Partners, Rodney H. Dow, Frederic J. Vorlop, Karl A. Hochkammer and Mark F. Foley presented at the AMRA Autovation 2007 on Sunday, September 30 in Reno, Nevada. The presentation titled, “Addressing AMR/AMI Risks with Effective Vendor Negotiations and Contracts,” addressed basic models for AMR/AMI solutions and common associated risks, general negotiating strategies to mitigate risks, and common issues presented by most AMR/AMI contracts with suggestions for resolution.
Topics included:
- Pre-Negotiation risk management
- Performance commitments and service levels
- Vendor accountability and strength/solvency
- Obsolescence
- Data security
- Dispute resolution
- Market price protection, force majeure and change mechanisms
- Changes in vendor status; mergers and assignments
- Third-party use and third-party licenses and consents
AMRA is a nonprofit association providing utilities information about innovative technologies that lead to improved operations, customer service and resource utilization. Its membership represents more than 800 international utilities and corporations in gas, water and electric industries. AMRA members develop and implement automated resource-management technologies as well as participate in standardization and regulatory activities.