This practical, interactive four-day virtual academy provides core training for local/tribal resident engineers and those responsible for administering construction contracts using state and federal funds.

Resident Engineers Academy (REA) instructors are subject matter experts who take a real life, practical application approach to content delivery using examples, problem-solving activities, and exercises. REA curriculum consists of 15 Modules that cover an array of topics that include: Pre-Construction Preparation, Scope of Work, Legal Relations, Payments, Environmental Stewardship, Project Completion, and Labor Compliance.

This course also provides a unique learning environment that is designed to promote participant networking.

Eligibility Requirements

This course is designed for professionals with construction experience as either a Resident Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Project Field Inspector, who have a minimum six months experience interpreting construction contract plans and specifications and the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM).

Participation in and attendance of all four class days is required to receive an REA certificate of completion. Depending on demand, those who have attended REA within the past 5 years may not be eligible for enrollment.

Enrollment Process

The virtual class size for REA training is limited to enhance student learning and interaction. Since demand for attendance is often greater, the course enrollment process is designed to maximize equitable access:

STEP 1: Registration — Eligible parties (see above) are encouraged to apply using the "REGISTER AT HOST SITE" button on the right. A webform will capture basic information to compile a class roster. Registration will remain open for 15 days.

STEP 2: Enrollment — 30 days prior to class, registrants will be notified of their enrollment status. Those selected to attend will have 20 days to complete enrollment by paying the class fee, those unable to attend will be backfilled from a waitlist.

STEP 3: Orientation — Enrollees are expected to attend a brief (virtual) pre-class orientation covering course delivery and Zoom compatibility. REA attendance requires your webcam be active throughout each class day and your microphone operable when needed.

Additional course detail is provided in the sections below.

• Course Topics
  • Pre-Construction Preparation
  • Scope of Work
  • Control of Work
  • Control of Materials
  • Legal Relations & Public Responsibility
  • Prosecution & Progress
  • Payment
  • Change Orders
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • State-Only Funded Projects
  • Construction Claims & Disputes
  • Construction Oversight Program
  • Project Completion & Invoicing
  • Labor Compliance
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
• Course Outline

  Day 1 (Monday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

  • Welcome
  • Module 1: Introduction
  • Module 2: Pre-Construction Preparation
  • Module 3: Scope of Work
  • Module 4: Control of Work
  • Module 5: Control of Materials
  • Day 1 Evaluation

  Day 2 (Tuesday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

  • Module 6: Legal Relations & Public Responsibility
  • Module 7: Prosecution & Progress
  • Module 8: Payment
  • Module 9: Change Orders
  • Day 2 Evaluation

  Day 3 (Wednesday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

  • Module 9: Change Orders (continued)
  • Module 10A: Environmental Stewardship
  • Module 10B: State-Only Funded Project Reviews
  • Module 11: Construction Claims & Disputes
  • Module 12: Construction Oversight Program
  • Module 13: Project Completion & Invoicing
  • Day 3 Evaluation

  Day 4 (Thursday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

  • Module 14: Labor Compliance
  • Module 15: Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
  • Day 4 Evaluation
• What you will learn

  [no information available]

• Who should attend

  Resident Engineers Academy is intended for Resident Engineers administering construction projects using federal-aid funds.

  The course is designed for professionals with construction experience as either a Resident Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Project Field Inspector, who have a minimum six months experience interpreting construction contract plans and specifications and the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM).

  Participation in and attendance of all four class days is required to receive an REA certificate of completion. Depending on demand, those who have attended REA within the past 5 years may not be eligible for enrollment.

• Course Prerequisites

  This course is designed for professionals with construction experience as either a Resident Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Project Field Inspector, who have a minimum six months experience interpreting construction contract plans and specifications and the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM).

  Participation in and attendance of all four class days is required to receive an REA certificate of completion. Depending on demand, those who have attended REA within the past 5 years may not be eligible for enrollment.

• Course Instructors

  Seree 'Mack' Yenjai

  Mack is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies in District 7 from Ventura County to Los Angeles County. He has worked at Caltrans for over 13 years in various capacities, including his current role as Acting Office Chief for the Office of Guidance & Oversight (OGO).

  Mack previously worked for the City of Los Angeles as a Structural Engineering Associate, graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in engineering, and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

  Michael Ramos

  Mike is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies within District 6 and the southern half of Distirct 10. He has worked at Caltrans for over 20 years as a Project Engineer, Cost Estimator, Critical Path & Claims Reviewer, Construction Stormwater & Safety Coordinator, and Assistant Resident Engineer.

  Mike graduated from California State University Fresno with a degree in civil engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

  Patrick Dussell

  Pat is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies within Districts 4 & 5. He has worked at Caltrans for over 20 years as a Design Engineer, Resident Engineer, and Construction Senior.

  Pat graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in civil engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

  Muhammad Rahman

  Muhammad is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies within the northern halves of Districts 4 & 10. He has worked at Caltrans for over 16 years as a Resident Engineer and Assistant Resident Engineer.

  Muhammad graduated from Concordia University with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and is a Professional Civil Engineer.

  Mike Giuliano

  Mike is a retired Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, having served local agencies within Districts 5, 6, and 7. In his 20 year career at Caltrans, he has worked as an Inspector and Resident Engineer in Construction, District 5 Maintenance Engineer, and District 5 Local Assistance Engineer.

  Mike graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

  Adam Whitcomb

  Adam is lead instructor for Caltrans Headquarters Labor Compliance with 5 year’s experience in various roles.

  Taelor Stamm

  Taelor is the Caltrans Office of Civil Rights Compliance Branch Manager, which serves as subject matter expert for the administration of DBE program policies and procedures.

• Registration Information

  Register your intent to attend by clicking the "REGISTER AT HOST SITE" button to the right and completing the online form. This option will be active for 15 days after the announcement of a scheduled class.

  A confirmation email will be sent 30 days prior to the start of class. Those eligible to enroll will be asked to pay the class fee online within 20 days. Those unable to attend will be backfilled from a waitlist.

  If you have any questions regarding this enrollment process, please contact CALTAP at admin@caltap.org. For questions regarding course content or delivery, contact Caltrans DLA directly at caltrans.dla@dot.ca.gov.

• For more information

  Cancellation Policy:

  If you enroll in REA but are unabled to attend, you must notify us at least ten (10) working days before the first day of class to receive a refund (less a $25 processing fee). Cancellations received after that may not be honored. Please submit your cancellation request to admin@caltap.org.

  Privacy Policy: 

  The California Local Technical Assistance Program (CALTAP) and Caltrans DLA respect your right to privacy. Any information provided to us will be used solely for the purpose of class registration or technical support. We do not share, sell, or distribute contact data to third parties, however it may be used to provide you with advanced notice of funding opportunities and course offerings. You may unsubscribe to our mailing list at any time by contacting us.