Stormwater World Episode 031: Outdated Procurement Processes and more with Chad Smeltzer from Bidcurement.

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[00:00:00] - Introduction and Overview

• Chad discusses the use of AI in stormwater management to identify and score pipe defects.

• Quote from Chad: "You put these cameras in there, and now you use AI to look at all the cracks and all the codes in these pipes."

[00:01:00] - Digital Marketing for the Stormwater Industry

• Ty introduces Digital Stormwater's services and emphasizes their impact in the stormwater sector.

• Quote from Ty: "We put more stormwater people in front of your stormwater products and services."

[00:02:00] - Meet Chad Smelter

• Introduction to Chad Smelter and his extensive experience in the public works sector.

• Quote from Ty: "Chad's got over 15 years of experience in the public work sector, and he's a serial entrepreneur."

[00:03:00] - Chad’s Journey and Early Career

• Chad shares his career path, from working in public works at a young age to starting his own company.

• Quote from Chad: "I started out working at public works when I was 15 with my dad at a water wastewater treatment facility."

[00:04:00] - Innovations in Sewer Management

• Discussion on the evolution of sewer management and the development of new technologies to handle grease control and root control.

• Quote from Chad: "We started treating with bacteria, and it started working really well."

[00:10:00] - Challenges in Infrastructure Management

• The challenges faced in the public works sector, particularly in managing infrastructure and maintenance.

• Quote from Chad: "We have an issue here with the engineering firms and the utilities—they didn't know exactly where their sewers were."

[00:13:00] - The Role of AI in Infrastructure Management

• Chad explains how AI is used to assess the condition of pipes and prioritize repairs.

• Quote from Chad: "They train a model based on the defects, and if the defects are consistent throughout the country... you start to build a model that every time it goes through their system, it'll pick out that image."

[00:22:00] - Introducing Big Curement

• Overview of Chad's new venture, Big Curement, and its goal to simplify the procurement process in public works.

• Quote from Chad: "There's gotta be a better way to write specifications and bid on projects more efficiently."

[00:31:00] - Challenges in Stormwater Infrastructure

• Ty and Chad discuss the importance of addressing stormwater issues, from flooding to pollution.

• Quote from Ty: "How do we now turn the messaging around to get it to the public... because water is going to become this crazy commodity."

[00:44:00] - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

• Chad shares his final thoughts on the importance of adopting technology and networking in the public works sector.

• Quote from Chad: "Get uncomfortable with using social media... It's a great tool to get your content out there."

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon interviews Chad Smelter, a seasoned public works professional and entrepreneur, to discuss innovations in stormwater and sewer management. They explore the use of AI technology to identify and prioritize pipe defects, highlighting the importance of modernizing infrastructure and procurement processes. Chad shares his journey from working in public works to founding Bidcurement, a company focused on improving procurement through technology. They also discuss the broader challenges and opportunities in stormwater management, emphasizing the need for better public awareness and infrastructure design to address flooding and pollution issues.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Chad Smeltzer, President and CEO at Bidcurement:

Connect with Chad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadsmeltzer/

Bidcurement Website: https://bidcurement.com/

Email: [email protected]

Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theinfrastructurehotseat

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP: 

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tygarmon/

Sign up to be a guest: https://forms.gle/whijSz9Tio3iZda57

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