States We Have Worked In:

Projects & Experience - Schumaker and Company - map-update

 


Technology Projects
Wayne County Airport Authority - Detroit, Michigan

Provided services to assist the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) Technology Services Division in identifying technology business initiatives and updating its annual five-year technology performance plan at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. This project involved assessing WCAA’s technology and service needs for all 30+ divisions, plus identifying the impact of airport and/or business trends on operations, as a means to identify WCAA’s technology initiatives planned for the next five (5) years.This project involved three consultants, for roughly 276 hours, with project costs of approximately $49,680.

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - Midland, MI

Assisted GLBMW! by providing information technology (IT) evaluation to provide analysis and recommendations on the GLBMW’s IT services; staffing levels, skills, and capabilities; departmental structure; infrastructure and computing resources; metrics and associated performance results, including incorporation of best practices; etc. This assignment involved three consultants and approximately 132 hours for project fees totaling approximately $24,845.M

City of Detroit - Detroit, Michigan

Recommended cost reduction planning and potential revenue enhancement initiatives based on process mapping and analysis of key processes for designated departments (fire and public works). These plans/initiatives address risks associated with implementation, not only within the designated departments, but especially its potential impact on the delivery of services to the residents and surrounding communities. Schumaker & Company conducted on-site analysis using interviews, process team meetings, and other research methods. This project involved six consultants, for roughly 1,350hours, with project costs of approximately $220,000.

Town of Hilton Head Island - Hilton Head, South Carolina

Provided services related to an assessment of the Town of Hilton Head Island’s (Town) current business processes, organization structure, staffing levels, and software that support the management of the Town’s employee information. This study evaluated the performance of the subject organization, staffing, operations, and costs with the intended final result of identifying opportunities for improving / revising / replacing the processes, organization structure, staffing levels, and software. This project involved three consultants, with project hours of roughly 170 hours, with project costs of approximately $24,700.

State of Michigan / Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division - Lansing, Michigan

The State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Division (AQD) needed a thorough and comprehensive assessment of existing systems and processes. Their existing processes seemed inefficient, and their existing systems needed significant improvement. Schumaker & Company delivered a comprehensive business process re-engineering strategy and a high-level project plan for systems redesign efforts. By working closely with AQD staff and understanding their needs, Schumaker & Company was able to outline process improvements, scope system improvements, and deliver a strategy that exceeded expectations.This project involved five consultants, with project costs of approximately $67,820.

City of Dearborn - Dearborn, Michigan

Like many organizations, the City of Dearborn was faced with delivering essential services to its citizens with a reduced level of resources –both financial and human resources. The City was looking to streamline and consolidate its operations, eliminate non-essential services, and optimize overall level of resources involved in achieving its goals. Schumaker & Company provided consulting services to the City’s Technology Committee regarding a definition of the role of the Technology Committee in relation to its five subcommittees, to MIS, and to City administration so that problems are efficiently resolved and progress is steady, definition of the role of the five subcommittees, and establishment of a one-year development plan to carry forward the recommendations of a previously-defined Technology Committee report.

Some of the activities included:

  • Assessed existing technology (hardware and software) and identify upcoming needs.
  • Ranked, grouped, and sequenced identified items/tasks to support these needs and provided expected timelines for work; identified workload for Technology Committee, MIS, and other City departments.
  • Identified current/emergent skill/resource deficiencies and recommended ways to solve them.
  • Specified outsourcing tasks or other methods to achieve the recommendations, as appropriate.
  • Defined roles and the procedures to follow in carrying out the responsibilities of all those tasked in the Technology Committee report, including problem resolution, and provided training.
  • Created a one-year technology development plan.

This project involved four consultants, with project costs of approximately $52,650.

State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - Lansing, Michigan

Reengineered Department of Environmental Quality’s records management and implemented a pilot electronic document management system(EDMS) in the Storage Tank and Environmental Response divisions. Reviewed and documented existing business processes for re-engineering with EDMS. Created file list, file structure and indexing for database of files; established processes and priorities for back file conversion; and established processes for electronic imaging of records going forward. This project involved four consultants and 6 to 10 production interns for project costs of approximately $1.2 million.

State of Michigan Department of Community Health - Lansing, Michigan

Provided project management services to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), as MDCH located a vendor who could provide enrollment, eligibility, pharmacy benefits management services (including claims administration and operations of a point-of-sale system), and clinical management programs for the State’s Elder Prescription Insurance Coverage (EPIC) beneficiaries. Then, following contract award to the vendor, our firm managed implementation activities.

Major steps include:

  • Project planning/schedule development/monitoring
  • Request for proposal analysis and development
  • RFP evaluation, including assessment of bid responses, provision of counsel/advice to joint evaluation committee members, and appeal justification
  • Implementation (project initiation, requirements definition, systems analysis/general design, technical design, development, and operations)

This project involved three consultants, with project costs of approximately $540,000.

State of Michigan - Department of Community Health - Lansing, Michigan

Provided quality assurance and project planning services to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), as MDCH management located a vendor is provide pharmacy benefits management services, including claims administration and operations of a point-of-sale (POS) system, clinical consultation programs, and disease state management programs for the State’s Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS), Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), Refugee Assistance Services (RAS), and State Medical Program (SMP) beneficiaries. Then, following contract award, to monitor implementation activities.

Major steps include:

  • Project planning/schedule development/monitoring
  • RFP analysis and development
  • RFP evaluation, including assessment of bid responses, provision of counsel and advice to joint evaluation committee members, and appeal justification
  • Implementation (project initiation, requirements definition, systems analysis/general design, technical design, development, and operations)

This project involved three consultants, with project costs expected to cost approximately $256,000.

State of Michigan / Department of Community Health, Medicaid Services Administration - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted program staff by developing a request for proposal for Executive Information System (EIS) and Decision Support System (DSS) to analyze and report managed care data on the State’s data warehouse. Helped through initial phases of procurement process. The project fees totaled approximately $12,000.

State of Michigan / Department of Community Health, Medicaid Services Administration - Lansing, Michigan

Provided quality assurance (QA) assistance to the MDCH as it began administration of over 29 medical assistance programs. Initially, provided QA assistance to a multiple department task force established to quickly develop a scope paper and detailed master plan and schedule for implementation of a Medicaid Eligibility Decision Support System. Following this initial 60-day effort, we provided QA services for preliminary design/ implementation steps until the decision was made to move eligibility determination to FIA. Subsequently, we provided QA services for the feasibility analysis of a pre-screening package for local health departments and community agencies. We developed a master QA plan and provided QA support. The project fees for project totaled approximately $90,000.

State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - Lansing, Michigan

Provided an oversight and quality assurance role for the Department of Environmental Quality’s records management program. Xerox was selected as the imaging hardware and software provider for this project, which involves the digital imaging, cataloging, and retention of environmental related documents (documents, engineering drawings, photographs) pertaining to Super Fund projects. The initial phase of this project involved a diagnostic review of the existing situation, identifying issues impeding complete implementation, and suggesting a program for moving the project forward. The project fees for this phase totaled roughly $17,500. Following this phase, we proposed providing implementation support for the Environmental Response and Storage Tank divisions, as well as other divisions and offices, as necessary.

State of Michigan / Department of Treasury, Department of Management & Budget, and Family Independence Agency - Lansing, Michigan

Performed a study of the existing work processes and systems for printing and disbursing State of Michigan warrants, resulting in the following:

  • Review and assessment of the current situation and existing policy, processes, and procedures
  • Findings, conclusions and recommendations, including identification of alternative technologies for enhancing quality, controls, and efficiency of operations
  • Surveys of other organizations
  • Alternatives and associated cost analysis
  • Implementation strategy and plan

This three-month assignment involved six consultants and approximately 1,100 hours for project fees totaling approximately $151,500.

State of Michigan / Consumer & Industry Services Insurance Bureau - Lansing, Michigan

Studied and documented work flows, office space design, policies, procedures, regulations and laws, manual and computer systems, telephone systems, and processes used by the Consumer Assistance Section (CAS) and also interactions with other Bureau organizations. Based on the results of this extensive study and benchmark research into other similar customer service/help desk operations, we recommended ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of CAS operations and also develop performance measures for highlighting changes in operations. The project fees for the assignment totaled approximately $17,500.

Town of Middleborough Gas & Electric Department - Middleborough, Massachusetts

Performed a competitive assessment of the operations of this municipal gas and electric department, which included a management review of all functional areas, benchmarking of major performance indicators in relation to other Massachusetts municipalities and the best practices of other public and investor-owned utilities. Two consultants spent about 300 hours over a four-month period. Subsequently Schumaker & Company has been providing strategic planning and information technology assessment and planning services to this organization. The costs of these projects totaled approximately $150,000.

State of Michigan Family Independence Agency - Lansing, Michigan

Team: Patricia Schumaker
Acted as quality assurance monitor for a 150-person systems group responsible for developing, operating, and supporting the Child Support Enforcement System (CSES) in Lansing and at Michigan’s county offices. Helped develop plans and begin implementation to migrate towards newer technology from an old character-based application running on mainframe computers. Developed analysis documents discussing strengths, weaknesses, and responsiveness of CSES activities, work products, and deliverables. Provided assistance in identifying testing requirements and developing test plans. Performed analysis of all existing hardware, software and personnel contracts, including compliance with contract terms. Helped prepare and evaluate ITB or statement of work documents for solicitation of vendors. The project fees totaled approximately $305,000.

State of Michigan Department of Labor - Lansing, Michigan

Performed an organizational structure and management review of the Bureau of Departmental Services within the Department of Labor to identify inefficiencies and redundancies within the work flows between the Office of Budget, Finance, and Administrative Services and the Office of Technology and Information Systems. We also made numerous recommendations for streamlining operations. This six-month assignment involved two consultants and approximately 400 hours. During a follow-up project, we developed a framework for implementing bureau-wide procedures.

Various Utility Organizations on Behalf of State Regulatory Commissions

With advances in the field of information technology, utilities have become increasingly dependent on their information systems to support and perform theirbusiness processes. As such, the adequacy of the installed systems to perform the required tasks is critical to the effectiveness and efficiency of the utility’s operations. Additionally, utilities spend large amounts of money each year to upgrade, maintain, and operate their internal IT systems. It is important that this money is well spent and is producing the required results at an economic level of expense. Among other issues, Schumaker & Company has evaluated the information technology (IT) function regarding its role in supporting operations and providing adequate and timely management information and data, assessed short-and long-range planning processes and methods by which the IT organization evaluates performance against plan to determine whether these plans support overall company goals and objectives, and reviewed policies and procedures by which IT services (including hardware, software, communication lines, office systems, and technical support) are allocated to users.

Examples of utility organizations where Schumaker & Company performed a review and assessment of technology for the state regulatory commission include:

  • ALLTEL Pennsylvania/ALLTEL
  • Commonwealth Telephone Company
  • Equitable Gas Company/EQT
  • Jersey Central Power & Light Company/FirstEnergy
  • Kentucky-American Water Company/American Water
  • Kingsport Power Company/AEP
  • National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
  • PECO Energy Company/Exelon
  • Pennsylvania-American Water Company/American Water
  • Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company
  • Pennsylvania Power & Light Company
  • Philadelphia Gas Works
  • Philadelphia Suburban Water Company/PA Enterprises
  • Union Light Heat & Power
  • West Texas Utilities Company/CSW
  • Western Kentucky Gas Company/ATMOS

Individual references can be provided upon request.


State & Local Government
State of Washington Whistleblower Program - Olympia, WA

Assisted the Washington Office of Financial Management(OFM) to perform a performance audit of the WashingtonState Employee Whistleblower Program (Whistleblower Program) in which focus areas included: whether the program was acquiring, protecting and using its resources such as personnel, property and space economically and efficiently; the cause of inefficiencies or uneconomical practices; whether the program has complied with laws and rules on matters of economy and efficiency; the extent to which the desired results or benefits established by the legislature are being achieved; the effectiveness of the program; whether the staff has complied with significant laws and rules applicable to the program; and the appropriate procedures were in place to ensure confidentiality of the source documents. This assignment involved three consultants and approximately 196 hours for approximately $44,956.

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - Midland, MI

Assisted GLBMW! by providing information technology (IT) evaluation to provide analysis and recommendations on the GLBMW’s IT services; staffing levels, skills, and capabilities; departmental structure; infrastructure and computing resources; metrics and associated performance results, including incorporation of best practices; etc. This assignment involved three consultants and approximately 132 hours for project fees totaling approximately $24,845.

State of Michigan Department of Treasury - Lansing, Michigan

Provided a business process review (BPR)of sales and use tax audits/processing for the Michigan Department of Treasury to provide a higher level of service to Treasury customers and Michigan citizens, while reducing costs and gaining efficiencies. Schumaker & Company reviewed internal Treasury’s sales and use tax audit and processing processes in the Tax Compliance Bureau (TCB), and processes in other State departments, which impacted TCB’s activities. This one-year assignment involved four consultants and approximately 1,342 hours for project fees totaling approximately $204,966.

City of Ann Arbor Housing Commission - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Provided services to assist the Ann Arbor Housing Commission (AAHC) in an operational assessment with an emphasis on financial decisions involving the organization. Specifically, Schumaker & Company performed three key assessments: 1) a high-level analysis of the existing organization structure of services involving major areas of AAHC operations; 2) an evaluation of the present staffing structure for appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations; and 3) an assessment of department processes for improved effectiveness and efficiencies with a goal to create an organizational climate of empowerment and accountability. Schumaker & Company identified potential organizational, staffing, business process, and technology changes for consideration by AAHC management. A five-year strategic plan was addressed and a final report written. This project involved five consultants, for roughly 744 hours, with project costs of approximately $117,040.

State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation - Lansing, Michigan

Provided services to assist in an independent program assessment of the State of Michigan, Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR), Mortgage Examination and Investigation Section. Schumaker & Company provided research to identify and describe characteristics of six state mortgage regulatory programs and assessed current complaint-based approaches versus routine examination approach on 36/48 month cycle. We identified quantitative data to be captured and developed a tool for OFIR to process the data for measuring the impact of additional staffing in reducing predatory lending practices and recommended action plans to implement given those findings. This project involved two consultants, for roughly 140 hours, with project costs of approximately $24,850.

Wayne County Airport Authority - Detroit, Michigan

Provided services to assist the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) Technology Services Division in identifying technology business initiatives and updating its annual five-year technology performance plan at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County and Willow Run airports. This project involved assessing WCAA’s technology and service needs for all 30+ divisions, plus identifying the impact of airport and/or business trends on operations, as a means to identify WCAA’s technology initiatives planned for the next five (5) years.This project involved three consultants, for roughly 276 hours, with project costs of approximately $49,680.

State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation - Lansing, Michigan

Conducted an assessment of the operational and managerial aspects of the Office of General Counsel for the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR). Interviews with key management personnel for on-site analysis consisted of reviews of the organization and chief processes for which each key person was responsible, as well as discussions of any areas of particular interest. A well balanced report that reflected both areas which hold opportunity for operational and financial improvement and those areas which demonstrate exemplary management and operation effectiveness was written and delivered. This project involved three consultants, for roughly 140 hours, with project costs of approximately $24,850.

City of Detroit - Detroit, Michigan

For the City of Detroit, recommended cost reduction planning and potential revenue enhancement initiatives based on process mapping and analysis of key processes for designated departments (fire and public works). These plans/initiatives address risks associated with implementation, not only within the designated departments, but especially its potential impact on the delivery of services to the residents and surrounding communities. Schumaker & Company conducted on-site analysis using interviews, process team meetings, and other research methods. This project involved six consultants, for roughly 1,350hours, with project costs of approximately $220,000.

Town of Hilton Head Island - Hilton Head, South Carolina

Provided services related to an assessment of the Town of Hilton Head Island’s (Town) current business processes, organization structure, staffing levels, and software that support the management of the Town’s employee information to evaluate the performance of the subject organization, staffing, operations, and costs with the intended final result of identifying opportunities for improving/revising/replacing the processes, organization structure, staffing levels, and software.This project involved three consultants, with project hours of roughly 170 hours, with project costs of approximately $24,700.

City of Dearborn - Dearborn, Michigan

Like many organizations, the City of Dearborn was faced with delivering essential services to its citizens with a reduced level of resources –both financial and human resources. The City was looking to streamline and consolidate its operations, eliminate non-essential services, and optimize overall level of resources involved in achieving its goals.

Schumaker & Company provided services for two separate departments on independent projects as follows:

  • Provided consulting services to the City’s Technology Committee regarding a definition of the role of the Technology Committee in relation to its five subcommittees, to MIS, and to City administration so that problems are efficiently resolved and progress is steady, definition of the role of the five subcommittees, and establishment of a one-year development plan to carry forward the recommendations of a previously-defined Technology Committee report. This project involved three consultants, with project costs of approximately $52,650.
  • Performed an operations review and assessment of the Assessor’s Office involving a review of staffing responsibility, skills, and performance, establishing guidelines, and engaging departmental staff in operating practices, standards, procedures, etc. This project involved three consultants, with project costs of approximately $23,150.
  • Performed an operations review and assessment of Camp Dearborn that included reviewing all key positions, evaluating staffing levels, reviewing operating revenues and expenditures and business policies, and more. This project involved four consultants, with project costs of approximately $37,400.
City of Dearborn - Dearborn, Michigan

Like many organizations, the City of Dearborn was faced with delivering essential services to its citizens with a reduced level of resources –both financial and human resources. The City was looking to streamline and consolidate its operations, eliminate non-essential services, and optimize overall level of resources involved in achieving its goals. Schumaker & Company provided consulting services to the City’s Technology Committee regarding a definition of the role of the Technology Committee in relation to its five subcommittees, to MIS, and to City administration so that problems are efficiently resolved and progress is steady, definition of the role of the five subcommittees, and establishment of a one-year development plan to carry forward the recommendations of a previously-defined Technology Committee report.

Some of the activities included:

  • Assessed existing technology (hardware and software) and identify upcoming needs.
  • Ranked, grouped, and sequenced identified items/tasks to support these needs and provided expected timelines for work; identified workload for Technology Committee, MIS, and other City departments.
  • Identified current/emergent skill/resource deficiencies and recommended ways to solve them.
  • Specified outsourcing tasks or other methods to achieve the recommendations, as appropriate.
  • Defined roles and the procedures to follow in carrying out the responsibilities of all those tasked in the Technology Committee report, including problem resolution, and provided training.
  • Created a one-year technology development plan.

This project involved three consultants, with project costs of approximately $52,650.

City of Dearborn - Dearborn, Michigan

Like many organizations, the City of Dearborn was faced with delivering essential services to its citizens with a reduced level of resources –both financial and human resources. The City was looking to streamline and consolidate its operations, eliminate non-essential services, and optimize overall level of resources involved in achieving its goals.

Schumaker & Company performed an operations review and assessment of the Assessor’s Office that focused on the following:

  • Compared the operation with other municipal governments of like size and service mix, and identified differences in responsibilities.
  • Accounted for staffing by responsibility and compared the communities.
  • Reviewed staff skills alignment for handling emergent responsibilities for the department.
  • Engaged departmental staff in operational review and challenged them on current operating practices, standards, procedures, etc.
  • Identified opportunities for advancing performance and saving money.
  • Established guidelines for sharing an employee with another department.
  • Coordinated departments with similar informational needs.

This project involved three consultants, with project costs of approximately $23,150.

City of Dearborn - Dearborn, Michigan

Like many organizations, the City of Dearborn was faced with delivering essential services to its citizens with a reduced level of resources –both financial and human resources. The City was looking to streamline and consolidate its operations, eliminate non-essential services, and optimize overall level of resources involved in achieving its goals.

Schumaker & Company performed an operations review and assessment of Camp Dearborn that focused on the following:

  • Reviewed all key positions (full-time and part-time) through job descriptions, chain of command analysis, and interviews with Camp Dearborn and Recreation Administration staff.
  • Evaluated the adequacy of current staffing levels in terms of ability to deliver needed services.
  • Reviewed operating revenues and expenditures and business policies and guidelines.
  • Conducted a benchmark review of Camp Dearborn with venues similar in size, capacity, and recreational opportunities.
  • Reviewed the Camp Dearborn task force report and evaluated the task force’s observations and recommended re-development plans/goals.
  • Reviewed and evaluated the five-phase Camp Dearborn re-development financial analysis/site plan and reviewed the current capital improvement plan.
  • Evaluated current service delivery methods and technologies; made recommendations on outsourcing of maintenance operations and/or property management.
  • Evaluated potential leasing opportunities for sections of the property or the entire property and provided a general assessment of the present and potential future real estate/property market value of Camp Dearborn.

This project involved four consultants, with project costs of approximately $37,400.

State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division - Lansing, Michigan

The State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Division (AQD) needed a thorough and comprehensive assessment of existing systems and processes. Their existing processes seemed inefficient, and their existing systems needed significant improvement. We delivered a comprehensive business process re-engineering strategy and a high-level project plan for systems redesign efforts. By working closely with AQD staff and understanding their needs, Schumaker & Company was able to outline process improvements, scope system improvements, and deliver a strategy that exceeded expectations.This project involved five consultants, with project costs of approximately $67,820.

State of Michigan Michigan State Police Communications Division - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted Michigan State Police (MSP) in developing an objective needs assessment and an overall financial disbursement strategy for the specific monies collected under the authority of Public Act 78 of 1999, Section 409(E), specifically the Wireless E911 $.03 Priority Fund, whose monies were collected over a two-year timeframe. Assisted in developing a strategy for the disbursement of these monies to provide appropriate funding for identified and needed services, initiatives, and products; developed criteria for selection and evaluated proposals from the public safety answer point (PSAP) community for disbursement of funds; and recommended proposals for consideration by the Michigan Legislature. This project involved five consultants, with project costs of approximately $145,000.

State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - Lansing, Michigan

Reengineered Department of Environmental Quality’s records management and implemented a pilot electronic document management system (EDMS) in the Storage Tank and Environmental Response divisions. Reviewed and documented existing business processes for re-engineering with EDMS. Created file list, file structure and indexing for database of files; established processes and priorities for back file conversion; and established processes for electronic imaging of records going forward. This project involved four consultants and 6 to 10 production interns for project costs of approximately $1.2 million.

State of Michigan Department of Community Health - Lansing, Michigan

Provided project management services to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), as MDCH located a vendor who could provide enrollment, eligibility, pharmacy benefits management services (including claims administration and operations of a point-of-sale system), and clinical management programs for the State’s Elder Prescription Insurance Coverage (EPIC) beneficiaries. Then, following contract award to the vendor, our firm managed implementation activities.

Major steps include:

  • Project planning/schedule development/monitoring
  • Request for proposal analysis and development
  • RFP evaluation, including assessment of bid responses, provision of counsel/advice to joint evaluation committee members, and appeal justification
  • Implementation (project initiation, requirements definition, systems analysis/general design, technical design, development, and operations)

This project involved three consultants, with project costs of approximately $540,000.

 

State of Michigan Department of Community Health - Lansing, Michigan

Provided quality assurance and project planning services to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), as MDCH management located a vendor is provide pharmacy benefits management services, including claims administration and operations of a point-of-sale (POS) system, clinical consultation programs, and disease state management programs for the State’s Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS), Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), Refugee Assistance Services (RAS), and State Medical Program (SMP) beneficiaries. Then, following contract award, to monitor implementation activities.

Major steps include:

  • Project planning/schedule development/ monitoring
  • RFP analysis and development
  • RFP evaluation, including assessment of bid responses, provision of counsel and advice to joint evaluation committee members, and appeal justification
  • Implementation (project initiation, requirements definition, systems analysis/general design, technical design, development, and operations)

This project involved three consultants, with project costs expected to cost approximately $256,000.

 

State of Michigan Department of Community Health/ Medicaid Services Administration - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted work group in identifying, reporting, and monitoring issues associated with transition of the Medicaid eligibility determination processing to Family Independence Agency staff. The project fees totaled approximately $12,000.

State of Michigan/ Department of Community Health, Medicaid Services Administration - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted program staff by developing a request for proposal for Executive Information System (EIS) and Decision Support System (DSS) to analyze and report managed care data on the State’s data warehouse. Helped through initial phases of procurement process. The project fees totaled approximately $12,000.

State of Michigan/Department of Community Health/ Medicaid Services Administration - Lansing, Michigan

Provided quality assurance (QA) assistance to the MDCH as it began administration of over 29 medical assistance programs. Initially, provided QA assistance to a multiple department task force established to quickly develop a scope paper and detailed master plan and schedule for implementation of a Medicaid Eligibility Decision Support System. Following this initial 60-day effort, we provided QA services for preliminary design/ implementation steps until the decision was made to move eligibility determination to FIA. Subsequently, we provided QA services for the feasibility analysis of a pre-screening package for local health departments and community agencies. We developed a master QA plan and provided QA support. The project fees for project totaled approximately $90,000.

State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - Lansing, Michigan

Providing an oversight and quality assurance role for the Department of Environmental Quality’s records management program. Xerox was selected as the imaging hardware and software provider for this project, which involves the digital imaging, cataloging, and retention of environmental related documents (documents, engineering drawings, photographs) pertaining to Super Fund projects. The initial phase of this project involved a diagnostic review of the existing situation, identifying issues impeding complete implementation, and suggesting a program for moving the project forward. The project fees for this phase totaled roughly $17,500. Following this phase, we proposed providing implementation support for the Environmental Response and Storage Tank divisions, as well as other divisions and offices, as necessary.

State of Michigan/Department of Treasury, Department of Management & Budget, and Family Independence Agency - Lansing, Michigan

Performed a study of the existing work processes and systems for printing and disbursing State of Michigan warrants, resulting in the following:

  • Review and assessment of the current situation and existing policy, processes, and procedures
  • Findings, conclusions and recommendations, including identification of alternative technologies for enhancing quality, controls, and efficiency of operations
  • Surveys of other organizations
  • Alternatives and associated cost analysis
  • Implementation strategy and plan

This three-month assignment involved six consultants and approximately 1,100 hours for project fees totaling approximately $151,500.

State of Michigan Consumer & Industry Services Insurance Bureau - Lansing, Michigan

Studied and documented the work flows, office space design, policies, procedures, regulations and laws, manual and computer systems, telephone systems, and processes used by the Consumer Assistance Section (CAS) and also interactions with other Bureau organizations. Based on the results of this extensive study and benchmark research into other similar customer service/help desk operations, recommended ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of CAS operations and also develop performance measures for highlighting changes in operations. The project fees for the assignment totaled approximately $17,500.

State of Michigan Family Independence Agency - Lansing, Michigan

Acted as quality assurance monitor for a 150-person systems group responsible for developing, operating, and supporting the Child Support Enforcement System (CSES) in Lansing and at Michigan’s county offices. Helped develop plans and begin implementation to migrate towards newer technology from an old character-based application running on mainframe computers. Developed analysis documents discussing strengths, weaknesses, and responsiveness of CSES activities, work products, and deliverables. Provided assistance in identifying testing requirements and developing test plans. Performed analysis of all existing hardware, software and personnel contracts, including compliance with contract terms. Helped prepare and evaluate ITB or statement of work documents for solicitation of vendors. The project fees totaled approximately $305,000.

State of Michigan Department of Management and Budget - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted the Michigan Administrative Information Network (MAIN) organization in its strategic planning activities, including identifying its customers and their needs, and developing its purpose, mission, goals, and objectives. The project fees totaled approximately $4,000.

State of Michigan Department of Labor Business Enterprise Program - Lansing, Michigan

Performed a financial compliance review of the operations for a random sample of participants in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). Identified problems in the financial reporting procedures and provided recommendations for improvement. We interviewed participants, examined their financial records, and drew conclusions about the program from the resulting database. This six-month assignment involved two consultants and approximately 400 hours for a total project cost of approximately $27,300.

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted the Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority in its strategic planning activities, including developing its purpose, mission, goals, and objectives. The project fees totaled approximately $2,500.

State of Michigan Department of Labor - Lansing, Michigan

Performed an organizational structure and management review of the Bureau of Departmental Services within the Department of Labor to identify inefficiencies and redundancies within the work flows between the Office of Budget, Finance, and Administrative Services and the Office of Technology and Information Systems. We also made numerous recommendations for streamlining operations. This six-month assignment involved two consultants and approximately 400 hours. During a follow-up project, we developed a framework for implementing bureau-wide procedures.

State of Michigan Department of Corrections - Lansing, Michigan

Performed an organizational structure and management review of the Michigan State Industries (MSI) program and assisted with its strategic planning. This program encompassed a central office in Lansing, three regional offices, and 32 factories at 20 prisons throughout Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas. In mid-1992, MSI employed 172 civilian employees (124 at factory locations) and 1,152 prisoners. Products manufactured by MSI included wood and metal furniture, shoes, vinyl, textiles, cartons, motor vehicle license plates and tabs, highway signs, mattresses, garments, paints and janitorial supplies, brushes and brooms, lumber, and farm products. Services provided include laundry, machine shop and industrial maintenance, and data processing. As a result of our review, comprised of approximately 500 hours of effort and $28,000 in fees, substantial modifications occurred, including a structural reorganization. Additional follow-up work occurred to assess and evaluate selected factories.

State of Michigan Department of Agriculture - Lansing, Michigan

Performed a needs assessment and requirements definition, specification, and design of an administrative support information system. The system served the accounting analysis, budget monitoring and tracking, and personnel analysis areas, and a horse breeders’ award program. The project fees totaled approximately $15,000.


Telecommunications Projects
Frontier Communications of West Virginia - Charleston, Virginia

Performed a focused management audit of Frontier West Virginia Inc. & Citizens Telecommunications Company of West Virginia dba Frontier Communications of West Virginia, including evaluation of:

  • Current status and condition of Frontier’s copper network in West Virginia
  • Adequacy of Frontier’s staffing levels dedicated to the copper network in West Virginia
  • Adequacy of Frontier’s capital investment in the copper network since July 2010 for West Virginia
  • Evaluation of the adequacy of Frontier’s policies and procedures impacting the quality of service in West Virginia
  • Adequacy of the service quality metrics
  • Impact of the declining West Virginia customer base on internal cash flow from Frontier Operations, relative to historic and current copper infrastructure maintenance and capital expenditures
  • Impact of Frontier’s current union bargaining agreements and the ongoing relations between management and labor on customer service quality and response timing.

This assignment involved six consultants over roughly 1,674 hours during a 8-month effort, for a total project cost of $457,259.

Verizon New York - New York, New York

As a subcontractor, Schumaker & Company consultants held Project Manager, Lead Consultant, and Senior Consultant positions to perform a review and evaluation of Verizon NY’s efforts to provide retail service quality that consistently met the requirements of the New York telephone service standards, as required by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), for the Office of Telecommunications, New York Office of Public Services. In February 2002, the PSC ordered Verizon NY to institute a retail service quality plan, so named the Verizon Incentive Plan (VIP). After comparing 2002 service results with the same period in 2003, results generally declined and the PSC ordered an investigation to be conducted to review Verizon NY’s retail service quality effort from four perspectives: performance, analysis, capital expenditures and maintenance, and best practices.Analyzed, documented, and verified, through findings based on identifiable and measurable information and data, to ensure that Verizon NY’s existing service quality plans and practices of the five VIP service objectives (customer trouble report rate, percent out of service over 24 hours, percent installation completed in five days, PSC complaints, and outliers), NY telephone service standards, and company guidelines meet applicable service quality performance standards, including reasonably foreseeable events and contingencies. Developed and documented recommendations to improve or modify these service quality practices and/or plans where existing plans and practices were not sufficient to ensure that applicable standards were met. Reviewed Verizon NY’s processes for service quality performance and its employees, technology, and work processes related to the planning, design, construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and delivery of product to retail customers within Verizon NY’s service territory. This one-year assignment involved 12consultants (of which Schumaker & Company provided five) and required over 6,900 hours for a total project cost of approximately $1,600,000, in which Schumaker & Company’s share was approximately $720,000.

Verizon Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As a DCI subcontractor, performed a review and evaluation of Verizon PA’s performance metrics and related remedies, as required by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC). The PaPUC supported Verizon PA’s application for Section 271 relief (i.e. authorization for offering long distance service within its serving area), based on satisfactory performance with respect to the FCC’s 14 check list items, which define areas in which incumbent local exchange carriers must demonstrate that they have irrevocably opened their markets to local competition by providing non-discriminatory support to competitive local exchange carriers.The PaPUC ordered the investigation to be conducted one year after approval of Verizon PA’s Section 271 application. Reviewed Verizon PA’s processes for performance metric development (pre-ordering, ordering, provisioning, maintenance/repair, network performance, billing, operator services, and general standards) from source system inputs (including operational support systems and manual data input) to the data mart, where performance reporting occurred. Examined the utility’s underlying information and operations support systems that provided data for use in calculating the performance metrics and remedies. Obtained the source information from Verizon and attempted to replicate the information and calculations in a separate data warehouse using various technologies, such as Oracle 8i, SAS, and Microsoft SQL server tools. Developed computer code to represent the C2C performance metrics and worked with Verizon PA and the PaPUC to resolve differences identified. Also ran comparisons, compiled, and documented results for pre-ordering and maintenance/repair metrics. This five-month assignment involved 15consultants (of which Schumaker & Company provided six) and required over 4,700 hours for a total project cost of approximately $990,000.

Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, SBC Ameritech Indiana and Other Settling Parties - Indianapolis, Indiana

Performed a service quality performance review of SBC Ameritech Indiana after it experienced significant service quality performance problems during the year 2000, especially as related to service provision to residential and small business customers. These problems prompted an investigation by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and other parties, including the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counsel, Citizen’s Action Coalition of Indiana, Inc., United Senior Action of Indiana, Inc., and the AARP(collectively referred to as the Settling Parties), which resulted in this review. Analyzed, documented, and verified, through findings based on identifiable and measurable information and data, that Ameritech Indiana’s existing service quality plans and practices ensure that out-of-service repairs, new installations of primary service, repair center speed of answer, and business office speed of answer meet applicable service quality performance standards, including reasonably foreseeable events and contingencies. Developed and documented recommendations to improve or modify these service quality practices and/or plans where existing plans and practices were not sufficient to ensure that applicable standards were met. Focused on Ameritech Indiana’s service quality performance and its employees, technology, and work processes related to the planning, design, construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and delivery of primary telephone service to residential and small business customers within Ameritech Indiana’s service territory, including network/outside plant, call center operations, and related management functions (including, but not limited to, the accuracy of business forecasting of customer demand, and the recruitment and training of needed personnel). This six-month project involved seven consultants and 2,000 hours for a total project cost of $446,971.

State of Michigan, Michigan State Police, Communications Division - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted Michigan State Police by developing a needs assessment and overall financial disbursement strategy for the specific monies collected under the authority of Public Act 78 of 1999, Section 409(E), specifically the Wireless E911 $.03 Priority Fund, whose monies were collected over a 2-year timeframe. Developed a strategy for disbursement of these monies to provide appropriate funding for identified and needed services, initiatives, and products; developed selection criteria and evaluated proposals from the public safety answer point (PSAP) community for disbursement of funds; and recommended proposals for consideration by the Michigan Legislature. This project involved five consultants, with costs of approximately $145,000.

ALLTEL Pennsylvania - Kittanning, Pennsylvania

For the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, performed a stratified management and operations review focusing on functions and activities performed by ALLTEL PA, its associated companies (ALLTEL Telephone Service Corporation, ALLTEL Corporate Services, ALLTEL Supply, ALLTEL Publishing), and its parent company (ALLTEL Corporation). We also reviewed staffing plans and levels; diversity/EEO; and affiliate relationships and transactions with other ALLTEL companies. Services provided primarily by affiliated companies are administrative, technology, and procurement functions and activities. This 7-month project involved 11consultants and 2,000 hours of work for a total project cost of $342,000.

Commonwealth Telephone Company - Dallas, Pennsylvania

For the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, performed a stratified management audit of Commonwealth Telephone Company involving a diagnostic review of all company operations, followed by an in-depth review of nine pre-identified issues and an in-depth investigation of any problematic areas identified in the diagnostic phase. This 12-month assignment involved 12 consultants and 3,000 hours for a total project cost of approximately $315,700.

Illinois Bell Telephone Company - Chicago, Illinois

For the Illinois Commerce Commission, performed a focused review of affiliate relationships between IBT and its affiliates: Ameritech Corporate, Ameritech Services, Inc., Ameritech Information Systems, Inc., and Bell Communications Research, Inc. (Bellcore). Involved a comprehensive review of all activities by these affiliates, focused on the cost assessment, value assessment, and impact assessment of these relationships on Illinois ratepayers, as well as an assessment of IBT’s billings to its various affiliates. Testified before the ICC on our findings and conclusions. Schumaker & Companywas a subcontractor on this assignment.

USWEST - 14 Western States

For the National Regulatory Research Institute, conducted regulatory impact reviews of two affiliate companies of USWEST. These studies, performed from a regulatory perspective, examined the effect on rates and ratepayers of the operations and allocations from both companies in each of the 14 states affected by these operations. Addressed various aspects of the affiliated relationships and transactions between two unregulated USWEST affiliates –USWEST, Inc. and Advanced Technologies, Inc. –and the effect of these transactions on USWEST Communications ratepayers. Developed a computerized regulatory impact model for use by the project team and the 14 states in analyzing the impact from modifying methodologies used. This ten-month assignment involved six consultants and more than 6,000 hours fora total project cost of $622,000.

New England Telephone Company - Boston, Massachusetts

For the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, performed a focused management review of New England Telephone’s affiliate transactions, including 10 to 12 different entities that account for almost $1 billion annually. Several of NET’s support functions (information systems, methods and procedures, purchasing and materials management, legal, and others) were being provided through affiliated companies. Other products and services also were provided by affiliates, including research and development activities. Our review examined the affiliate service cost structure to pinpoint areas for potential cost savings. The Department of Public Utilities and NET accepted all of our 43 recommendations. One recommendation led NET to establish a revised mechanism for reporting to each of the state commissions within the five-state region. This eight-month assignment involved eight consultants and required over 4,000 hours for a total project cost of approximately $440,000.


Electric Utility Industry Projects
Evergy/Kansas City Power & Light Company - Kansas City, Missouri

Performed a management audit of affiliate relationships and transactions, including direct charges and cost allocations involving Kansas City Power & Light Company, Greater Missouri Operations, and Westar Energy, Inc., including compliance to the Affiliate Transaction Rule (4 CSR 240-20.015), plus other reasonably used methodologies of other utilities. This assignment involved four consultants over roughly 1,048 hours during a 9-month effort, for a total project cost of $291,347

Consolidated Edison Company (CECONY & O&R) - New York City, New York - Avangrid (NYSEG & RG&E) - Orange, Connecticut

The New York State Public Service Commission(NYSPSC) has directed that an independent third-party consultant be retained to perform consulting services by assisting the New York State Department of Public Service(NYSDPS)to investigate the income tax accounting of certain New York State utilities, including Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY) and Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), and New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E).

Long Island Power Authority - Uniondale, NY

Assisted LIPA in the evaluation and review of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the safety initiatives of LIPA’s Service Provider, PSEG Long Island, LLC (PSEG-LI), including its safety standards and procedures. This assignment involved three consultants over roughly 538.5 hours during a 6-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $159,018.04.

Arizona Public Service Company - Phoenix, AZ

Assisted Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) in the matter of a fuel and purchased power procurement audit of theArizona Public Service Company(APS), which included an audit of APS fuel clause filings and APS’ policies, practices, procedures, rules, accounting practices, and cost allocations, including reports, audits, analyses , and opinions of third party entities, agencies , and auditors who have reviewed relevant aspects of APS’ business operations. Focus areas included: coal costs and plant operations, gas for electric power production, nuclear fuel expense, purchased power expense and sales for resale, fuel clause computations, and fuel clause related policies, procedures, rule, cost allocations and manuals. This assignment involved three consultants over roughly 352 hours during a 4-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $94,866.

Duke Energy Kentucky - Cincinnati, Ohio

Assisted Duke Energy Kentucky (DEK) with an affiliate management audit in response to the necessity of an affiliate management audit of DEK every two years as ordered by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (KPSC) in Case No. 2005-00228.In 2006, Cinergy Corp., the parent company of Union Light, Heat and Power Company, subsequently re-named Duke Energy Kentucky, merged with Duke Energy Corporation. As part of its approval of the merger, the KPSC established forty-six merger commitments in Case No. 2005-00228, of which three (3), specifically Commitments 11-proper accounting of costs, 12-maintaining appropriate cost allocation procedures and committing to third-party audits, and 13-protecting against cross-subsidization specifically related directly to this audit. Schumaker & Company consultants looked for economies, efficiencies, or improvements to benefit DEK and its ratepayers.This assignment involved five consultants over roughly 296 hours during an 8-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $63,574.

Duke Energy Indiana - Indianapolis, Indiana

Provided an affiliate standards audit of Duke Energy Indiana, Inc. (DEI)for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). This audit was required by the approved Settlement Agreement in CauseNo. 42873 (Settlement) concerning affiliate company transactions, including compliance with the affiliate standards approved in Cause No. 42873, such as the training and controls that DEI has in place to prevent affiliate cross-subsidization. Schumaker & Company consultants focused on key areas and associated deliverables while allowing for more in-depth analysis of those areas that held opportunity for improvements.The initial assignment reviewing the 2011 period involved five consultants during an11-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $75,755.The extension for reviewing the 2013 time period had a total project cost of approximately $68,769.

City of Tacoma Department of Public Utilities, Light Division - Tacoma, Washington

Assisted the City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, Light Division (dba Tacoma Power) with a comprehensive review and assessment of its Transmission and Distribution (T&D) management and operation practices. Schumaker & Company applied an enterprise performance management approach that emphasized the relationship between service levels and costs. The mission of the enterprise was to provide good service at the lowest long-term total cost. Further, every enterprise management team had the responsibility to develop, implement and execute a performance management program that delivers measurable good service at the lowest long-term total cost. The Schumaker & Company approach evaluated the service and cost performances of Tacoma Power’s T&D Section and recommended improvements in service levels as appropriate and cost reductions as practical.This assignment involved four consultants over roughly 688hours for a total project cost of $177,278.

Massachusetts Electric Company/Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid (National Grid), NSTAR Electric Company (NSTAR), and Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) - Boston, Massachusetts

Provided the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Utilities (DPU) staff on three DPU adjudications investigating the emergency preparation and restoration of service following storms by the electric distribution utilities in Massachusetts, specifically Massachusetts Electric Company and Nantucket Electric Company d/b/a National Grid (National Grid), NSTAR Electric Company (NSTAR),and Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo).

Our inquiry in these matters focused on the companies’ compliance with the DPU’s performance standards for emergency preparedness and restoration of service, including:

  • Preparation for and management of the restoration efforts with respect to Tropical Storm Irene and/or the October 2011 Snowstorm
  • Allocation of company resources in the affected communities
  • Communications with state, municipal, and public safety officials and with the DPU
  • Dissemination of timely information to the public
  • Identification of company practices that require improvement, if any

This assignment involved two consultants over roughly 670hours during a 7-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $170,921.

State of Maine Public Advocate - Augusta, Maine

Provided regulatory and litigation support to the Maine Public Advocate regarding Bangor Hydro-Electric Company’s and Maine Public Service Company’s request for exemptions and for reorganization approvals (Docket No. 2010-170).This assignment involved two consultants over roughly 106hours for a total project cost of $25,000.

State of Maine Public Advocate - Augusta, Maine

Provided regulatory and litigation support to the Maine Public Advocate regarding Central Maine Power Company’s (CMP’s) credit and collection policies and standard offer uncollectible balances (Docket No. 2010-327).The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)staff has made a preliminary determination that CMP’s actions led to a significant increase in its uncollectible balances and that some of its actions were imprudent.Specifically, the Public Advocate required expert consulting services to assist his staff in 1) evaluating the questions presented by the MPUC’s notice of investigation and the staff bench analysis in this proceeding; 2) evaluating CMP’s response to a bench analysis filed on June 24, 2011; and 3) presenting evidence and recommendations before the MPUC and/or advice to the Public Advocate regarding these questions.This assignment involved two consultants over roughly 108hours for a total project cost of $25,000.

Nova Scotia Power Incorporated - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Assisted Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI) in undertaking an audit to examine the solid fuel inventory management function and provide meaningful recommendations for improvement. The review addressed adherence to good utility practice and consistency with the policies and procedures governing fuel management as described in the NSPI Fuel Manual. The scope of the audit included testing the assertions of existence and valuation and an examination of access control for NSPI’s coal inventory. The process audited spanned the receipt of the physical inventory through to financial reporting, with a particular focus on adjustments and/or discrepancies between the physical inventory and the inventory records.This assignment involved four consultants over roughly 336hours for a total project cost of approximately $79,960 ($77,787Cdn).

Michigan Public Service Commission, Regulated Energy Division - Lansing, Michigan

Assisted the Regulated Energy Division of the Michigan Public Service Commission by verifying that the requirements of Section 11, Public Act No. 286 of 2008 are being satisfied beginning with rate case orders issued after January 1, 2009 for each electric utility in the state, including Detroit Edison, Consumers Energy, Upper Peninsula Power Company, Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Alpena Power Company, Indiana Michigan Power, Northern States Power Company, and Wisconsin Public ServiceCorporation.Regulated energy utilities file rate cases with the Commission for approval. The Commission issues an order after reviewing the testimony and exhibits of the utility, interveners and the Commission staff. Subsection (1) of Section 11 of PA 286 requires the Commission to phase in electric rates equal to the cost of providing service to each customer class over a period of five years from the effective date of this act unless an exception is met. Therefore, for each regulated electric utility with more than one million retail customers (Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison), the MPSC is phasing in electric rates equal to the cost of providing service to each customer class before October 2013. For each regulated electric utility with less than one million retail customers (all others in Michigan), as mentioned in Subsection (2) as an exception, the phase-in period for cost-of-service rates can exceed five years.

El Paso Electric Company - El Paso, Texas

Assisted the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) staff in a prudence review and audit of the fuel and purchased power cost adjustment clause (fuel clause) and related documentation of the electric business operations of El Paso Electric Company (EPE), specifically to provide professional auditing and prudence review services of EPE’s fuel and purchased power costs, fuel clause filings and related documentation for the period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. This review investigated whether EPE’s calculation of the fuel clause was accurate and the costs included in the fuel clause included only allowed costs and EPE’s current accounting and internal control policies, management practices, and operational procedures, as they pertain to EPE’s administration of the fuel clause, were effective and met related requirements.This assignment involved seven consultants over roughly 1,448hours for a total project cost of approximately $309,126.

Jersey Central Power & Light - Morristown, New Jersey

Assisted the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in an audit of the affiliated transactions between Jersey Central Power andLight (JCP&L) and its affiliates, and a comprehensive management audit of JCP&L. Task areas included an examination of affiliate relationships and cost allocation methodologies, executive management and corporate governance, organization structure, human resources, strategic planning, finance, accounting and property records, cash management, procurement and purchasing of energy, distribution and operation management, extensions and upgrades to provide regulated services, clean energy, market conditions, contractor performance, customer service, external relations, support services, and a review of actions taken by JCP&L regarding prior audits. As part of the audit, Schumaker & Company reviewed and assessed affiliate cost allocation methodologies to determine accounting and allocation procedures for separating the costs of inter-company transactions. Analysis determined if current accounting and allocation procedures were equitable, fair, and did not favor certain affiliates over JCP&L and its ratepayers. Additionally, examination assessed the electric generation policies, distribution policies, and assignment strategies of JCP&L and its affiliates.This assignment involved nine consultants over roughly 2,944 hours for a total project cost of approximately $594,720.

Dayton Power & Light Company - Dayton, Ohio

Provided fuel cost recovery rider audit co-sourcing assistance to Dayton Power and Light Company (DP&L) to prepare DP&L for its annual review and audit to take place in the first quarter of 2011 for calendar year 2010. Items covered in the scope of work included fuel prices, allocation between wholesale and retail, sharing of gains and losses, coal handling costs, environmental compliance, PJM-related charges, power plant performance, and utility industry perspective.This assignment involved five consultants over roughly 536 hours for a total project cost of approximately $113,680.

State of Maine Public Advocate - Augusta, Maine

Provided regulatory and litigation support to the Maine Public Advocate in its intervention in a petition filed on March 18, 2010 at the Maine Public Utilities Commission by Bangor Hydro-Electric Power Company, Maine Public Service Company, Maine Electric Power Company, Inc., and Chester SVC Partnership requesting an approval of reorganization (35-A M.R.S.A. §§ 708 and 1103) financial provisions. Specifically, Schumaker & Company consultants were responsible for analyzing all pertinent data and presenting overall recommendations on the regulatory (including reliability) implications of the proposed merger.This assignment involved two consultants over roughly 104 hours for a total project cost of approximately $25,560.

Duke Energy Ohio - Cincinnati, Ohio

Assisted the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) staff in a management/performance and financial audit of Duke’s fuel and purchased power and system reliability tracker riders of Duke Energy Ohio, Inc. Specifically, conducted an audit of the company’s fuel costs (including any renewable energy costs) plus an audit of system reliability costs. This audit addressed the management/performance and financial aspects of the recovery mechanism. It consisted of a three-year audit cycle (2009-2011) with  complete and thorough audit being conducted in each year of the audit cycle. The initial audit included the actual cost for Rider PTC-FPP for the months January 2009 through December 2009.This assignment involved seven consultants over roughly 760 hours during the first year, with reduced effort for the following two years, for a total project cost of approximately $327,000.

Public Service Company of New Mexico - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Assisted the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) staff in a prudence review and audit of the fuel and purchased power cost adjustment clause (fuel clause) and related documentation of the electric business operations of Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM). In specific, to provide professional auditing and prudence review services of PNM’s fuel and purchased power costs, fuel clause filings and related documentation for the period of June 1, 2008 through June 30,2009. This review provided documented evidence on the following:PNM’s calculation of the fuel clause is accurate and the costs included in the fuel clause include only allowed costsPNM’s current accounting and internal control policies, management practices, and operational procedures as they pertain to PNM’s administration of the fuel clause are effective and meet related requirementsThis assignment involved six consultants over roughly 1368 hours during a seven-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $341,869.

PECO Energy Company - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Assisted the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) staff in a stratified management and operations audit of PECO Energy Company. This audit consisted of three phases. The first involved a diagnostic review that assessed the condition of each functional area or business unit against evaluative criteria or expected business practice. While this review was primarily limited to determining if appropriate management controls, systems and processes are in place, it was of sufficient scope to identify significant problems requiring additional focused analysis. The second phase entailed an in-depth analysis of pre-identified areas or issues. These analyses were of sufficient depth to present specific recommendations for changes in combination with projected costs and potential dollar savings or other quantifiable benefits. The third phase constituted an in-depth, focused analysis of two issues (emergency response and GIS) resulting from the diagnostic review phase. This assignment involved ten consultants over roughly 4,064 hours during a 13-month effort for a total project cost of approximately $843,112.

AEP/Kentucky - Hazard, Kentucky

Performed an assessment of the reliability of service within AEP/Kentucky’s distribution system in its Hazard service territory (a forested mountainous terrain). This region has historically experienced a greater number of electric service interruptions than other AEP/Kentucky service areas, and additionally, these interruptions have tended to be of longer in duration. This assignment involved three consultants over roughly 700 hours during a six-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $145,000.

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities/Conectiv, GPU Energy, Public Service Electric & Gas, & Rockland Electric - Trenton, New Jersey

Assisted New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) staff in reviewing and monitoring implementation of recommendations that resulted from an investigation of the system reliability of New Jersey’s electric utilities. Assisted by reviewing and investigating information supplied by the four utilities in connection with the implementation of selected recommendations as ordered by the Board. Worked closely with BPU staff to assist in fulfilling the Board’s obligation to assure that, notwithstanding the changes occurring in the electric industry, customers are provided reliable, safe, and adequate service now and in the future. Particular emphasis was placed on activities to improve and/or maintain CAIDI and SAIDI indicators to/at acceptable levels. Issues regarding work force management and construction program planning were addressed. Additionally, performed assessments of each utility’s system, specifically the distribution system planning and engineering practices, load flow analysis, transmission and substation maintenance practices and procedures, and adequacy of lightning protections. This assignment involved six consultants over roughly 900 hours of effort during a five-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $221,000.

Illinois Commerce Commission - Springfield, Illinois

Designed a survey to measure customer satisfaction with electric service reliability and quality, clarity of billing, rates, and services. Provided Electric Service Customer Satisfaction Survey Rules to instruct electric service providers on how to administer the survey and how to understand, interpret, and present its results. Conducted workshops to train electric service providers on how to implement the customer satisfaction survey. This assignment involved five consultants over approximately 750 hours of effort during a 10-month period, for a total project cost of approximately $130,000.

City of Sturgis - Sturgis, Michigan

Performed a management and operations review of various city departments, conducted a customer satisfaction and needs assessment, and developed a strategic plan. Addressed the changes occurring within the electric utility industry and the competitive threats felt by the electric operations department. The effort involved: (1) performing a competitive assessment and benchmarking; (2) surveying customer attitudes to identify issues that required addressing in the strategic plan; (3) conducting a management and operations review of the relevant city departments; and (4) assisting the electric utility in conducting a strategic planning session. This assignment involved seven consultants over approximately 620 hours of effort during a seven-month period, for a total project cost of approximately $60,000. The strategic planning effort was undertaken subsequently in January.

Town of Middleborough Gas & Electric Department - Middleborough, Massachusetts

Performed a competitive assessment of the operations of this municipal gas and electric department. This assignment included a management review of all functional areas, benchmarking of major performance indicators in relation to other Massachusetts municipalities and the best practices of other public and investor-owned utilities. Two consultants spent about 300 hours over a four-month period. Subsequently Schumaker & Company has been providing strategic planning and information technology assessment and planning services to this organization. The costs of these projects totaled approximately $150,000.

City of Coldwater, Board of Public Utilities - Coldwater, Michigan

Developed, performed, and analyzed the results of a customer survey (a follow-up to a survey two years earlier) to assess satisfaction with the city utility and other city services. Three consultants worked about 200 hours over three months for a total project cost of approximately $25,000.

Kingsport Power Company - Kingsport, Tennessee

Performed a comprehensive management review of an American Electric Power (AEP) operating company for the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. The review included evaluations of customer service, electric operations, and many of the administrative, financial, and technology support activities provided by AEP Service Corporation. Examined the methods used by AEP Service Corporation and Appalachian Power Company (another AEP operating company) for billing for services provided to Kingsport Power Company. This project, representing $96,400, involved five consultants over 700 hours of effort during a four-month period.

Michigan South Central Power Agency - Litchfield, Michigan

Developed and implemented a relationship development (key accounts) program aimed at the larger commercial and industrial customers. Developed an ongoing communication/public relations program for the agencies, councils, and member communities. This project involved four consultants over approximately 1,600 hours of effort during an 18-month period, totaling about $130,000. Follow-up assignments were subsequently performed.

A 1935 Public Utility Holding Company - Confidentiality Requested

Reviewed charges for services provided by a public utility holding company to its affiliates. The review was used to determine whether the services were reasonable, necessary, non-duplicative and calculated in compliance with appropriate allocation formulas. This four-month project involved five consultants and approximately 1,000 hours for a total cost of approximately $150,000.

Michigan South Central Power Agency - Litchfield, Michigan

Assisted in developing a strategic plan for this power agency, owned by five Michigan municipalities: Coldwater, Clinton, Hillsdale, Marshall, and Union City. The plan addressed the changes within the electric utility industry as well as the competitive threats felt by the agency. Performed a competitive assessment and benchmarking of the power agency and surveyed customer attitudes (mail survey to residential and non-residential customers) to identify issues for the strategic plan. Four consultants spent about 600 hours over a 12-month period on these assignments for a project total of approximately $50,000.

Pennsylvania Power & Light - Allentown, Pennsylvania

Performed a stratified management review, beginning with an initial diagnostic review of all functional areas within the Pennsylvania Power & Light (PP&L) organization for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC). This task was followed by in-depth investigation of 23 issues that were pre-identified by the PaPUC and PP&L. Such issues included affirmative action/EEO programs; salaries, wages, and benefits; staffing plans and levels; corporate-wide information technology; nuclear de-commissioning; power plant materials management; a competitive assessment of in-house construction; and maintenance work forces. Made 18 major recommendations were made, including the detailed steps necessary for bringing technology up to date. PP&L accepted 153 of 156 recommendations and within a month implemented 30. The utility expected to complete another 50 within six months. Total estimated savings and/or increased efficiency associated with our recommendations exceeded $70 million (annually) and $40 million (one time). This 17-month project involved over 20 consultants and 9,000 to 10,000 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $911,300.

Hillsdale Utilities Department - Hillsdale, Michigan

Team: Dennis Schumaker and Michael Taft
Developed a strategic plan that included a mission statement; identified the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; and formulated long-term goals and objectives. Two consultants spend roughly one month on this project and approximately 55 hours for a total cost of approximately $4,375.

Central Maine Power Company - Augusta, Maine

Evaluated CMP’s organizational structure and staffing, executive compensation, customer service operations, management efficiency, and cost controls. Our findings and conclusions were referenced when commissioners granted only 31% of $83 million dollars requested. Savings we identified were credited for $26 million of the reduction. Following the rate decision, CMP’s Board approved an integrated cost-containment plan (with capital and operating budget reductions and a 42% cut in its quarterly dividend); the restructuring saved $10 million in its first year. CMP emerged a stronger, more viable competitor, on a course to permanent improvement in all aspects of business management. This seven-month project involved seven consultants and about 2,500 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $242,400.

Toledo Edison Company/ Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company - Columbus, Ohio

For the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, investigated the fuel procurement policies and procedures for fossil and nuclear fuels and provided testimony on the findings and conclusions.

Public Service Electric and Gas - Newark, New Jersey

Assisted in preparing a long-range strategic generation plan. Assessed PSE&G’s computer information systems for generation planning and scenario analysis. Reviewed selected scenarios for political and qualitative considerations and prepared a comprehensive presentation for senior management. Two consultants spent approximately 2,000 hours of effort over 10 months.

City of Niles Utilities Department - Niles, Michigan

Performed a management and operations review and assisted in developing a long-term action plan. For this 55-person municipal department, we identified potential annual benefits approaching $250,000. This three-month engagement involved four consultants and more than 250 hours of effort.

Arkansas Public Service Commission - Little Rock, Arkansas

Trained Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) members on how to monitor and control a management and operations review of Arkansas Power and Light Company and its parent organization, Entergy Corporation. This project included a written and oral review of the proposal and detailed work plan that was prepared by a team of outside consultants selected by APSC to perform the management review. Assisted the APSC in managing the project, which included quality control checks of the outside consultant project team and its results. This 11-month assignment involved three consultants and approximately 750 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $95,000.

West Texas Utilities Company - Abilene, Texas

Performed a comprehensive management and operations review of a wholly owned subsidiary of Central and South West Corporation, a registered public utility holding company for the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Our review included assessments of all functional areas within WTU, as well as WTU’s relationships and transactions with its parent and other affiliate companies. We identified ways to save over $2.5 million annually. All 85 recommendations were accepted. This assignment required 11 months, engaging over 10 consultants for 4,500 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $451,160.

Central Maine Power Company - Augusta, Maine

Performed a focused management review of the implementation ofCentral Maine Power’s (CMP’s)Customer Service System for the Maine Public Utilities Commission. Provided testimony at a general rate hearing in which a portion of the implementation costs was disallowed for ratemaking purposes. Mismanagement at CMP led to this ruling. This four-month assignment included two consultants and approximately 500 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $48,800.

Ohio Power Company, Columbus Southern Power Company - Columbus, Ohio

Reviewed the fuel-related practices and procedures of these companies for two consecutive years for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Overall organizational structure, management decision processes, and the computer information systems supporting these activities were included in this review. Provided testimony on our findings and conclusions. This 12-month review involved three consultants and more than 1,000 hours of effort.

Union Light, Heat and Power - Cincinnati, Ohio

Performed a management and operations review of Union Light, Heat and Power (ULH&P), a subsidiary of Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company, for the Kentucky Public Service Commission. ULH&P is essentially run as a single company. Our review covered all areas of operations, including management and organization, electric operations (excluding power production and fuels management), gas supply and operations, customer service, financial management, human resources, marketing and external relations, and corporate services. We also reviewed ULH&P’s relationships and transactions with its parent company and other affiliate companies. This 11-month assignment involved more than 10 consultants and 2,000 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $250,000.


Gas Utility Industry Projects
Equitable Gas Company - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Assisted the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in a stratified management and operations audit of Equitable Gas Company (EGC), a subsidiary of EQT Corporation, and EGC’s relationship with its affiliates. The primary focus was the business components of EGC still subject to regulation by the PaPUC. Specifically, we addressed EGC service delivery and production, whose costs are borne ultimately by Pennsylvania ratepayers. The objectives included determination of possible improvements for the management and operations of EGC pursuant to Section 522(b) of the Public Utility Code 66 Pa. C.S. §522(b). This audit consisted of two phases: 1) a diagnostic review that assessed the condition of each functional area or business unit against evaluative criteria or expected business practice; and 2) an in-depth analysis of pre-identified areas or issues.This assignment involved eight consultants over roughly 2,312hours during an 11-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $528,114.

Philadelphia Gas Works - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Assisted the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) in a stratified management and operations audit of Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW). Areas reviewed included executive management and human resources, support services, corporate governance, financial management, diversity/EEO, system reliability performance, and customer service. The primary focus was to review those PGW business components subject to regulation by the PaPUC. Specifically, we addressed PGW service delivery and production, whose costs are borne ultimately by Pennsylvania ratepayers. The objectives included determination of possible improvements for the management and operations of PGW pursuant to Section 522(b) of the Public Utility Code 66 Ps. C.S. §522(b). This audit consisted of two phases: 1) a diagnostic review that assessed the condition of each functional area or business unit against evaluative criteria or expected business practice; and 2) an in-depth analysis of pre-identified areas or issues. These analyses provided specific recommendations for changes in combination with projected costs and potential dollar savings or other quantifiable benefits, if any. This 14-month engagement involved nine consultants and approximately 2,340 hours, for total project costs of approximately $526,271.

PECO Energy Company - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Assisted the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) staff in a stratified management and operations audit of PECO Energy Company. This audit consisted of three phases. The first phase involved a diagnostic review that assessed the condition of each functional area or business unit against evaluative criteria or expected business practice. While this review was primarily limited to determining if appropriate management controls, systems and processes are in place, it was of sufficient scope to identify significant problems, if any, requiring additional focused analysis. The second phase entailed an in-depth analysis of pre-identified areas or issues. These analyses were of sufficient depth to provide specific recommendations for changes in combination with projected costs and potential dollar savings or other quantifiable benefits, if any. The third phase constituted an in-depth, focused analysis of two issues (emergency response and GIS) that were approved by the Bureau of Audits as a result of the diagnostic review. This assignment involved 10 consultants over roughly 4,064 hours of effort during a 13-month period, for a total project cost of approximately $843,112.

Enbridge - Toronto, Canada

Collaborated on a multimillion-dollar asset management solution delivery to Enbridge, a large energy utility in Canada. Partnered with Opvantek (previously VMSI) and Accenture as a subcontractor to deliver two major enhancements to Pipe Maintenance Tracking System (PMTS), a gas asset management system. Designed, developed, and implemented enhancements on time and under budget using Microsoft C#.Net, Crystal Reports, and Oracle. This assignment involved four consultants over a four-month time period totaling approximately 870 hours and $55,000 in costs.

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities,
Elizabethtown Gas Company - NUI Corporation
New Jersey Natural Gas Company –New Jersey Resources Corporation
South Jersey Gas Company –South Jersey Industries Corporation
Newark, New Jersey

Conducted compliance audits of the competitive services of New Jersey’s gas utilities, specifically South Jersey Gas Company (South Jersey Industries Corporation), New Jersey Natural Gas Company (New Jersey Resources Corporation), and Elizabethtown Gas Company (NUI Corporation), as a part of utility industry restructuring in New Jersey. The purpose was to ensure that the utilities or their related competitive business segments did not have an unfair competitive advantage over other, non-affiliated purveyors of competitive services. The audits were also conducted to evaluate and review the allocation of costs between the utilities’ competitive and non-competitive services. We offered our expert opinion, based on appropriate methodology, as to whether strict separation and allocation of each utility’s revenues, costs, assets, risks, and functions existed between the utility’s electric and/or gas distribution operations and its related competitive business segments.

The audits determined (1) whether cross subsidization existed between utility and non-utility segments within a public utility or holding company; (2) whether the separation of utility and non-utility organizations was reasonable based on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) affiliate relation and fair competition standards; (3) what the effect of the use of utility assets in the provision of non-safety-related competitive services was on ratepayers; (4) what the effect was on utility workers; (5) what the effect of utility practices was on the market for such services; and (6) compliance with New Jersey legislation. The audits provided the BPU with the necessary information to determine whether the competitive services identified were in any way cross-subsidized by the individual utility’s regulated activities. They also helped determine the reasonableness of the lump-sum charges (i.e., service contract rates) and time-and-materials charges encountered in a competitive environment. This assignment involved six consultants over approximately 1,700 hours of effort during a three-month period, for a total project cost of approximately $357,000.

Pacific Gas & Electric Company - San Francisco, California

Performed a compliance audit of the costs of PG&E’s gas pipeline expansion project for the California Public Utilities Commission to determine if the appropriate level of incremental A&G and O&M costs were charged to the project before and after commercial operation in November 1993. Also provided the data needed to forecast the incremental operating costs of expanding interstate and intrastate pipeline operations serving California markets. Reviewed PG&E’s integrated pipeline operations that supply natural gas from Canada to California for retail customers, pipeline shippers, and interruptible customers. Our review showed that the intended project costing had been properly implemented, thereby ensuring an equitable distribution of costs between regulated retail customers and unregulated project shippers. Schumaker & Company subcontracted as one of seven consultants spending approximately 1,500 hours over four months.

Pennsylvania Gas & Water Company - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Reviewed PG&W gas operations, cash flow statements, dividends paid to PG&W’s parent company (Pennsylvania Enterprises, Inc.), allocation of fees (affiliated relationships and transactions with affiliated companies), management information systems; data processing, staffing and compensation levels, and recruiting, hiring, and promotion for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Schumaker & Company served as a subcontractor on this assignment.

National Gas and Oil Corporation, Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company - Columbus, Ohio

For the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, investigated the fuel procurement policies and procedures for fossil and nuclear fuels and provided testimony on the findings and conclusions.

Philadelphia Gas Works - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For the Philadelphia Gas Commission, performed a follow-up review two years after a management and operations review that involved examining the results of additional studies recommended during the management audit. Also entailed developing a request for proposal for long-term strategic options.

Baltimore Gas & Electric / Columbia Gas of Maryland/ Washington Gas Light - Baltimore, Maryland

Performed a two-year review of gas supply and purchasing practices. This unique project included formal training of Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC) staff members in gas supply review methods and the establishment of formal MPSC gas purchasing reporting requirements for the three companies beginning in 1989. Schumaker & Company provided oversight to MPSC staff during an internal review of gas supply plans submitted for 1989/90 by these gas distribution companies. This 27-month assignment involved three consultants and approximately 1,000 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $99,880.

Western Kentucky Gas - Owensboro, Kentucky

Performed a management and operations review for the Kentucky Public Service Commission that covered all areas of this gas company’s operations: management and organization, gas supply and operations, customer service, financial management, human resources, marketing and external relations, and corporate services. Also reviewed Western Kentucky Gas’ (WKG’s)relationships and transactions with its parent company (Atmos Energy Corporation) and other Atmos affiliate companies in Louisiana and West Texas. (WKG’s service territory was essentially a rural area with many smaller communities in Kentucky.) This project proved particularly successful in that the results of the study were presented by all three participants –specifically, the WKG president, a Kentucky Public Service Commission representative, and Schumaker & Company’s engagement manager –before the Subcommittee on Management Analysis during the NARUC 1990 Summer Meeting. This nine-month project involved 10 consultants and more than 3,000 hours of effort, for a total project of approximately $343,360.

Philadelphia Gas Works - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For the Philadelphia Gas Commission, reviewed all operational areas, including organization structure and planning (corporate policy, philosophy, and strategic planning; corporate and operations planning; organizational structure, authority, and responsibility; human resources; capital program planning; gas operations organization and work-management effectiveness), systems supply; finance and accounting, procurement of outside services and non fuel commodities, support functions, and quality of service (corporate mission, customer billing, meter reading, customer dispute process, office operations, energy theft, and customer relations). This nine-month engagement involved 15 consultants and approximately 4,000 hours of effort, for a total project cost of approximately $400,000.

Peoples Natural Gas Company - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

For the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, reviewed all areas of this gas distribution company’s operations, including gas supply, gas operations finance and accounting, marketing, data processing, and materials management. Made over 100 recommendations for improvement. A subcontractor on this assignment, Schumaker & Company completed its 13-month engagement with 10 consultants in approximately 4,000 hours.


Waste/Wastewater Projects
New Jersey American Water Company - Camden, NJ

Assisted the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities by performing an audit of the affiliated transactions between New Jersey American Water, American Water Works Company, Inc. and its Affiliates, including a review of operational and financial performance of New Jersey American Water Company pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:3-49, 48:3-55, 48:3-56, 48:3-58 & N.J.A.C. 14:4-3.7(e) and (f), and comprehensive management audit of New Jersey American Water Company pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:2-16.4 & N.J.A.C. 14:3-12.1 ET SEQ (Docket No. WA18080849). This assignment involved seven consultants over roughly 2,608 hours during a 12-month effort, for a total project cost of $633.000.

City of Toledo, Department of Public Utilities - Toledo, Ohio

Provided an independent performance audit of the City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities (DPU)for the specific purpose of assessing current operations and proposing improvements in planning and processes to assure that future capital expenditures are made on a timely basis, scheduled maintenance and repairs are done when necessary, appropriate staffing levels are maintained, and best management practices of the industry are incorporated in the DPU’s long term plans.This assignment involved four consultants over roughly 692hours during a 6-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $149,787. 

Philadelphia Water Department - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Provided a management support study for the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)customer service and field operations activities to optimize operations, including evaluation of its resource utilization, so as to ensure that it is cost effective, to improve customer service, and to meet its core services and regulatory requirements in a responsible way. Subsequently provided assistance to PWD management and staff for implementing recommendations.The study portion of this assignment involved six consultants over roughly 1,576hours during a 1-year effort, for a total project cost of approximately $355,200.The implementation assistance portion of this assignment involved six consultants over roughly 2-3 years.

Utilities, Inc./Twin Lakes - Northbrook, Illinois

Provided a management and operations audit of Twin Lakes utility organization and its affiliate, Water Service Corporation (WSC), on behalf of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), including operations, customer service/support units, and financial management. The study was organized into three task areas. The first task area was a detailed analysis of the financial management of Twin Lakes Utilities. The second task area was examinations of the water and wastewater utility operations, workforce, and service levels. The third task area comprised key Utilities, Inc. units that support Twin Lakes Utilities, including customer service operations, and included an examination of their operations, workforce, and contribution to the mission of the utilities. This assignment involved three consultants over roughly 216hours during a 4-month effort, for a total project cost of approximately $42,000.

Tennessee-American Water Company - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Schumaker & Company and its subcontractor Work & Greer, PC (Work & Greer), a certified public accounting firm, conducted an affiliate audit of Tennessee-American Water Company (TAWC) at the request of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA).The audit included an investigation and assessment of the American Water Works Service Company management performance and decisions relating to internal processes and internal controls involving affiliate relationships and transactions, and the resulting recommendations of any management process changes needed for those controls and implementation. Further, the audit evaluated the charges allocated to TAWC, including the efficiency of processes and/or functions performed on behalf of TAWC, as well as the accuracy and reasonableness of the allocation factors utilized.This assignment involved ten consultants in roughly 304 hours during a 6-month effort for total project costs of approximately $184,964.

Pennsylvania-American Water Company - Hershey, Pennsylvania

Assisted the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) staff in a stratified management and operations audit of Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC). Specifically, it was intended that the management audit encourage economies, efficiencies or improvements which benefit the utility and its ratepayers and identify which, if any, cost saving measures can be instituted. The ultimate purpose was to explore economically practical opportunities for giving ratepayers lower rates and/or better service. This audit consisted of three phases. The first phase was a diagnostic review assessing the condition of each functional area or business unit against evaluative criteria or expected business practice. While this review was primarily limited to determining if appropriate management controls, systems and processes were in place, it was of sufficient scope to identify significant problems, if any, requiring additional focused analysis. The second phase was an in-depth analysis of pre-identified areas or issues. These analyses were of sufficient depth to provide specific recommendations for changes together with projected costs and potential dollar savings or other quantifiable benefits, if any. The third phase was an in-depth, focused analysis of two issues approved by the Bureau of Audits resulting from the first phase, specifically items in the human resources and water operations areas. This assignment involved eight consultants in roughly 3,093 hours during a 12-month effort for total project costs of approximately $651,694.

Water Services Corporation - West Columbia, South Carolina - Northbrook, Illinois

Assisted the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (SOR) staff to conduct a management audit of Water Services Corporation (WSC) with regard to five subsidiary water and wastewater companies operating in South Carolina with a focus on the following three areas: 1) basic corporate decision-making; 2) major operational activities; and 3) staff functions. The final report consisted of audit findings and management recommendations. A cost/benefit analysis accompanied each recommendation. The bottom line of this project focused on WSC was to determine whether the rates charged to the South Carolina ratepayers could be reduced through the implementation of greater efficiencies in organizations, operations, or both. Additionally, another relevant analysis was the determination of whether the ratepayers of South Carolina were being properly and economically served by the range of corporate services provided to the WSC operations in South Carolina by the managers located in both West Columbia and Northbrook. Significant consideration was given to the investigation and quantification of potential benefits that would result from the consolidation or merger of the affiliated companies of WSC. This assignment involved five consultants in roughly 520 hours during a 10-month effort for a total project cost of approximately $75,000.

United Water New Jersey - Harrington Park, New Jersey

For the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, analyzed financial management, information technology and other support services, customer service, and human resources in a comprehensive management and operations review. Schumaker & Company was a subcontractor on this assignment, in which six consultants spent 1,500 hours during a five-month period, with fees and expenses totaling $65,500.

General Waterworks Corporation of Pine Bluff - Pine Bluff, Arkansas

For the Arkansas Public Service Commission, performed a management and operations review, including a review of affiliated relationships and transactions. At the request of the Arkansas Public Service Commission, our final report was submitted as testimony in a general rate hearing of General Waterworks Corporation of Pine Bluffs. This five-month assignment involved four consultants and approximately 500 hours.

Pennsylvania Gas & Water Company - Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Reviewed PG&W gas operations; cash flow statements; dividends paid to PG&W’s parent company (Pennsylvania Enterprises, Inc.); allocation of fees (affiliated relationships and transactions with affiliated companies); management information systems; data processing; staffing and compensation levels; and recruiting, hiring, and promotion for the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission. Schumaker & Company was a subcontractor on this assignment.

Kentucky-American Water Company - Lexington, Kentucky

For the Kentucky Public Service Commission, performed a comprehensive management and operations review involving executive management, corporate planning, operations planning, engineering and construction, transmission and distribution, treatment and pumping, financial systems, customer service and marketing, human resource management, support functions, and comparative analysis. This project also included a review of Kentucky-American’s relationships and transactions with its parent company (American Water Works Company) and other affiliate companies (primarily American Water Works Service Company). This eight-month engagement involved over 10 consultants and 2,000 hours of effort for a total project cost of approximately $223,307.

Philadelphia Suburban Water Company - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, performed a comprehensive management review involving all company functions. Specific emphasis was placed on staffing and compensation levels, management information systems, allocation of fees from affiliated companies, customer service, engineering and construction, operations and maintenance, water purchase agreements, and capacity planning. This project also included PSW’s relationships and transactions with its parent company and other affiliate companies. This 13-month engagement involved 10 consultants and over 3,000 hours for a total project cost of approximately $289,400.