PRCI

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October 17, 2007

PRCI Receives “Very Effective” Rating for all Projects Contracted with PHMSA

As part of the annual peer review process for research projects and programs funded by PHMSA, PRCI has received a “Very Effective” rating for all projects being conducted in coordination with PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety R&D Program.

PRCI is the prime contractor for five (5) separate projects and/or programs under contract with PHMSA, and is playing a substantive supporting role on two others. The project ratings are part of a systematic evaluation process developed by PHMSA for ensuring that the quality of work and project deliverables are consistent with the strategic focus and research objectives established by PHMSA.

PHMSA’s peer review panels typically consist of 7 to 10 stakeholders representing academia, engineering societies, pipeline industry operators, and trade associations. For the reviews involving PRCI projects, the peer review panel consisted of nine government and industry experts, including four active government representatives from National Institute of Standards and Testing (NIST) and the Minerals Management Service (MMS), and five retired government and industry personnel that are active with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). The panels review 24 individual criteria under six project performance categories to rate and score the projects relative to PHMSA’s research objectives. The panel prepared reports on each project evaluated that described their findings and conclusions and provided a numeric ranking based on the criteria used for the analysis. The numeric ranking is then converted to a rating of either “Ineffective,” “Moderately Effective,” “Effective,” or “Very Effective.”

The rating of all projects at the very highest of the ranking scale by a respected peer review panel is a significant accomplishment for PRCI and its research partners. PRCI has a vested interest in coordinating its research programs with PHMSA. As two of the primary stakeholders in research on the design, construction, and operation of energy pipeline systems, a collaborative approach and integration of research programs between PRCI and PHMSA has substantial benefits for both organizations, the industry as a whole, and the public.

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