Adding to a report written by a non PE 2

[rover315]

Hey guys,

I'm working with an independent consultant (IC) who is not a PE. The IC has done and could do the work on their own but there's too much on their plate and is looking to give me this client in the near future. The IC brought me in as a sub, I'm a PE and my solo firm is licensed. The client is not requiring a PE to do the work and the work product isn't going to be used for permitting nor construction. We are evaluating an operation and providing recommendations for improvements. The IC is drafting the report for a client and I'm in charge of reviewing the report and providing feedback plus I'm in charge of doing some calculations and conceptual designs to integrate in the report. Based on my state's rules, I'm supposed to sign all final docs (reports, drawings, etc) that I work on.

Do you see PEs sign/sealing this type of work? And if so, where should I sign the documents in the report? I'm used to engineering firms putting the signature page towards the front of the report, but in this case the IC is the lead on writing the report. I'm thinking about attaching my work as exhibits and sing/sealing those. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[JAE]

The IC has done and could do the work on their own

This, to me, suggests that the work/services provided does not fall under the legal definition of "practicing engineering" dictated by the governing area this is in.

The client is not requiring a PE to do the work

The client has no say in this. Either the services ARE engineering (requiring a licensed engineer) or they are not. Too many times I hear of engineers thinking, wrongly, that if they client says a PE stamp isn't required then they are off the hook. The state or governing body dictates when you, as an engineer, are needed for a particular service.

Based on my state's rules, I'm supposed to sign all final docs (reports, drawings, etc) that I work on.

Yes, but only if you are performing engineering as defined by your state.

Do you see PEs sign/sealing this type of work?

If this is an operational evaluation, or a systems analysis - i.e. efficiency, process flow, etc. then maybe not.
If there is life safety involved, or (as stated above) the services fall under the state's definition of engineering, then yes, you must sign and seal your product of services....and you IC might be violating the state's engineering laws.

where should I sign the documents in the report?

The location doesn't matter all that much - just needs to be visible and clearly state what portion of the document is yours and which is not yours.

Those are my takes.

 

[phamENG]

I'm in charge of reviewing the report and providing feedback plus I'm in charge of doing some calculations and conceptual designs

It certainly sounds like you're doing engineering here. In which case, the IC may not be permitted to perform the work at all whether they are knowledgeable and experienced or not. An ability to do the work does not equate to legal permissibility. But it's also a pretty vague statement and just what those designs and calcs are we don't know.

If it turns out that this is engineering under NC regulations (it is in NC, right?), then you should take over as lead and EOR for writing the report or leave them to do it on their own. No sense in getting mixed up in an engineering without a license mess.

 

[rover315]

Thanks, I appreciate the insight!