway reconstruction and paving to be one of our specialty services and we are eager to work with AFCESA and the Base to deliver a quality runway in support of their mission.�

TolTest Awarded USAF Worldwide Environmental Restoration and Construction Contract

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OHIO � TolTest, Inc. has been awarded a prime contract under the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE) $3 billion Worldwide Environmental Restoration and Construction 2009 (WERC09) contract. Under this indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract, TolTest will provide environmental services including conceptual design, construction, demolition, repair, O&M of installed treatment systems, and performance-based remediation (PBR). A secondary requirement is for traditional engineering and construction services. TolTest is an incumbent on the current AFCEE WERC contract.

The period of performance (POP) for environmental remediation and construction projects is a 5-year basic ordering period with 3 years for performance. (For PBR projects the POP is 5 years plus three 1-year options for ordering plus an additional 3 years for performance.) A prevalent theme throughout the WERC09 proposal was TolTest�s ability to work in �remote and austere environments,� such as Afghanistan, the Azores (Portugal), Cuba, Guam, and Iraq.

TolTest put together a world-class Team for this effort. With TolTest in the lead, Team Member firms include ARCADIS, USA Environmental, CMS Corporation, and Robert & Company. The TolTest Team provides AFCEE comprehensive experienced resources (personnel and offices in 25 countries worldwide) and outstanding past performance. TolTest�s past performance on such projects as the $27 million military family housing lead-based paint abatement and restoration project at FE Warren AFB (WY), the $4 million performance-based environmental remediation at Ft. Knox (KY), and the $5 million renovation of the Squadron Operations facility at Dover AFB (DE), was key to this award.

Ernest Enrique, PE, Vice President and Program Manager for TolTest�s WERC09 contract stated, �Our current WERC contract, the most successful ID/IQ contract in TolTest history, has allowed us to expand not only across the US, but around the world to markets in the Pacific, Europe, and Middle East. This follow-on award of the WERC09, along with our other existing USAF contracts, will help us continue to grow the company and expand our relationship with this important client.�

TolTest featured in AFSPC: Security Lighting Around Base Housing Offers Night-Time Protection

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

9/10/2009�-�LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE�--�Residents of the Los Angeles Air Force Base's housing at Fort MacArthur, Pacific Crest and Pacific Heights located in San Pedro, Calif., can soon enjoy a safer and greener environment throughout the night due to the installation of solar-powered perimeter security lighting. The city of San Pedro, where many base personnel and military families live, is located approximately 20 miles south of the main base.�

The San Pedro Photo Voltaic Security Lighting Project began in January of this year and is currently scheduled for completion by the end of the year. Originally scheduled for September completion, the addition of more lighting, enhancement to the original design, and availability of supplies necessitated the construction extension.�

Perimeter lighting, which increases visibility along the fence-line of base housing areas, is part of the requirement to meet the Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection measures as a result of the 9/11 attack in 2001. A similar project is in the works to light up the perimeters of Los Angeles AFB for the next fiscal year.�

"We've had people get into our property through our fence line," said Edward Wilson, 61st Civil Engineering division and the lighting project's manager. "In the past, base security forces had to detain these people [who entered the base housing areas illegally]. The lighting will allow our security forces to see easily around our perimeter to enhance the security of the base and also act as a deterrent."�

In addition to enhancing base security, the perimeter lights save energy by relying on solar power. The lights use a "green" energy source, which is renewable-energy and emits no air pollution. The photo voltaic panels collect energy from the sun storing it in batteries throughout the day and then automatically turn the lights on at night.�

"The old technology would have required timers. With this new technology, when the panels stop receiving energy from the sun, the stored energy is released from the batteries ... and the lights come on," said Mr. Wilson.�

The panels collect and the batteries store enough energy for the lights to operate at least five days without the sun. The stand-alone, "off-grid" system requires no secondary source of power. The system will remain operational even during a blackout ensuring base security from intruders.�

Visibility concerns from off-base neighbors resulted in shortening the height of the poles that the panels are attached to. Another concern was the night-time illumination on neighboring homes when the lights turn on.�

"But now that our neighbors see what we're doing, it's OK," said Mr. Wilson. "They see we're not shining the lights off of the base [and into homes]. The intent is to shine the lights along the perimeter of the base, parallel to our fence line."�

The interference of the nocturnal habits of animal and insect life was yet another concern by the community. However, the perimeter lights present low-impact effect to the environment and are no more luminous than street lights.�

"There was a full environmental assessment done when the project started, which was open to public review and comments," said 2nd Lt. Alec Danaher, 61 CE, who provides the governmental oversight of the Energy Management Program. "That was part of the requirement by the National Environmental Policy Act ... to determine the effect on the surrounding areas."�

The Energy and Conservation Investment Program (ECIP), a special fund set aside by the Congress each year for energy and water conservation purposes, is funding this $1.5-million project. ECIP funds are allocated to projects which promise the most return from the investment and provide high positive benefit to Department of Defense (DoD).�

"DoD's share of the money from ECIP, which can range anywhere from five to potentially 50 million dollars a year," said Mr. Wilson. "ECIP gets divided by the different branches of the military based on the return-on investment - the merits of the project."�

"So essentially, it's not a 'set-aside' amount for each base, but we compete [to be awarded the money]," said Lieutenant Danaher. "We submit projects for the program, and they're selected based on how competitive they are and what the repayment is for the Air Force."�

The 61 CE was responsible for the management oversight and procurement of the design dollars necessary to put the project concept together, and competing for the funds. Then it was turned over to The Gas Company based in San Diego to contract a design firm to complete the design.�

"We did 35 percent of the design and turned it over to The Gas Company," said Mr. Wilson. "They have a program where they use small, disadvantaged companies to do design work."�

The construction for the project is managed by a company called TolTest hired by the Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency (AFCESA), which manages the ECIP activities for the Air Force.�

"TolTest is a good company," said Mr. Wilson. "AFCESA has a selected group of contractors who work for the Air Force who provide quality service. TolTest offered the best value for the Air Force on this project."�

The project is more than 75 percent complete at this time and the lights are already operational.�

"It met my expectations," said Mr. Wilson. "It does a very nice job of lighting."

Dover Dormitory Renovations Involve Complete Reconfiguration of Interior Layout

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

TolTest has been awarded a $7.3 million dormitory renovation project at Dover AFB, DE.� The Repair of Dormitory 445 will include the replacement of HVAC controls/systems and the renovation of the interior structure to support small group living environments.� This will be the eighth project TolTest has performed at Dover AFB since 2005 and will bring the total value of work performed there during that time period to more than $70 million.� ��The project will be completed under the firm�s Heavy Engineering Repair and Construction (HERC) contact through the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE).

Dormitory 445 was built 16 years ago and has 156 rooms and three stories.� TolTest will renovate 144 of the rooms into quads with four sleeping rooms and a shared dining room, common area with laundry facilities, and kitchen.� The remaining 12 dormitory rooms will be set up as doubles with two sleeping rooms and a shared dining room, common area with laundry facilities, and kitchen. Once completed, the dormitory will house 96 airmen in 18 quad and 12 double rooms.� A study area, day room, and large kitchen area will be added on the main floor.� An existing laundry room on the main floor will be converted to storage.� Anti-terrorism/force protection upgrades will include the replacement of all windows and exterior doors.� New HVAC equipment will be installed in the main mechanical room and renovated dorm rooms.�

In support of green demolition practices, TolTest will salvage usable items such as cabinets, doors and plumbing accessories for donation to local non-profit organizations.�

TolTest �Cleans Up� Shaw AFB with the Green Demolition of Unused Housing Units

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

TolTest has been awarded a $3.8 million contract to demolish 490 military family housing units at Shaw AFB, SC.� The units range in size from 738 square feet to more than 1,400 square feet.� The project will involve asbestos and lead�based paint abatement, removal of foundations and footings, cutting and capping of utilities, and demolition of retaining walls, roadways and walkways.� TolTest expects to recycle or reuse more than 80 percent of the material to be removed, thereby significantly reducing the amount of material transferred to local landfills and exceeding the 50 percent recycling goal established by the government for the project.

TolTest is a leader in the successful completion of green demolition projects, as demonstrated by the firm�s track record of consistently exceeding recycling goals and reusing materials.� For instance, in the green demolition of 19 buildings at Naval Weapons Station Charleston, SC, TolTest achieved 99 percent recycling by weight of construction demolition and debris, which diverted 12,100 tons of material from the local landfill.� In another project at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH , TolTest reduced the final project cost to the client by nearly 40 percent by recycling steel underground storage tanks.� In an ongoing project at Grand Forks AFB, ND, TolTest is demolishing 629 military family housing units with the goal of recycling at least 75 percent of the debris.� The total project cost at Grand Forks was reduced by pulling existing garages off their foundations and reselling them to the public.

The demolition of 490 military family housing units at Shaw AFB is being performed under a Heavy Engineering Repair and Construction (HERC) contract from the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE).�

New $11.6M NCO Club Serves as Multi-Faceted Facility

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

TolTest has been awarded a contract to construct a three-story, 36,000-square-foot, $11.6 million Enlisted (NCO) Club at Osan AFB in the Republic of Korea.� This will be the eleventh project TolTest has constructed in Korea over the past four years.�

The Club includes two main areas -� a multi-purpose ballroom with the capacity to seat 600 personnel and a lounge area and sports bar with adjacent game rooms.� A centrally located kitchen supports both areas.� The multi-purpose ballroom will host events ranging from seminars to wedding receptions and includes a stage and a special function area that can be separated from the main area with a moveable partition for smaller events.� The sports bar will have a seating capacity for 128 people and includes two adjoining game rooms and a quieter lounge area.� The second floor of the building will house administrative offices and mechanical equipment.� Special features throughout the building include enhanced sound control between the different functional areas, extensive wiring for audio/video feeds for plasma monitors and sound equipment, and the use of energy efficient mechanical systems and low-flow plumbing facilities to conserve electricity and water.� The building will meet current anti-terrorism/force protection requirements for military buildings and will have a full sprinkler and alarm system for fire protection.

Osan AFB is located 48 miles south of the Korean De-Militarized Zone.� The construction of the Enlisted Club will be performed under the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment�s (AFCEE) Heavy Engineering Repair and Construction (HERC) contract.

According to TolTest Vice President Ernest Enrique, �Construction of such a versatile facility showcases our ability to perform on many different levels.� Our work in Korea has ranged from the construction of fuel facilities to water, sewer and roadway infrastructure to military residential and recreational facilities.� Every project is managed with the same attention to detail and commitment to meet budgetary and scheduling requirements.�

TolTest featured in the May issue of Achieving Business Excellence

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 EST

Built to last�

Despite the economic downturn, TolTest, Inc. posted record revenues in 2008�even above their own expectations. Ernesto Enrique gives Ruari McCallion an insight into how it was done.

When TolTest, Inc., submitted a proposal to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District Office, in 1992, it marked a turning point in the company�s development. Until then it had been solely involved in commercial operations; winning that multiyear, multimillion-dollar project as prime contractor led to a major change in focus.

�We remain as general contractors, covering traditional construction, environmental remediation and bulk fuel services,� says Ernesto Enrique, vice president, federal division, of TolTest and a 25 percent owner of the company. �Eighty percent of our work is now for the federal government, primarily the military.�

TolTest is based in Maumee, Ohio, which is about 60 miles south of Detroit, an area of the country that has been hit particularly hard by the current downturn in the economy�in the auto industry especially. But not TolTest. It finished 2008 with revenues $52 million higher than the anticipated level, at $277 million. It is fortunate in having experienced significant growth doing work for federal government clients in both the Middle East and across the US. The growth came from a combination of new contracts and efficient completion of existing projects. Both elements are important to the company.

�Safe and efficient project execution�on time and within budget�with delivery of a high-quality project, is what our clients expect and what we consistently deliver,� Enrique says. �It�s the work we do and our reputation that allows us both to compete in new markets and with new clients, and brings us the repeat business that has been essential to our continued growth.�

Its reputation for reliable and efficient delivery has led to some significant contract awards in 2008. Under its existing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contracts with Department of Defense clients, it undertook projects in the US ranging from a $120,000 project to demolish a fuel tank and hydrant system piping at Columbus Air Force Base (AFB), Mississippi, to a $19 million project to demolish military family housing at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. Internationally, its contract wins ranged from a $300,000 project for electrical upgrades at a military installation in Kuwait to an $8.3 million upgrade to dormitories at Andersen AFB in Guam. It has also been awarded two multiple award construction contracts (MACCs) for large and small projects at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, with a combined contract ceiling of $150 million. TolTest was also one of a handful of contractors awarded a $90 million MACC for work at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. All contracts for military clients are tightly specified, and they all have their challenges. Those overseas are even more exacting.

�Key challenges for our work in overseas locations include logistical challenges associated with moving personnel, equipment and materials to these remote locations,� Enrique says. In the case of Afghanistan, danger is part and parcel of the operation. Stringent base security requirements include badges for personnel, which can take several weeks and sometimes months to complete. The company makes use of local labor, both for practical, logistical reasons and in order to promote good relations, but skills aren�t always up to Western standards. Throw in difficulties with languages and customs plus stoppages induced by violence, and you have a situation that needs particular expertise. TolTest is justifiably proud of its success in adapting to everything thrown at it so far.

�Our adaptation to these challenges is due to a combination of being flexible and adaptable, maintaining and hiring personnel with the right mix of institutional knowledge and specialized skill sets, and working closely with our client to achieve successful outcomes,� Enrique says. With each successful contract, TolTest�s reputation grows, and with a growing reputation comes more contracts. It�s a virtuous circle.

�The majority of our awards are based on our clients� evaluation of such factors as our past performance, experience, personnel and resources, technical capabilities, management approach and project delivery support systems, and cost realism,� he says. Demonstrating the ability to minimize risk to the government, especially in cost or schedule growth, is also key. �Our reputation, our knowledge of our clients and the ability to convey our success in each of these areas allowed them to make a best-value determination to award these contracts to TolTest.�

The US is reducing its involvement in Iraq; as a result, TolTest is seeing several projects in Mesopotamia winding down. At the same time, however, the country is ramping up operations in Afghanistan. As well as the new MACC for Kandahar Air Base, it has also recently completed a $25 million project to construct an Afghanistan National Army Air Corps Regional Detachment facility at Kandahar.

Enrique is confident that TolTest will continue to function profitably and at levels in line with recent years. It�s not that the downturn will pass it by, rather that its mix of business will change�and it will see more competition in the future.

�Not only has our commercial business volume dropped, but we expect to encounter more and tougher competition in the federal government market. Everyone is hungry right now,� he says. Historically, approximately 20 percent of TolTest�s work has been for private-sector clients. The current economic climate, particularly in the commercial construction industry, means that is likely to shrink. But TolTest hopes to regain market share when things improve. In the meantime, it focuses on continuous improvement and ensuring that it keeps delivering on time, within budget and in full. That�s the way to build and maintain its reputation.

�We want to maintain controlled and steady growth of 15 to 20 percent in the coming years,� Enrique says. �We will strive to maintain our current mix of clients and services, continue to find and research niche markets, and work to ready and geographically position ourselves in advance to support our customers� needs around the world.�

� Editorial research by Tim Conlon

TolTest, Inc. Awarded $10.2 Million Design/Build Project at Lackland AFB

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OHIO � TolTest, Inc. has been awarded a project to complete the design/build (D/B) construction of a 38,000-square-foot Intelligence Operations Center (IOC) at Lackland AFB, TX.� This single-story pre-engineered building (PEB) will serve as the headquarters for 158 intelligence operations personnel from the 68th Intelligence Operations Squadron and the 710th Intelligence Operations Flight.

The IOC will consist mainly of offices and will include a break room, a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), and communication and computer lines.� In addition to the main building, TolTest will design and construct 4,000 ft of new 2-lane road, a parking lot, and a service road. This project will be completed under our Heavy Engineering Repair and Construction (HERC) contract through the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE). Our team member for this project is Lantz-Boggio Architects.

This is a key win for TolTest that bolsters both our D/B and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) resumes.� This project will be designed and constructed to meet LEED silver certification and must include sustainability features such as water and energy efficiencies, construction waste minimization, environmentally-friendly construction materials, and minimization of the need for maintenance.

Ernest Enrique, PE, Vice President and Program Manager for HERC projects stated, �TolTest is eager to begin working on this exciting project at Lackland AFB. Our Team is committed to eco-friendly construction and is pleased we are able to provide AFCEE with a facility that will give back to the environment for years to come.�

TolTest Announces Recent $7.1M Award at Luke AFB, Arizona

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

TolTest announced today the award of a $7.1M task order under its Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) Sustainment/Restoration & Modernization (S/R&M) Acquisition Task Order Contract (SATOC) for the construction and installation of vehicle containment devices and final denial barriers. The project scope encompasses Anti-terrorism Force Protection (AT/FP) upgrades to four entry gates at Luke AFB, AZ. The upgrades include installation of pop-up barriers, retractable bollards, concrete barrier walls, and masonry fencing. Site work includes signalization controls, exterior lighting, drainage, and landscaping. The project is sequentially phased to allow for a gate location to be completed prior to the construction start at the consecutive gate location. Implementing this sequential schedule allows TolTest and Luke AFB to maintain the highest level of security during construction. The project is slated for completion in August 2009.

TolTest�s extensive experience working in conjunction with Air Force Bases, heightened security measures, proven past performance, and key personnel experience were all contributing factors to the award of this project. TolTest Vice President Ernest Enrique noted, �This project is a significant win for TolTest. It allows us to continue to build upon our existing relationship with the Air Force and strengthens our resume in the area of AT/FP.�

TolTest Announces Recent Design/Build Awards

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

TolTest announced the recent award of key design/build projects at FE Warren AFB, Wyoming, and Andersen AFB, Guam. At FE Warren AFB, TolTest was awarded a $4.4 million project to design and construct an entry gate. The scope of work includes the design and construction of an overwatch, gate canopy, and gatehouse for the BRAC Gate 5. This project was awarded under a full and open solicitation by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District.

At Andersen AFB, Guam, TolTest was awarded an $8.3 million project to repair air conditioning, hand rails, and lights at the Rota Hall and Tinian Dormitories. The scope of work includes replacing 7 air handling units and ductwork, chilled water piping, and ancillary equipment; replacing all hand railings on the second and third floors of the facilities; replacing all exterior and interior lighting; and electrical repairs. This project was awarded under TolTest�s Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization Acquisition Task Order Contract (SATOC).

Instrumental to the award of both design/build projects was TolTest�s established presence at both locations, experience on similar types of projects, key personnel experience, and outstanding past performance. TolTest Vice President Ernest Enrique noted, �These wins enable us to maintain a strong presence at these key installations and build on established relationships with our DoD customers. They are also an addition to our growing design/build resume.�

TolTest Wins $32M in MFH Demolition Work at Grand Forks, Beale, and Cannon AFBs

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

TolTest announced today the award of a $19M task order under its AFCEE Heavy Engineering Repair and Construction (HERC) contract for a large demolition project at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. This project involves the demolition and disposal of 629 Military Family Housing (MFH) units, associated utilities, detached garages, and restoration of housing neighborhoods after demolition. TolTest was also awarded several additive work items, including improvement of utilities infrastructure in MFH areas, repair of sanitary sewers, road repairs and improvements to J Street, and realignment of March Drive.

Key to this win was TolTest�s outstanding past performance, project experience on similar types of demolition projects (including �green� demolition), the experience of their key personnel, and their phased approach to this large demolition project. In one of the more unique requirements for this proposal, they successfully demonstrated the ability to work in Arctic Zone environments of the US.

This impressive win at Grand Forks comes on the heels of the recent award of a $4.1M project to demolish 174 MFH units at Beale AFB, CA, and the award of $9M in abatement and demolition work at Cannon AFB, NM. In addition, TolTest recently completed the successful demolition of 75 MFH units at McConnell AFB, KS.

TolTest Vice President Ernest Enrique noted, �These strategic wins and the successful execution of these projects will give us a strong story for pursuing more MFH demolition work in the future.�

TolTest Awarded ID/IQ Design and Construction Contract at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

TolTest is one of five awardees of the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build construction contract (Big MACC) for general building-type projects at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba. The work to be performed under the Big MACC is for general building projects, including new construction, renovation, alteration, and repair of facilities and infrastructure, roofing, demolition, and routine renovation.

Each contract consists of a base year and 4 option years for a maximum of 60 months or a maximum value of $100,000,000 for all contracts, whichever comes first. There is a guaranteed minimum of $10,000 for each contract. The aggregate of $100,000,000 will potentially be shared among all 5 contractors. TolTest will compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Vice President Ernest Enrique, PE, commented, "This strategic win positions TolTest to build on our strong partnership with the Navy in this important location. We are looking forward to successfully meeting the challenges ahead under this contract."

TolTest, Inc. Awarded Construction Contract at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 EST

TolTest is one of four awardees of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity multiple award design-build construction contract for general building-type projects at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba. The work to be performed is for general building type projects (e.g., new construction, renovation, alteration, and repair of facilities and infrastructure, roofing, demolition, and routine renovation) including but not limited to: 1) aviation and aircraft facilities, 2) marine facilities, 3) barracks and personnel housing facilities, 4) administrative facilities, 5) warehouses and supply facilities, 6) training facilities, 7) personnel support and service facilities, 8) security level facilities, and 9) abatement and handling of hazardous/regulated materials.

Each contract consists of a base year and 4 option years for a maximum of 60 months or a maximum value of $50,000,000 for all contracts, whichever comes first. There is a guaranteed minimum of $10,000 for each contract. The aggregate of $50,000,000 will potentially be shared among all 4 contractors. TolTest will compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Key to this win was TolTest�s outstanding past performance, project experience on GTMO, and the experience of our key personnel. Our Design Team Partner for this proposal was Austin Brockenbrough & Associates LLP (AB&A) of Chester, VA. Like TolTest, AB&A brings extensive on-island experience.

Ernest Enrique, PE, Vice President of TolTest, stated, "This win allows us to not only maintain, but continue to build our presence at GTMO and throughout the Caribbean. We look forward to working with the Navy under this new and challenging contract."

TolTest, Inc. Awarded Contract Under $4 Billion SATOC Program

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST

TolTest, Inc. has been awarded one of 16 prime contracts under the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) $4 billion Sustainment/Restoration & Modernization (S/R&M) Acquisition Task Order Contract (SATOC). This contract vehicle, along with other Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, continues to enhance the company's growth, financial stability, and stature in the industry.

The SATOC program will focus on projects to maintain, repair, and modernize existing military facilities. Scopes of work under this contract will include: S/R&M work, facility renovations, infrastructure repairs and construction, demolition, traditional construction, engineering services, and maintenance. The period of performance is a 5-year basic ordering period with five 1-year options.Under the SATOC, TolTest will provide construction services at DoD installations worldwide, including remote, austere, and hostile locations.

TolTest assembled a world-class Team for this effort. With TolTest in the lead, Team Member firms include ARCADIS, CMS Corporation, and Denco Incorporated. This Team provides AFCESA comprehensive experienced, expansive resources (over 10,500 personnel in more than 200 offices worldwide), and outstanding past performance.

Ernest Enrique, PE, Vice President and Program Manager for the SATOC, stated, "TolTest is pleased to be awarded one of these first-of-its-kind AFCESA contracts. The SATOC represents tremendous growth potential for TolTest and yet another means of expanding our DoD client base throughout the world. We look forward to many exciting new challenges under this contract."

TolTest, Inc. Named #1 Hot Firm of 2007 on List of Fastest-Growing Architecture, Engineering, and Environmental Firms

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST

MAUMEE, OHIO - Construction management firm TolTest, Inc. earned the number-one spot on the 2007 List of the 200 fastest-growing U.S. architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms. The ranking was awarded by management consulting and research firm Zweig White Information Services, creators of The Zweig Letter Hot Firm List. This annual list features the design and environmental firms that have outperformed the economy and competitors to become industry leaders.

TolTest has experienced considerable growth in the last 4 years. Contributing to this growth since 2003 was the award of several major international construction and environmental services contracts for the Department of Defense (DoD) including the US Air Force, Army, and Navy. TolTest has also achieved an increased market share in the commercial construction industry through its Design/Build Division.

The Zweig Letter 2007 Hot Firm List is based on gross revenue for both fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2006, as verified by financial statements or income tax returns reviewed by third parties. The list is limited to firms based in the US and Canada deriving the majority of their revenue from the practice of architecture, engineering, planning, environmental consulting, or allied disciplines. Design/build firms are also eligible. Only firms that were in business as of January 1, 2003, and had 2003 revenue of $1 million or greater, were eligible. Firms were ranked from first to last based on percentage growth and dollar growth. Dollar growth and percentage growth were weighted equally to give both small and large firms an opportunity to make the list. Each firm's two rankings were added together, and the 200 firms with the lowest combined rankings comprise the list.

Other firms placing in the top 5 of The Zweig Letter 2007 Hot Firm List are:

1. TolTest, Inc., Maumee, OH
2003 revenue: $43,566,372
2006 revenue: $174,580,374

2. Arquitectonica, Miami, FL
2003 revenue: $17,603,368
2006 revenue: $78,354,970

3. NELSON, Philadelphia, PA
2003 revenue: $11,638,534
2006 revenue: $63,887,382

4. ENTACT, Grapevine, TX
2003 revenue: $34,999,069
2006 revenue: $131,551,468

5. The Lawrence Group, St. Louis, MO
2003 revenue: $12,753,115
2006 revenue: $56,414,725

TolTest Awarded $53 Million Runway Repair Project

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EST

TolTest was recently awarded a $53 million project to Repair Runway 14/32 at Dover AFB, DE. This Firm Fixed Price TO was awarded under our AFCEE Worldwide Environmental Remediation and Construction (WERC) contract with the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA). This was a Best Value solicitation competed among all WERC contract holders. TolTest’s technical approach was rated excellent and our proposal included several key Value Engineering elements which led to the award.

The statement of work includes demolition and repaving of concrete runways, shoulders and overruns, complete airfield lighting, and the design/build of a new state-of-the-art overt and covert Night Vision Goggles lighting system. Work will be performed in phases, including work on the runway intersection during which time flight mission operations will be relocated to Andrews AFB. The overall period of performance for the work is 365 days from Notice to Proceed.

Key to our success in winning this effort was our Team’s experience on previous airfield paving repair projects, including:

TolTest’s award-winning milling and repaving project at Grissom ARB, IN
Milling and repaving of two 10,000-lf taxiways (Alpha and Delta) at Dover AFB
Complete reconstruction of a 15,000-lf runway at Andrews AFB, MD
Two 11,500-lf runways at Dulles Airport in Washington DC

We also received high marks for our established presence at Dover; a strong team of local and regional subcontractors with extensive airfield runway and airfield lighting experience; an experienced project management team; previous successful projects completed at Dover; outstanding past project performance; and our overall commitment to this project.

TolTest Wins Air Force Work in Korea

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

TolTest was recently awarded a $2.7 million project to construct a Dual Foods Facility at Osan AB, Korea, for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. The work under this contract includes constructing a facility to house two name brand fast food restaurants - a Burger King and a Popeye's. Crews will also construct electrical, mechanical, communications and support facilities; institute force protection measures; and make necessary site improvements.

Key to this award were TolTest's sound construction approach, experience with similar types of work, experienced management team, and past performance in the Pacific. TolTest Vice President Ernest Enrique stated, "This is yet another strategic win for TolTest and compliments our growing corporate resume and expanding footprint in the region."

TolTest featured in the Spring 2007 edition of AFCEE CenterViews

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

One of the largest housing restoration projects on a military installation was recently completed, within budget, and four months ahead of schedule.

The $27-million restoration of 153 military housing units in 86 buildings located in the "Old Historic Bricks" section of F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., "constitutes one of the largest, if not the largest, restoration projects on any military installation in the United States," said Sara Needles, Wyoming State Historical Preservation officer.

The work was completed in February by AFCEE contractor TolTest, Inc., of Ohio.

It consisted of refurbishing 25 single-family, 58 twofamily and three four-family buildings, each averaging about 5,000 square feet.

The units are more than a century old, dating back to when F. E. Warren was established as an Army cavalry fort in 1867. The installation, now an Air Force Space Command base, was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

The project involved restoring or replacing more than 4,500 windows, over 6,000 doors and 165 porches on the buildings as well as doing landscaping and painting windows, doors, cabinets and porches.

Restoration included also duplicating more than 14 door styles, six trim profiles, six column variations, 38 window configurations and four styles of existing porch decking patterns.

Also, many layers of old lead-based paint had to be removed and the contaminated soil around the buildings abated.

At peak performance, the contractor worked on up to 50 houses concurrently, employing more than 200 skilled crafts and lead-abatement specialists in the process.

The project came in ahead of schedule despite being faced with a number of challenges, which included inclement weather, labor shortages and the constant moving in and out of residents because of military reassignments.

F. E. Warren officials said base personnel and the military families that will be occupying the restored housing units "were extremely pleased" with the quality of the work, which they said "exceeded base and Air Force Space Command expectations."

They added that the base's housing flight and 90th Civil Engineer Squadron worked with the contractor team to help coordinate work and project schedules and provided engineering support.

They further noted that the squadron and the contractor had "created a positive work environment, where teamwork and communication flourished."

Because of the "frequent and open communications between all stakeholders," they said, "the work was executed with zero impact to ongoing base operations," while the team found ways to increase production, reduce unit costs and improve overall quality.

Base officials said that, ultimately, the Air Force will benefit from environmentally safe and energy-efficient housing that will keep its historic character for many years to come.

TolTest Wins $16.7M Renovation Project at MCLB Albany, GA

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EST

TolTest has been awarded a $16.7 M project to renovate Building 3700 (Headquarters Bldg.) at Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Albany, GA. The scope of work includes the multi-phased abatement and renovation of a 3-story building (172,000 sf). The work will be particularly challenging as parts of the building will be occupied during site activities over the course of this 1,365-day project.

Key to this win was TolTest's ability to demonstrate recent, relevant experience working in occupied buildings and with phasing of long-term projects; outstanding past performance and client satisfaction; qualified key personnel; experienced subcontractors; below industry-average EMRs and OSHA incident rates; and a substantial small business subcontracting plan - all at a competitive price.

Preparations have already begun for this challenging project. TolTest plans to self perform various aspects of the project, including demolition/abatement/ceiling grid, tile/gypsum board/finishes, doors and hardware, underground utilities, and site work. Other elements of the scope of work (e.g., plumbing, mechanical, electrical, flooring, masonry, etc.) will be subcontracted.

TolTest Completes Historic Housing Restoration Project at F.E. Warren AFB

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Quarters 73 at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, on February 23, 2007, marking TolTest’s successful completion of a complex renovation and lead-based paint (LBP) abatement project on 153 military family housing (MFH) units on the Base. The project was completed in just 16 months—four months ahead of schedule—and within budget.

Among those present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Wyoming U.S. Senator Craig Thomas; officials from the 90th Space Wing (Commander Col. Mike Carey, Support Group Commander Col. Ron Jenkins, and Civil Engineering Lt. Col Jonathan Webb); AFCEE representative Roger Lozano; TolTest’s Project Manager Dave Grafitti; and State Historic Preservation Office representative Milward Simpson.

The project was one of the largest housing restoration projects ever conducted on a military installation in the U.S. The MFH units are included in 86 buildings called the “Old Historic Bricks” by locals, including 25 single-family, 58 two-family, and 3 four-family buildings. All of the buildings have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and the Base was designated a National Historic Landmark. Among the restored residences are the former homes of General Pershing, Commander of all Allied Forces in WWI and General Billy Mitchell, a war hero from WWI renowned as the “Grandfather of Military Avionics.”

TolTest worked on up to 50 houses concurrently on this project. Led by Grafitti, in conjunction with a team of local subcontractors, the project team stripped multiple (in some cases 12 or more) layers of LBP and safely removed it as well as LBP-contaminated soil from the premises, making the buildings safe for occupation by military families now and in the future. In the process, the team met requirements from many stakeholders including AFCEE, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, regulatory agencies, and others, all while following historic preservation guidelines from the State of Wyoming as well as the National Park Service.

Although the primary focus was removal of lead-based paint on buildings that date to the 1880s, much restoration was required to bring the buildings up to current standards: the project also included replacement of 4,351 windows; restoration of 251 windows; refinishing/replacement of 5,641 doors; porch restoration and reconstruction (roofs, trim, columns, railings, decking, lattice, etc.); preparation and painting of windows, doors, cabinets and other built-ins, and porches.

Click here to view the article from the March 2007 Warren AFB Sentinel

Warfighters Supported by Fuels Project in Korea

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

The Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA) funded a recent mission-critical sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) effort at Kunsan Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP), Korea. TolTest, working through AFCESA’s Pacific Division, completed two bulk fuels projects at that facility under the AFCEE Worldwide Environmental Remediation and Construction (WERC) contract Task Orders (TOs) SK07 and SK08.

Valve Replacement Project
Within only seven weeks of down time scheduled for this project, TolTest successfully supplied and installed 55 valves of various types and sizes at the fuels terminal. Once the shut down commenced, all JP-8 fuel stored inside the Fuel Terminal was pumped into tanker trucks and transported to other Air Force Bases in Korea for use. After the fuel was safely removed, crews installed the valves over the next five weeks. Crews replaced multiple valves concurrently to expedite the project. Workers used pneumatic tools, boom trucks, heavy-duty spreaders, and jacks during valve replacement. New (non-asbestos) gaskets and carbon steel bolts were used in the reinstallation. All new and existing flanges were also cleaned to ensure a proper seal.

At the conclusion of valve installation and testing, workers applied two coats of a 2-part epoxy system to all bare metal surfaces on the newly installed valves. After inspection by facility personnel, fuel was slowly introduced into the system and all air bled from the lines and valves. Once the lines were fully packed and approved by the DFSP facility manager, the new valves were ready for pressure testing.

Crews completed the work in only five weeks—two weeks ahead of schedule. The “extra” two weeks gave AFCESA and the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC) time to schedule additional testing and fuel resupply requirements. The project came to a successful conclusion in early December 2006.

Secondary Containment Compliance
At the same location under a second project, TolTest was tasked to assess and repair the existing Kunsan Air Base DSFP Tank #K-1 containment. The containment housed a 30,000-bbl tank providing JP-8 fuel for Base aircraft. The work was necessary to meet DoD, Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Documents (OEBGD), and local Korea Environmental Guidelines (KEGs) during fueling, issuing, or transfer operations.

TolTest completed a 100% facility assessment of the 6,300-sf containment area, which included a visual inspection of the containment floor, channels, joints, tank chime, containment walls, and pipe penetrations. Numerous joints and cracks were noted in the concrete dike area. The assessment indicated that 430 square feet (sf) of spalled concrete were in need of repair.

Construction activities were sequenced to obtain the best results and ensure the maximum accessibility for required maintenance and repair. Random cracks and joints were cleaned using high-pressure water blasting and allowed to thoroughly dry. Crews then applied a government-approved primer and self-leveling sealant with a high resistance to JP-8.

Spalled concrete repairs were prepared by using a concrete saw (where applicable) or by chipping with a hammer to remove unsound concrete and obtain a solid base. Once a cavity was enlarged, the area was thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure water blasting and/or compressed air to remove any remaining loose particles. A compatible concrete bonding agent was then applied to the dry, clean area before filling the cavity with an approved low-slump cement or epoxy resin concrete.

The interior walls of the containment were subject to deterioration from harsh weather conditions (i.e., freezing and thawing). To prevent further deterioration and improve sustainability, the interior walls of the containment received a high-pressure water wash and coating with a Korean-manufactured epoxy wall repair coating system.

Overall, crews performed the following tasks within the specified budget and schedule:
? Removed/replaced 2,500 linear feet (lf) of concrete joint sealer with a new, petroleum-resistant product
? Cleaned and coated 6,300 sf of interior containment wall
? Repaired approx. 1,500 lf of wall surfaces with minor spider cracking

The project was completed in November 2006, two weeks ahead of schedule.

TolTest Repairs Tank at Guantanamo

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST

TolTest recently completed a $2.05 million project involving major renovation to Tank 154 at the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba. The tank is a 27,000-bbl underground cut-and-cover diesel fuel storage tank, constructed of concrete. It is 100 ft in diameter, 20 ft high with 37 interior support columns. Built in the 1950s, Tank 154 had previously been coated with fuel-resistant paints, prompting the Navy to initiate this project. The renovation involved building a stainless steel liner inside the existing concrete tank and brought the tank into full compliance with API 650 standards.
Using the expertise gained through 20 years of experience in fuel tank construction and repair efforts, TolTest self-performed this project. The scope included installation of a concrete ringwall, flexible membrane lining, sand cushion layer, leak detection piping system and fabrication and installation of a stainless steel API 650 tank bottom, shell, and column sleeves inside the existing concrete tank; demolition of the existing exterior stairway; installation of a new exterior access stairway; and restoration of the site at project completion. Following successful testing in July 2006, the tank was placed in Diesel Fuel Marine service. The project was completed on schedule with no injuries or incidents.
The logistics were complex: all materials were required to be transported by sea to this location. Five 40-ft containers of stainless steel, a sixth container of additional construction materials, and TolTest construction vehicles and equipment were shipped from the mainland to the island of Cuba and transported to the fuel farm on the Navy base. Travel to and from the island was complicated by the fact that no major U.S. airline carriers are affiliated with the airport on the island. TolTest successfully overcame these obstacles to complete this project with a high level of customer satisfaction.

Three Buildings Turned Over to Iraqi Military

Wed, 05 Oct 2005 00:00:00 EST

Three buildings for the new Al Muthana Air Base at the Baghdad International Airport have been turned over to the Iraqi military--a significant milestone in the formation of a major military installation, said AFCEE officials. Renovation of the three buildings is part of the first phase of a $21 million project to completely renovate and repair the base's utility systems and infrastructure, including maintenance facilities for first-line repair of C-130 transport aircraft. Another key project objective is to reconnect the new base to the Iraqi national power grid, said officials. AFCEE prime contractor TolTest, Inc., of Ohio is heading up the work on the project.

The three Phase I priority buildings were repaired and renovated for use as warehouses. They were fitted with new sheet-metal roofs and electrical systems and fixtures. Crews also fixed the entry doors and repaired and painted interior plaster and exterior stucco surfaces.

Officials said the project is being completed under the Conceptual Work Plan / Implementation Work Plan process, which streamlines field execution and accelerates work in the field. The project is divided into three phases, allowing clients to prioritize the work to fit their immediate needs.

Work at the airport is subject to the most stringent security requirements of any site in Iraq, and to date not a single onsite security incident has been reported, said officials. In addition, TolTest is the only contractor to obtain permission to house local Iraqi nationals at the airport. Doing this has streamlined site access issues, allowed more work hours per day, improved productivity and increased the safety of workers coming to the site on what is commonly known as the most dangerous road in Iraq, officials said. The project team currently has more than 350 TolTest and subcontractor personnel and Iraqi nationals working onsite to complete an additional 24 buildings.

TolTest Wins Army Remediation Contract

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

TolTest was awarded one of five indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) Performance-Based Remediation Services (PBRS) contracts for the US Army Environmental Center (AEC). The PBRS, with a combined contract ceiling of $160 million, provides diverse environmental services for active Army installations nationwide and in US territories (Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands). The contract period of performance is for a 1-year base and four 1-year options.

Scopes of work under this contract include a wide range of investigative, remedial design, remedial construction, remediation services, and monitoring required for hazardous substance and waste sites, munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), and chemical warfare materials (CWM). Individual task orders are guaranteed fixed price remediation (with insurance), firm fixed price, or fixed price with award fee and competed among the five contract awardees. TolTest teams with Shaw Environment & Infrastructure (Shaw) for this important effort.

Work Begins on Tank Repair at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

TolTest has recently begun work on a $2 million contract to repair a fuel tank at the US Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba. The tank is a 27,000-bbl underground jet fuel storage tank, constructed of concrete with 37 interior support columns. The tank is a cut and cover type, similar to tanks we are currently working on in Rota, Spain. The project involves concrete repair; building, installing, and coating a steel tank liner inside the existing concrete tank; constructing a leak detection system; and rebuilding the access stairway.

The logistics to carry out this project are complex, since all materials must be transported by sea to this location. Despite the location at the Naval Station, communication lines are unreliable and the airport serves no major carriers from the US. This is TolTest's first project at Guantanamo Bay.

TolTest Receives $17 Million Award for Work at Lajes Field, Azores

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

TolTest recently launched a project at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, to construct a fueling hydrant system for our Navy and NAVFAC Atlantic client. The Azores is comprised of a group of nine islands off the coast of Portugal. Lajes Field is a Portuguese Air Force Base that is used by the US Armed Forces primarily as a fueling base. Lajes Field is defined as the US Forces Azores Operational Area on Terciera Island, Azores, Portugal. Terciera Island is approximately 11 by 18 miles with a total population of approximately 80,000 people. The site work will be performed on Lajes Field adjacent to and on an active aircraft runway, taxiways and aircraft parking aprons (North Tank Farm, Apron E, Area 7, and Apron F).

The work to be performed involves the construction of a JP-8 Type III Hydrant system and includes the following:

Construction of a JP-8 tank farm consisting of a pumphouse extension, two above-ground storage tanks, two truck fillstands, a pantograph storage shelter, and a pantograph check-out stand.
Construction of a JP-8 hydrant loop with 9 hydrant pits.
At the existing pumphouse and new pumphouse extension, construction of cross-connections between the existing 18-hydrant fuel system and the new hydrant fuel system. Systems to be cross-connected include the fuel piping, fuel control, fire protection and emergency shutoff control systems.
Demolition of the existing hydrant system.
Modification of the 18 hydrant pits associated with the 18-hydrant fuel system
Site restoration including compacting, grading, and re-seeding.

Nevada Mountain Sites Get New Power System

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

Two remote sites located on top of a mountain in Nevada recently got new power systems under an AFCEE-managed primary cable project. Project manager was Maj. Winston J. Shaffer II of the Major Command and Installation Support-Combatant Commands Directorate. The work involved installation of new underground primary power to a radar site and a microwave tower, both run by Nellis AFB. The installations are on the same mountain but not adjacent to each other. They are accessible by a narrow, unpaved service road that forks off to both sites.

The first, known as the "gap-filler," is a radar facility the Federal Aviation Administration relies on to cover "gaps" in the national radar system. It is used primarily as a backup facility. If one of the major radar grids goes down, the site can be energized to provide the needed coverage. The second site is the microwave tower that supplies information from the Tolicha Peak Electronic Combat Range back to Nellis. This is an especially vital function during such exercises as Red Flag, when the base needs to review testing data and provide real-time information to the pilots conducting the tests. Red Flag is a realistic aerial war game used to train pilots from the United States, NATO and other allied countries.

The new cable replaces an old electrical power line that went directly up the sides of the mountains. It was laid on top of the ground and covered by rocks and debris. Over the years, however, the cable shifted and parts of the protective PVC conduit were open to the elements and wild animals. On several occasions small animals ate through the wire insulation, causing the power supply to be shut down. Both facilities then had to operate under generator-supplied power until the problem could be located and fixed. And to find the problem, repair crews had to scale the side of the mountain, which has slopes as steep as 60 degrees.

Originally, the design by AFCEE contractor TolTest called for installing new electrical duct banks and cable in a straight path up to each facility. However, after samples of rock formations were taken and analyzed for hardness, it was determined that it would be too costly to trench through the granite in the proposed path, particularly in the steepest areas. The alternative plan was to trench the duct bank along the service roads that lead to each facility. Although officials said that this approach increased the amount of cable, conduit and pull boxes required for the project, the savings in labor and equipment requirements would offset the additional material costs. Also, by following the existing service roads, future maintenance and inspections would be easier for range employees.

Major Shaffer said that the contractor, TolTest, used some innovative approaches on the project, such as employing local specialty subcontractors who were familiar with the geological properties at the site and had performed similar operations under similar conditions. The rock excavation subcontractor also modified one of the larger trenching machines, custom-tailoring the trench boom length and specialty bits to handle the granite found in the area.

Begun last September, work on the project continued into the winter months, which presented many challenges, such as snow and ice on the narrow roads that snaked up the side of the mountain. Working on the project during the winter, however, ensured that repairs could be made, if needed, even during snowy weather. Additionally, the project site was located one hour away from the nearest town and three hours from the nearest big city, requiring the contractor to adhere to a strict schedule and coordinate the shipment of materials, equipment and personnel to the site. However, by early spring, as the weather was improving, the cable was pulled and the remaining system components installed and the system was placed in service.

Major Shaffer said that the Nellis AFB project representatives are very pleased with the quality of work and the new system meets all of the user's needs. The approach to the repair project addressed crew safety during installation, dependability of the system under all environmental conditions and ease of access for system operation and maintenance, the major said. "The project was completed on time and on budget with a system that works and is easier to maintain," he said.

Award-Winning Projects Completed at Grissom ARB, Indiana

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

AFCEE contractor TolTest, Inc. has developed and completed airfield projects valued at more than $10 million at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana. Grissom is home to the 434th Refueling Wing which has played a role in the war on terror and been involved in the Iraqi conflict.

At 14,000 feet long, the Grissom runway is the second longest in the United States and serves as a backup landing site for the NASA space shuttle. The 14,500-foot runway at Eielson AFB, Alaska, is said to be the longest in North America.

The projects involved subgrade repairs, repaving, joint and runway shoulder repairs to the airfield and complete renovation of the airfield lighting and control systems.

TolTest officials said the projects were put on a fast track because the base had scheduled a complete 120-day airfield shutdown so that the work could be done. In the meantime, the refueling tanker aircraft were moved to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and Andrews AFB, Maryland, to support the mission during the shutdown. Officials said the compressed schedule often required that two or more activities take place in the same area at the same time.

The paving work included asphalt repaving and remarking of the runway stripes. Three million square feet of existing paving were milled and repaved, requiring 39,000 tons of asphalt. In addition, 15,000 square feet of full-depth concrete repairs were made using 2,000 tons of concrete.

Officials report that the airfield paving project has been named the Indiana State Asphalt Paving Association's Airfield Project of the Year and received the National Asphalt Paving Association's Airfield Paving Project of the Year Award.

Another project was the installation of a new airfield lighting system, which included repairing and replacing edge and overrun lights, construction of a new 4,000 square-foot electrical-vault building and installation and integration of new control components. The entire airfield lighting system is computer controlled and managed through touch screens.

Officials added that the airfield projects have received AFCEE's "Blue Rating," which is the highest rating achievable, they said.

Officials attribute the projects' success to the coordination that took place before and during the work to ensure that the tasks were completed efficiently and on time. Weekly coordination and design review meetings were held in the months leading up to and during the field work. These gatherings were instrumental in identifying issues early and implementing solutions to ensure the success of the entire project, said officials.

Because of efficiencies achieved during the field work, 17 discrete changes, valued at more than $250,000, were made with no increase in project schedule or budget, they said.

U.S. Completes First Iraq Water Sector Project

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

A $7.6 million, first-of-its-kind Air Force water project in Iraq is expected to save more than 123,000 acres of agricultural land in the central part of the country. Air Force officials said the refurbishing of a failing dewatering system in Karbala will lower the water table in the area and thus reduce the soil's high salt content. The revamped system is "one of the most important stations in Iraq," said officials.

The work was completed by the Ohio-based small business firm TolTest, Inc., under a contract with the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence at Brooks City-Base, Texas. The project involved replacing or refusbishing the station's pumps; cleaning and screening the intake system; and providing one month of training to local Iraqis on how to operate and maintain the station. The work also included repairing operator housing and other structures, as well as installing fencing and lighting.

Under the same project, AFCEE and TolTest are nearing completion of work at an undisclosed location in central Iraq. This facility will pump raw water to a treatment plant that will supply drinking water to more than 60,000 Iraqis.

AFCEE officials said that despite the many challenges of working in the war-torn country, the water-station project was completed "within the original budget and specified period of performance." Additionally, TolTest used 100 percent Iraqi labor, which benefited the local economy and enhanced project security. "The work was of extremely high quality," said AFCEE officials, "and the facility is one the Iraqi people can be proud of. Most importantly," they added, "the project was performed safely, with no onsite security incidents and no time lost due to safety mishaps."

AFCEE has included a writeup of this project in its publication CenterViews, Fall 2005. Follow this link to read more:

http://www.afcee.brooks.af.mil/MS/MSP/center/Vol11No3/18.asp

TolTest Wins $21 Million Project at Baghdad International Airport

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

TolTest has won a $21 million AFCEE task order for renovation and reconstruction of the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) in Iraq. This is both an extremely high-profile project and a high priority for our US troops in Iraq, as it will facilitate mission-critical military operations and aircraft maintenance at this strategic airfield. The majority of the work will consist of the renovation and construction of existing facilities at BIAP, including dining facilities, maintenance facilities, operations facilities, administrative buildings, lodging/housing, warehouses, and logistics facilities. We will also be tasked with renovating various infrastructure and site utilities, including storm water management systems, sidewalks, roads, sanitary sewer systems, a water supply and distribution network, an electrical power and distribution system, street lighting, and aviation fuel storage and distribution systems. The keystone of this project will be the renovation of an existing aircraft hangar, complete with overhead cranes, for the maintenance of C-130 military aircraft - the large, multi-purpose cargo planes that transport troops, supplies, and equipment (including helicopters and tanks) in support of US military operations in Iraq.

TolTest home office moves to Maumee, Ohio

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

TolTest, Inc. is pleased to announce that we have moved our corporate
headquarters to Maumee, Ohio. Effective August 1st, 2005, our new address
is:

TolTest, Inc.
1480 Ford Street
Maumee, OH 43537
Phone: 419-794-3500
Fax: 419-794-3901

Please change your records to reflect our change of address. We value our
continued working relationship with you and look forward to supporting
your future site development, construction, and environmental needs. If you
are in the area, please stop by and we would be happy to give you a tour of
our new office.

Andrews Upgrades Its Fueling System

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

More than $8.5 million in fueling-system upgrades have been made at Andrews AFB, Maryland, over the past year. Officials there said the AFCEE-managed projects will provide a state-of-the-art system that will work within the existing fueling infrastructure while integrating new portions as they are needed. The work was done by AFCEE contractor TolTest and supervised by the Andrews base civil engineer staff.

The 17 projects are being funded by the Defense Energy Support Center based at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The projects addressed a regulatory noncompliance issue related to a notice of violation, or NOV, issued earlier this year by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA directed Andrews to upgrade its fuel-tank secondary containments by October 2004.

These are some of the completed projects:

Nearly $2 million worth of repairs were made to two fuel tanks, which included installation of new tank bottoms, level alarms and anti-corrosive systems; and construction of spill containments. The tanks were then painted inside and out. Constructing the spill containments included removing 8 inches of existing gravel and asphalt and installing a 4-inch sand cushion layer, a flexible membrane liner and 4 inches of reinforced concrete. Crews then installed an overflow notch between the two tanks to increase the storage capacity of the spill containment structure. Ancillary piping and valves also were replaced as part of the project. This approach provided the required spill-containment capacity while maintaining compliance with military, EPA and State of Maryland regulations, said base officials. They added that it also resulted in less site work and excavation than originally anticipated, producing a savings of about $250,000. The secondary containment structure was tested in September and found to be adequate for containing tank contents.
Another key fueling systems upgrade project was installing two new state-of-the-art single-position fill stands to replace a pair of old refueling islands. The work was completed in phases so that one island was always open, thus preventing disruption in service to base users. This project included installing a concrete containment structure and replacing piping, electrical, lighting and corrosion-protection systems. Work at the site was finished well before the EPA's October 1 deadline, and the agency determined it to be environmentally compliant.
A secondary containment system/parking area for eight R-11 aircraft refueling tank trucks was constructed. This parking lot doubles as a spill-containment area capable of retaining a 6,600-gallon spill of JP-8 jet fuel. The area is covered with an asphalt sub-base, surface coat and joint sealant in the concrete joints. Work also was in time to meet the October 1 regulatory deadline.
Other related fuels work included construction of a secondary containment at two military gas stations, secondary containment of the truck parking area at Hangar 19 and similar projects.

In all, Andrews oversaw nine NOV compliance DESC projects valued at $4.1 million plus an additional eight valued at $4.4 million.

TolTest Awarded SBA Outstanding Small Business Contractor in the Environmental Category for 2004

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

TolTest, an Ohio-based firm, is the Outstanding Small Business Contractor in the Environmental Category for 2004. Officials with the Brooks City-Base's 311th Human Systems Wing made the announcement at the annual Minority Enterprise Development Week "Breakfast at Brooks" sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Company vice presidents Ernest Enrique and David Alleman were on hand to accept the award.

The honor recognizes the small businesses that significantly help Brooks City-Base organizations meet their missions. All the major organizations on Brooks were asked to submit their top-performing small business contractors for fiscal year 2004 int he mission-related areas of environmental, specialized support and systems.

TolTest was the only small contractor nominated by AFCEE in the environmental category, said officials with the Brooks Small Business Office. The company, which currently is supporting AFCEE's reconstruction work in Iraq, was nominated by the Center's Major Command and Installation Support Group (Gold Team).

Repairs on Fuel System Completed

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 00:00:00 EST

AFCEE contractor TolTest recently completed work on the main fuel system that provides fuel to U.S. Air Force and Navy bases on the island of Guam. It was the first job for the company under the Center's Environmental Remediation and Construction contract. The project consisted of inspecting four fuel-booster pumps and replacing 41 manual and electrically-operated valves ranging in size from 12 to 20 inches. The scope of work also included reconditioning the valve pits, which involved removing the existing tar coating, sand blasting the pipes and valves; painting the pipes and valves with epoxy paint; and a number of other procedures.

The facility, which is operated by the Navy, stores fuel in bulk fuel tanks at two locations called Sasa Valley and Tenjo Vista. The system supplies fuel to the Navy base on the southwest part of the island and the Air Force base on the north.

Officials said that during the course of the work the TolTest field crew endured extremely hot and humid weather, including severe rains from a typhoon that devastated the nearby island of Yap. They also said that the fuels system work has led to a follow-on $1.6 million project to replace the existing electrical service to the valve pits and connect the new electrically-operated valves.

This project will be executed under the Worldwide Environmental Restoration and Construction, or WERC, contract, according to officials.

Innovative Technology Detects Pipeline Defects

Mon, 22 Mar 2004 00:00:00 EST

An innovative technology was used to inspect a JP-8 jet fuel pipeline system for leaks and corrosion at Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, a 625-square mile area run by Nellis AFB. The process used is called the Guided Wave Ultrasonic Technique, or GWUT, which uses a low frequency ultrasound wave to give inspectors a "picture" of a pipe's interior surface. The wave is emitted by a probe ring connected to a computer and other electronic equipment. The ring is placed around a clean and accessible area of a pipe and when activated sends a sound wave running through the pipeline. GWUT then produces a pictorial representation of the pipe's interior in the form of a graph that displays the curves and frequencies along the piping system. If an anomaly is spotted, the pipe is dug up for a visual inspection and inspectors then determine what corrective action to take based on what the problem is. According to officials, inspection ranges can be achieved on 15 to 150 feet along the pipe, in both directions, from a single probe position.

The Tonopah inspection, conducted by AFCEE contractor TolTest, Inc., included the evaluation of about 17,300 linear feet of fuel transfer pipeline and other procedures. One hundred percent of the pipeline was covered at 35 locations. The work also included pipe excavations at 25 locations and diggings at 10 other sites. Officials said that at each location the crews shot both ways to obtain overlapping data at the extreme range of their machines. The average distance between inspection points was approximately 150 feet, making each shot about 100 feet.

The purpose of the project was to develop a comprehensive historical record of the entire pipeline, identify any potential areas of concern and make recommendations for repair, said officials. The AFCEE project team was able to detect both internal and external corrosion and physical anomalies to the pipeline and make recommendations to test range officials to repair the pipeline before leaks or failure could occur.

GWUT was developed to prevent leaks and failures caused by corrosion, which is a major problem in both insulated and non-insulated pipe systems, said officials. According to an industry study, about 60 percent of hydrocarbon release incidents are due to pipe work failures. AFCEE officials said that GWUT is an invaluable tool for long-term pipeline maintenance.

Demolition Projects Support "Greening of Government"

Fri, 13 Jun 2003 00:00:00 EST

By Ernest C. Enrique, P.E., Vice President, TolTest, Inc.

In response to Executive Order 13101, Greening the Government through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal Acquisition (September 14, 1998), Toledo-based TolTest, Inc., has recently partnered with the US Navy to support their reuse/recycling program in a unique way. Under Executive Order 13101, federal agencies and employees are tasked to incorporate waste prevention and recycling in their daily operations. The order states, "Pollution that cannot be prevented should be recycled; pollution that cannot be prevented or recycled should be treated in an environmentally safe manner. Disposal should be employed only as a last resort."

To further recycling and reuse efforts at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center (GLNTC) in Illinois, the Navy and TolTest have undertaken several "Green Demolition" projects. "Green Demolition" refers to measures taken beyond typical construction demolition that promote reuse and recycling and take special care of protection of human health and the environment. It is terminology developed in the hopes that more environmental and recycling emphasis will be placed on Navy and other Department of Defense construction demolition projects. The recycling goals established for each project are a means of supporting an overall "Greening the Government" initiative.

Green Demolition of the Old Drill Hall
The results of GLNTC's Green Demolition program speak for themselves. For example, during the demolition of Building 1600, the Old Drill Hall, over 12.2 million pounds of building materials were recycled or reused. Throughout its useful life, the facility, built in 1942, served as a motor pool, storage facility, and drill hall. Prior to the start of demolition activities, TolTest, GLNTC's Environmental Job Order Contract (EJOC) contractor, first confirmed the locations and quantities of asbestos in the building. Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were removed (or abated) prior to actual demolition activities to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. TolTest crews, asbestos trained and licensed in the State of Illinois, successfully abated:

7,215 sf of asbestos vinyl floor tile and mastic
2,000 lf of asbestos pipe insulation
5,400 sf of asbestos transite siding
300 lf of asbestos-wrapped 3-inch steel steam pipe

Crews then performed interior demolition to remove interior walls, furniture, mercury-containing light bulbs, PCB-containing light ballasts/transformers, and marine batteries. Materials removed included:

1,400 fluorescent lamps
26 U-type lamps
78 HID lamps
14 marine batteries

Mercury-containing light bulbs and PCB ballasts were shipped to a recycling facility in Wisconsin. PCB-containing transformers were sent to a recycling facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The marine batteries were recycled at the GLNTC recycling center. One hundred percent of each of these items was shipped off site for recycling/reuse. Approximately 106 cy of asbestos and ACM were transported to a special landfill.

During inspection and subsequent abatement activities, additional items were discovered that could be recycled instead of disposed of as construction debris, including aluminum garage doors, steel piping, steel door frames, steam heaters, interior and exterior steel doors, and fire extinguishers.

TolTest hired an experienced local demolition contractor to execute the building demolition. In addition to tearing down the actual facility, crews removed an oil/water separator and a vehicle wash rack system. Concrete floors and footers were also removed. Demolition materials were segregated into 243,678 pounds of metal, 2,619,716 pounds of building material, and 9,462,884 pounds of concrete for recycling. The Navy required TolTest to recycle at least 50% of all debris generated during demolition - 12,264,338 pounds of the total 12,326,278 pounds of demolition material were recycled. This equated to approximately 99.5% by weight of all demolition wastes being reused/recycled.

Green Demolition of the Old Navy Exchange
In yet another "Green Demolition" success story, TolTest recently completed the high-profile demolition of the Old Navy Exchange (Building 111) at GLNTC. The facility, also built in 1942, was originally a Recreation Center and later converted to a Navy Exchange. Abatement and hazardous materials removal activities were carefully coordinated with base personnel because the 2nd floor of the building was occupied during the first few months of the project. Crews first abated asbestos in the basement and 1st floor areas of the building. This required selective interior demolition to access the asbestos.

Other hazardous materials (e.g., 12,000 pounds of PCB-containing ballasts, 2,500 fluorescent lights, mercury switches and thermostats, and Freon from HVAC systems) were also removed. Abatement activities commenced on the 2nd floor after Navy personnel were moved to another base location.

Buildings 111 and 111A, including the basement, footers, and utilities, were then decommissioned/demolished. Crews instituted dust control measures throughout demolition activities and performed exposure assessments for lead. The large excavation area left after removal of the basement was backfilled in compacted lifts, graded, and seeded, and new curbs and sidewalks were placed. The Navy required that 60% of the building be recycled or reused. TolTest recycled approximately 5,000 tons of concrete, 125 tons of metal/steel, PCB ballasts, and mercury-containing items. Items such as furniture, countertops, doors, and air conditioning units were donated or sold for reuse. In addition, over 750 tons of building debris was recycled as cover material for local landfills. In all, over 90% of the building was recycled or reused. The area is slated for the redevelopment of the main gate area.

In addition to the Old Drill Hall and Old Navy Exchange, TolTest teamed with GLNTC on the successful Green Demolition of the NEX Vehicle Maintenance Facility, Hazardous Waste Storage Facility, and Dry Cleaning Facility. For these projects, the Navy required 25% to 60% of the buildings be either recycled or reused. In all cases, TolTest exceeded 90% by weight. For their efforts on these and other successful Green Demolition projects, the GLNTC staff was recently awarded the prestigious Chief of Naval Operations' Pollution Prevention Team Award.

"...the Navy required 25 percent to 60 percent of the building be either recycled or reused. In all cases, TolTest exceeded 90 percent. This equates to tens of thousands of tons of material diverted from landfills for beneficial reuse. In one instance, we received feedback from the local concrete recycler that foundation concrete was being crushed into aggregate and utilized on Interstate 94 the following day!" --T.F. Bersson, Captain, U.S. Navy, Civil Engineer Corps

Other Federal Agencies Note Benefits of Green Demolition
Under contract to General Services Administration (GSA), TolTest, teamed with a Detroit-based engineering firm, undertook the $6.1 million asbestos abatement and selective interior demolition of the Edward Zorinsky Federal Building located in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The Zorinsky Federal Building, a 12-story office structure, is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment for future use as offices. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Omaha District provided construction oversight for the project.

The project consisted of site preparation, engineering controls, asbestos abatement, project sampling, continuous air sampling and monitoring, selective interior demolition, materials recycling and reuse, and site restoration. Project operations started in August 2001 and were completed in July 2002. At peak contract activity, 125 certified asbestos workers and supervisors were performing coordinated work activities during three 7-hour shifts a day.

The work included the removal of hazardous materials including the boiler/breeching insulation, floor tile, pipe insulation, tees to fittings, spray-on textured ACM ceilings, asbestos fireproofing, ceiling tile, ductwork, PCB-containing light ballasts, and lead-based paint (LBP) covered stairwell railings. The project team was also tasked with demolishing nonhazardous building components such as mechanical equipment, boilers, all interior materials down to structural frame, cooling towers, piping, ductwork, electrical fixtures, boxes, wires and conduit, drywall, doors, windows, furniture, paneling, and interior lighting.

Throughout this project, the team actively searched for building materials that could be reused or recycled. Along with the GSA, the Team developed a community partnership with Humanity Restore, which resulted in numerous and diverse building materials being salvaged for reuse in area schools or set aside for recycling. For example, approximately 950 lineal feet of solid oak benches weighing 23.75 tons, were saved for reuse in the local community, representing a 100% reuse of millwork. Other materials donated for reuse in area schools included:

95% of doors (500 units)
100% of carpet squares (200,000 sf)
100% of wood and metal cabinetry (50 units)
100% of plumbing fixtures, such as faucets, toilets, sinks, stall components, and paper towel, toilet paper, and soap holders (700 units)

The entire building structure calculated to approximately 500,000 cubic feet. With the concrete weighing 150 lbs per cubic foot, the reuse saved 37,500 tons of concrete and other building materials from being landfilled locally. This reuse represented approximately 80% of the total weight of the building. The reuse of select finishes includes 11,200 sf (97%) of interior and exterior marble finishes in and around the public lobbies and 12,500 sf (75%) of terrazzo flooring throughout the building. These materials were identified for reuse in the refurbished building.

Building materials that were salvaged but could not be donated for immediate reuse were recycled, resulting in the saving of significant capacity in local landfills. Materials recycled on this project included:

30,000 sf of carpet
4,520 cy of scrap metal
6 tons of aluminum
4 tons of copper
9,000 board feet of wood paneling
30 cy of compacted cardboard

By recycling and refurbishing materials, the equivalent of a 30-foot-high pile of rubble extended across an entire football field was kept from disposal at local landfills. These innovative efforts resulted in taxpayer savings of approximately $8 million, protection of environmental resources, and the improvement of area school facilities through materials reuse. The GSA received the organization's Demolition Derby Award for waste reduction strategies at the site.