Five-Year Electrical Contract in New York
The New York Department of Education, New York, is seeking bids for a five-year contract for the installation, upgrade, modification, and replacement of electrical equipment and systems in selected schools in Brooklyn and Staten Island. The contractor may be required to work on items such as (but not limited to): emergency generator systems, transient voltage surge suppression, service entrance equipment, switchboards, transformers, panelboards, auditorium and media studio dimming lights, interior building lighting, and fire detection and alarm system (greater than 50V). Bids are due April 1 at 5 p.m. EST. Questions related to this request should be directed to sepstei@schools.nyc.gov with the bid request number, B1019, and title, "Electrical Installations and Repairs," in the subject line of the e-mail message.

Web Exclusives
Business Brief
Dallas-based Balfour Beatty Construction recently acquired RT Dooley Construction Co., Charlotte, N.C., for an undisclosed sum. Because of the complementary nature of the companies’ businesses, no staff cuts are planned. According to the company, RT Dooley will remain at its current location, operating under its own leadership team with relative autonomy.

For more Business Briefs, visit the EC&M Web site.

Eye on Safety
Faulty Insulation Cause of Probable Electrocution in Honolulu
On Feb. 18, Honolulu resident Michael Perron Jr., 42, died after an apparent electrical shock from an iron access panel next to a street light pole at the intersection of Kapi'olani and University avenues. An investigation into the incident has determined that insulation over live wiring in the access panel was faulty. “Upon inspection of the box in question, crews did find that there was an insulated connection where parts of the insulation appear to have been worn down,” says Bill Brennan, city spokesperson. “The insulated electrical wires in that box feed electricity to street lights in the area.”

However, the cause of death for Perron was being deferred pending further investigation. Brennan said the city is awaiting the results of the autopsy to determine exactly what happened. “The city is unaware of any fatalities caused by electricity coming from these types of boxes or street lights, but will continue to investigate this incident,” Brennan says, explaining that 40 similar boxes and 45 lamp posts in the area have been inspected, and no other problems of worn insulation have been found.

Call for Papers
WEEC
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) invites you to submit a one-page abstract for consideration to speak at the World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC), which will take place from November 4-6 in Washington, D.C. Suggested topics include sustainable design, building operations, lighting efficiency, and load curtailment programs. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is March 20. For the complete list of topics and the online entry form, visit the AEE Web site.

Shows & Events
Globalcon 2009
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) will present Globalcon 2009 from April 1-2 in Atlantic City, N.J. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event will include presentations on topics such as lighting efficiency, building commissioning, and energy auditing. For more information and to register, visit the Globalcon 2009 Web site.

ISC West
ISC West will take place from April 1-3 in Las Vegas. The education program at this year's event includes topics such as IT/IP convergence, service agreements, wireless security, and fiber for CCTV and access control. For more information and to register, visit the ISC Web site.

Electric West 2009
The Electric West Show, to be held March 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with the Power Quality Reliability Conference, is the perfect place to brush up on the latest NEC topics — and earn continuing education credits in the process. Geared toward electrical contractors, consulting and specifying engineers, electricians, and plant facility personnel, there’s something for everyone at the Electric Show. The biggest electrical marketplace in the western United States, this event attracts 250 exhibiting companies and more than 6,000 attendees every year. Here's a preview of some of the NEC seminars planned for next year's event:

• One- and Two-Family Dwelling Unit Electrical Systems
• Changes to the 2008 NEC
• Swimming Pools and Similar Installations (NEC Article 680)
• Introduction to the 2009 NFPA 70E

ICWE
As an EC&M subscriber, you’re entitled to TWO great offers to attend the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE)! If you’re responsible for your organization’s wireless communications system, IWCE is your must-attend event!
Click here for FREE Exhibit Hall or 25% Off the conference program! (Use Promotion Code v46.)