Outdated Procurement Processes and more with Chad Smeltzer from Bidcurement

Stormwater World Episode 031: Outdated Procurement Processes and more with Chad Smeltzer from Bidcurement.

 

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Key Points Discussed

[00:00:00] - Introduction and Overview

• Chad discusses the use of AI in stormwater management to identify and score pipe defects.

• Quote from Chad: "You put these cameras in there, and now you use AI to look at all the cracks and all the codes in these pipes."

[00:01:00] - Digital Marketing for the Stormwater Industry

• Ty introduces Digital Stormwater's services and emphasizes their impact in the stormwater sector.

• Quote from Ty: "We put more stormwater people in front of your stormwater products and services."

[00:02:00] - Meet Chad Smelter

• Introduction to Chad Smelter and his extensive experience in the public works sector.

• Quote from Ty: "Chad's got over 15 years of experience in the public work sector, and he's a serial entrepreneur."

[00:03:00] - Chad’s Journey and Early Career

• Chad shares his career path, from working in public works at a young age to starting his own company.

• Quote from Chad: "I started out working at public works when I was 15 with my dad at a water wastewater treatment facility."

[00:04:00] - Innovations in Sewer Management

• Discussion on the evolution of sewer management and the development of new technologies to handle grease control and root control.

• Quote from Chad: "We started treating with bacteria, and it started working really well."

[00:10:00] - Challenges in Infrastructure Management

• The challenges faced in the public works sector, particularly in managing infrastructure and maintenance.

• Quote from Chad: "We have an issue here with the engineering firms and the utilities—they didn't know exactly where their sewers were."

[00:13:00] - The Role of AI in Infrastructure Management

• Chad explains how AI is used to assess the condition of pipes and prioritize repairs.

• Quote from Chad: "They train a model based on the defects, and if the defects are consistent throughout the country... you start to build a model that every time it goes through their system, it'll pick out that image."

[00:22:00] - Introducing Big Curement

• Overview of Chad's new venture, Big Curement, and its goal to simplify the procurement process in public works.

• Quote from Chad: "There's gotta be a better way to write specifications and bid on projects more efficiently."

[00:31:00] - Challenges in Stormwater Infrastructure

• Ty and Chad discuss the importance of addressing stormwater issues, from flooding to pollution.

• Quote from Ty: "How do we now turn the messaging around to get it to the public... because water is going to become this crazy commodity."

[00:44:00] - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

• Chad shares his final thoughts on the importance of adopting technology and networking in the public works sector.