Change is certainly a constant in the parking industry. One day it's the crack in the garage floor. Does the crack indicate a potential hazard? The next day the Mayor requests a parking study for a new development. How many spaces are needed? The following day you come to the realization that the decade-old revenue control equipment must be replaced. What system is best for your operation? Many of these common events require the assistance of industry experts. Yet in order to hire a professional, many agencies must utilize an RFP or RFI process to comply with mandated regulations. This process can take months to complete. Meanwhile, the problem or issue remains unsolved.

Consider the advantages of a contingency contract for parking consulting services. Under a typical contingency agreement, the consulting organization agrees to provide services to the client upon request based upon a pre-arranged fee structure for a specified period of time, say five years. There is no requirement for the agency to use the consulting firm but when assistance is needed, help is only a phone call away. The months spent implementing the usual RFP process is eliminated. The assistance you need is rendered more quickly. Imagine informing the Mayor that the parking study she requested will commence within a week!

Of course, the selection of a consulting firm for a contingency contract must initially comply with legal regulations regarding such contracts. This process, however, once completed, need not be repeated for several years. By conducting the selection process ahead of actual need, the usual haste of selection and contract administration is eliminated. The process allows for more time to carefully examine the qualifications of those firms submitting a proposal. To provide the best level of service, a consulting firm experienced in multiple aspects of the parking industry is highly recommended. Consider the current and potential needs of your operation. Does the firm provide engineering services to properly evaluate that floor crack? Has the firm conducted parking studies under similar conditions in the past? Is the firm familiar with revenue control equipment and procedures? By selecting a firm with experience in those areas where you may need assistance, you will receive the most benefit from a contingency agreement.

There are two other important advantages of contingency contracts. Budgeting for consulting costs is more accurate since fees are known in advance. After the first one or two assignments, the consulting firm is familiar with your parking operations. Future assignments can often be completed without the need for orientation to your facilities and personnel.

By using a contingency agreement with a qualified consulting firm, you and your organization will be better prepared to face the changes that surely lie ahead.

CEG provides the full range of parking consulting services applicable to assignments of this type. In the past, contingency agreements have been prepared for communities, parking authorities, universities, and parking operators. Such services are now being provided to the cities of Cincinnati and Little Rock and to a private development organization.