Cross-Connection Control Program
Outsource vs. In-House, Decision Making Tools
"Times have changed. Now public water and wastewater utilities must evaluate all cost-effective options to ensure that their operations are efficient and competitive."
AWWA Journal, November 1999, Vol. 91, No. 11, pp. 44-47
In these challenging economic times, governments are pressured to improve customer service and provide quick, efficient service delivery without an increase in taxes. Government leaders and managers are evaluating how they manage and deliver the services that are not directly related to their primary functions, or core competencies.
If a service is needed, what is the best way to deliver it?
Outsourcing can be defined as the act of obtaining services from an external source. Choosing to outsource any service (such as a Cross-Connection Control Program) has opportunities and challenges associated with the decision. Click on this link to view/print
"Outsourcing Decision Making Worksheet."
Typical Reasons to consider Outsourcing?
-To focus on core functions
- To acquire new technical skills
- To avoid major investments and cash expenditures
- To improve overall performance
- To reduce/minimize costs
Other factors
- Aging Workforce, Knowledge "Drain"
- Rapidly changing regulatory landscape
- Enhance the safety of water distribution system
Key Drivers
- Gain access to professional capabilities
- Release resources for other purposes
- Minimize Risk
- Gain access to resources not available internally
- Timeliness/Speed of delivery. Is there a timeline that we can meet only if we bring in outside resources?
Challenges
- Choosing the right partner. Poor vendor performance.
- Poor communication. Remember, outsourcing providers are partners to whom you give significant managerial discretion as to how they deliver the service they offer. Still must manage the process.
- Human/Employee elements/Union Issues
- Service & Performance Measurement
- Finding Capable & Qualified Vendors
- Political
Click on this link to view a presentation from September 2006 that provides an overview of this topic.
Click on this link to view document from Texas Commission of Environmental Quality
The next posting, I'll list some key factors to consider in choosing an outsourcing partner and also look at specific program elements that are typically provided by a Cross-Connection Control Program management supplier. I'll also address some key questions to ask of your potential service provider including; Backflow Prevention Data Ownership and Performance Measurement Standards and Reporting.
"It is not government's obligation to provide services, but to see that they are provided."
Mario Cuomo, Former Governor of New York. 1932-
Resources:
ICMA
Dr. Stuart Asay of IAPMO and the Backflow Prevention Institute recently spent the last week of January, 2010 instructing & training Hydro Designs, Inc. staff members in preparation of the new ASSE Series 5000, Standard #5150 Certification for Backflow Prevention Program Admistrators. 
