FHWA Office of Real Estate Services Research Results:
Public Sector Real Estate Certification Needs Analysis
Appendix B: Summary of Federal Agency Interviews
Uniform Act Training, Certifications Needs and
Implementation Program
August 9, 2004
I. Interview Participants
A. As of August 9, 2004, 21 interviews were completed and documented
B. The 21 interview participants were representatives from the following agencies:
- FHWA - 7
- HUD- 3
- GSA - 2
- FAA - 1
- USDA - 1
- USFS - 1
- BLM - 1
- U.S. Navy - 1
- USFWS - 1
- BOR - 1
- NPS - 1
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - 1
C. Right of Way vs. Real Estate Acquisition, Relocation, and Appraisal
- The seven (7) Right of Way respondents were from FHWA
- Real Estate, Acquisition, and Appraisal respondents amounted to the remaining fourteen (14)
- Right of Way focuses on the acquisition of parcels of land for highway related construction
- Real Estate Acquisition, Relocation, and Appraisal focus mostly on blocks or parcels of land or property
II. Perceptions about Existing Right of Way Specific Training
A. Training Providers
- IRWA - Right of Way, relocation, and appraisal training mostly for highways
- NHI - Right of Way, relocation, appraisal, and acquisition mostly for highways
- ICS - All The Right Moves for HUD and grant recipients
- BLM for electric and pipeline systems
- NMI for easement appraisals and real property law
- National Center Training Academy
B. Preferred Methods for Training Delivery
- Virtually all respondents preferred classroom training
- On-line and distance learning was preferred as a supplement to classroom training
C. Rating of Current Training
- The majority of respondents rated current training slightly above average or "3.5 to 4"
- Training providers such as the IRWA and NHI do not tailor courses for a specific agency or organization
- Training is not provided frequently enough; most only once a year
- Training content needs to be updated more frequently
- Training barriers include funding, time, location, staff, and course content
III. Level of Participation in Current Training Offerings
A. Annual and Uniform Act Training
- The majority of respondents stated that there was no annual training requirement. Of those who did have to attend a certain amount of training annually or semi-annually, had not been able to participate due to low budgets
- The majority of respondents participated in Uniform Act training within the last year
B. Training Approval and Agency Coordination
- Approval for training is done through a formal request and review process via an individual development plan
- Virtually all respondents did not know the budgeted amount for training because it is handled through headquarters or a Training Academy
IV. Agency Training Requirements
- The majority of respondents indicated that the current right of way and/or real estate training is adequate most of the time
- Other courses the respondents would like to see include: appraisal and relocation methodologies with actual cases, economics, market valuations, communications, and negotiations. Cross agency courses were also desired
- The new courses should be offered at least each quarter, but no less than twice a year
- The new courses should be taught in a classroom because of the interchange of knowledge
V. Value of a Professional Certification
- All respondents stated that a professional certification should be a combination of education and experience
- Types of courses and skills depend on the discipline, but should include: appraisal methodologies, ROW processes, relocation and negotiation, federal law and federal regulations familiarity, and a few years of experience in the discipline
- A slight majority of the respondents stated that the FHWA is best positioned to administer the certification because it is the lead agency. Other suggestions included the IRWA or NHI because of certifying experience. A few suggested the state or locality with federal oversight because of resource issues
- In terms of perceptions of a potential value of a certification as well as pursuing a certification, the majority believed it would depend on if the certification was mandatory or voluntary
- Issues with the certification included reciprocity with other agencies, compliance and ethical standards, and payment for the attaining the certification
