Construction Contract Staffing Needs

This paper presents some of the current practices within a context of change, because the dynamic environment that is highway construction demands a constant reappraisal of present conditions. The first step in any construction manpower management system is planning, or predicting manpower needs. The planning systems that have recently been developed in Michigan, Louisiana, Arkansas and Washington are presented. Although each of these states has adopted a slightly different approach, as a group they probably offer the best example of what can be done to improve current planning practices. The key elements examined from these planning systems include: (1)Classification of projects; (2)definition of contractor activities; (3)development of work measurement units; (4)definition of agency construction engineering activities; and (5)conversion to man-hours required. Productivity standards are also presented. The appropriate use of these standards will permit both long-range planning at the district level and short-range planning at the project level.