Hazard Mitigation Program

Program Management

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, a confidential utility client retained H2M as Program Manager in support of a hazard mitigation program funded by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The primary focus of the project was to harden the electric distribution infrastructure to reduce future damage and loss of function by a rate of 20% as applied to 1,025 miles of circuits identified as the most vulnerable sections of the Sandy-damaged T&D circuits. The project included upgrading storm-hardening and/or extending poles to tree or tree limb damage and installing Automatic Sectionalizing Units (ASUs).

H2M provided technical assistance, supervision, subcontract management support, project controls, quality control, permitting compliance support, safety, environmental support, and construction observation.

Permitting: H2M worked to ensure the program complies with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, as well as all environmental, historic, and preservation expectations. H2M also performed permitting constraint analysis on completed construction documents and ensured every circuit was constructed in compliance with the State Uniform Procedures Act.

Construction Management: H2M performed oversight of all subcontractor work and inspections of the site and all equipment; managed safety pre-planning, daily briefings, and regular tool box talks; and oversaw logistics and coordination for site activities. H2M also coordinated the installation, commissioning, and placement of all equipment.

Project Controls: H2M developed, updated, and maintained construction and commissioning schedules for all aspects of construction, and coordinated with subcontractors to ensure that the overall program schedule is consistent with construction and commissioning plans. H2M also oversaw document control, construction schedule, and cost change tracking.

Quality Control: H2M established consistent data capture and report criteria for the project; managed the construction, materials, and Request for Information processes; and provided document inspection results from the contract inspection team.

Safety Oversight: H2M ensured compliance of the Site-Specific Health and Safety Plan, communicated safety standards to all project team members, and captured and documented safety audits in order to evaluate, trend, and manage safety performance on the job.

Closeout: H2M ensured all permits were closed out, expedited the submission of all as-builts and vendor manuals, and reviewed and supported negotiation, acceptance, and closeout of all final change orders.