The QBS Express

In this special episode of the QBS Express — recorded in Washington, D.C. — host Scott Heidner (Executive Director, ACEC Kansas) and co-host Rob Krewson (President, ACEC Kansas) sit down with U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt of Kansas for a wide-ranging conversation on infrastructure, policy, and public service. About the Guest Congressman Derek Schmidt has spent his career in Kansas public service — as a legislative staffer, ten years in the Kansas State Senate, three terms as Kansas Attorney General, and now representing Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. A licensed attorney, he brings a practicing professional's perspective to the policy conversation. What We Cover Congressman Schmidt's career path from the Kansas Senate to Attorney General to Congress His long-standing support for ACEC Kansas's Emerging Leaders Program, where he's spoken to the group nearly every year since its inception Why infrastructure investment matters — even in tough votes back home in southeast Kansas The case for qualifications-based selection (QBS) and why the best value isn't always the lowest price The outlook for a surface transportation reauthorization bill and the risks of letting authorization lapse What's changed moving from state to federal service — bigger bureaucracy, longer timelines, and the relationship-building required to get things done in a 435-member House How ACEC Kansas and its delegation work together on regulatory issues, not just legislation Watch the Full Episode on ACEC National’s Engineering Inc: https://youtu.be/4BpTygqRegg?si=j3fMVw1XDq-ZnHJ0 Other Resources:Learn more about ACEC Kansas

In this engaging conversation on the QBS Express, host Scott Heidner is joined by Calvin Reed, Kansas Secretary of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority, and Greg Shieber, the Deputy Secretary and State Transportation Engineer for the state of Kansas. Both guests share a glimpse of their personal backgrounds, their journeys into the realm of civil engineering, and their experiences working with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). They provide valuable insights into KDOT's broad mission, stressing its significant roles beyond the design and paving of roads and building of bridges. The conversation also highlights the agency's vital partnerships at the state, federal, and local level, the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for KDOT, and the critical role of the workforce in the future of engineering and infrastructure projects.00:09 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:02 Guest Background: Greg Schieber06:45 Guest Background: Calvin Reed15:17 Understanding KDOT's Role and Responsibilities23:57 Interactions with Policymakers at State and Federal Level32:33 Appreciation for Agency Partners33:07 Working with Local Units and Government34:13 Building Relationships with Local Authorities34:34 Challenges in Local Infrastructure Maintenance34:59 Investing in Local Bridge Improvement Program36:13 Developing a Local Bridge Planning Tool36:42 Future Challenges in Local System Investment37:07 The Role of KDOT in Supporting Local Governments37:37 Creation of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub38:31 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for KDOT38:52 Delivering the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program39:25 Future Funding for Transportation41:09 Workforce Challenges in the Industry42:30 Innovation and Changing Technologies in Infrastructure43:15 Managing Inflation in Local Projects44:12 Future of Preservation and Modernization of InfrastructureOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

Being involved in politics wasn’t even on Blake Carpenter’s radar until a class project at Wichita State led him to an interview with Representative Jim Howell that changed everything. He shares with host Scott Heidner how that journey has led him to his current role as the House Speaker Pro Tem. On this episode we discuss:Growing up in HalsteadBeing ranked a top tier gamer at Call of Duty (when time allows)Trying to figure out what to study at Wichita StateThe value of the Eagle Scout achievementBecoming interested in politicsStarting as a freshman legislator right out of collegeGrowing into leadership roles and the associated time commitmentThe internship programBlake’s podcast, The Kansas BriefingProposing on the cliffs of IrelandOther Resources:Learn more about Braden, Headner, Lowe and AssociatesBlake Carpenter, Kansas State Representative, 81st DistrictThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

Host Scott Heidner is joined by Kansas State Representative and House Majority Leader Chris Croft. They talk about his life and military career that eventually brought him to Kansas and led him to taking on his current role in state government. On this episode we discuss:The role his mother played in his life and finding role models for himGrowing up outsideJoining the Army and seeing the worldHow he met his wifeWhat he learned from Popeye’s Fried ChickenJumping out of the first plane he rode onThe value of mentors in his lifeWorking at the Pentagon and military mobility equipmentFinding a home in KansasA vision for transportation infrastructure in the stateGetting started in public serviceTaking on the house majority leader mantleGoing out on Black Friday and Christmas EveOther Resources:Learn more about ACEC KansasChris Croft, Kansas State Representative, 8th District This podcast is brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas. This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information visit ictpod.net

The latest episode of The QBS Express features co-host Sara Clark with TranSystems and guest Chris Gutierrez, President of KC SmartPort. Listen in as we get an in-depth account of how SmartPort came to be, who it serves, what part of the market occupies its time and resources, and how Chris's interest in this industry was sparked by collecting beer cans at a young age!

The QBS Express is happy to welcome co-host Shawn Turner with Transystems and Representative Richard Proehl to the show! Tune in as we learn about Representative Proehl's interest in veterinary science and agriculture, his time in the 101st Airborne Division, working as a rodeo clown and bull rider, and most importantly the importance of good infrastructure investment!

Join us as we visit with Keith Browning, the Local Road Engineer for the Kansas Association of Counties! Listen in as we discuss how he found his way to the engineering field, the services he provides to members, and the interaction that involves with ACEC member firms. Stay with us to the end and you may find out something you didn’t know about what Keith does in his free time!