PI professionals are well-trained to identify the number and types of stakeholders on a project, and know how to communicate to each particular group. These diverse groups can range from residents to business owners, commuters to emergency service operators, and even hospitals and local municipalities.

by Suzanne Somers & Leah Jaramillo, Somers-Jaramillo & Associates L.C.

A public information component is now regularly included in many government bids and is frequently tied to a financial incentive, yet many contractors are unfamiliar with the long-term benefits of the practice. Although the term “public information” (PI) can mean many things, construction-related PI is the process of informing stakeholders about construction activities, schedules, and impacts.  Construction related PI can also involve relating complicated construction terminology to non-contractors, and managing conflict between contractors, agencies, and stakeholders.

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As a construction activity, PI focuses on all people or groups directly or indirectly impacted by a project. These people or groups are recognized as stakeholders. PI professionals are well-trained to identify the number and types of stakeholders on a project, and know how to communicate to each particular group.  These diverse groups can range from residents to business owners, commuters to emergency service operators, and even hospitals and local municipalities.  PI professionals ensure these stakeholders are informed in advance of project commencement and kept informed during construction, allowing the stakeholder to plan accordingly and saving the contractor time better spent on the jobsite.

As a rule, PI professionals are qualified in the communication or public relations fields. Consequently, they are able to manage all stakeholder encounters with minimal distraction for the construction contractor.  In fact, PI professionals allow the project team to concentrate on the physical aspects of the project with less interruption from the public. They can also help maintain your public image by providing stakeholders with information and quick resolution to issues or conflicts, adding to your overall levels of perceived transparency and accountability.  

Outsourcing PI services benefits the contractor because a professional PI firm is dedicated solely to the project at hand.  A project specific PI professional will increase the ease with which your project team experiences encounters with the public and the client, as well as increase the potential for a higher percentage of financial incentives you may receive.

A reputable PI firm will provide you with a bid in advance, enabling you to incorporate this cost into your construction bid. The PI consultant will also help you realistically review and evaluate your potential for receiving the majority of any monetary incentive tied to the project.  Consider outsourcing your PI needs to a reputable firm to do the job right and ensure that you and your staff’s time is well spent on the job, not on the phone.

Somers-Jaramillo & Associates provides PI services on well known road construction projects including UDOT’s State Street TRAX Bridge Project.

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