Commonwealth of Virginia

"[IBTS] is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) government organization that has been founded by the Department of General Services on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to be a governmental source of building official services. Therefore, IBTS is eligible to provide services to our Agency without going through a competitive procurement process."

-William C. Shelton, Director, Department of Housing and Community Development

"The [IBTS] Instructor's knowledge of the subject matter taught in class was very good. His understanding of the 'Hows' and 'Whys' of the Federal Program enabled him to answer questions in detail and with good, logical explanation."

-Curtis McIver, Department of Housing and Community Development

State of Louisiana

The National Association of Counties

"I have just completed a four day visit to our 11 most distressed coastal parishes in Louisiana. I traveled to these parishes as NACo's representative to the Institute for Building Technology and Safety [IBTS] Board of Directors. I am pleased to report that I received glowing reports from many local parish officials, from our State affiliate, from Jerry Jones, State Director of Facility Planning and Control, from Bhola Dhume, Deputy Director of the City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits, from Henry Fry, Office of State Fire Marshal, and even from the Governor's office regarding the exemplary performance by IBTS, NACo's strategic partner. The most repeated accolade was "I don't know how we could have made it without IBTS".

It was so rewarding to hear how initial concerns about "outsiders intruding in our parishes" were quickly replaced in just a few months by glowing reports of success. Many of these parishes had never adopted building codes prior to the devastation caused by Katrina. The insurance industry prompted the state to retain IBTS over the initial strong objection of many local officials. But in just a few months time IBTS won over these same officials.

NACo's obligation to assist our counties in distress could never have been accomplished without the assistance of our partner IBTS. I am very proud of our alliance and wish to share our success story with our membership.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety sent an unsolicited letter of commendation to IBTS because of its "exemplary job performance while providing much needed building inspection services to the citizens of Louisiana." Highlights of the letter include the following: "It has been astonishing to see IBTS mobilize over 80 Building Code Professionals into the 11 effected parish areas in such a short period of time. The response and feedback that we have received has been positive and with the highest marks related to professional management, service, knowledge and expertise of your staff. The vast majority of our local officials have communicated that they would never have been able to provide the needed services with their existing resources. IBTS has been able to win the support of local building officials while allowing each governmental agency to retain their autonomy and administration. Attitudes have been transformed concerning the pursuit of professional certifications, as well as membership in local building associations to enhance participants' development. IBTS has been the shining star among providers."

- Robert S. Weiner Esq., National Association of Counties (NACo)

Department of Public Safety

"It has been astonishing to see IBTS mobilize over 80 Building Code Professionals into the 11 effected parish areas in such a short period of time. The response and feedback that we have received has been positive and with the highest marks related to professional management, service, knowledge and expertise of your staff. The vast majority of our local officials have communicated that they would never have been able to provide the needed services with their existing resources. IBTS has been able to win the support of local building officials while allowing each governmental agency to retain their autonomy and administration. Attitudes have been transformed concerning the pursuit of professional certifications, as well as membership in local building associations to enhance participants' development. IBTS has been the shining star among providers."

- Jill Boudreaux, Acting Undersecretary, Department of Public Safety, State of Louisiana

Louisiana Police Jury Association

"IBTS met with our members, assessed their immediate needs and hit the ground running. Their association with NACo and expertise of building code issues allowed our parishes to begin the long process of rebuilding, and establish a defined building code office that will benefit our state for years to come."

- Roland Dartez, Executive Director of the Louisiana Police Jury Association

District of Columbia

"Your staff and inspectors have been very helpful to us... We are thankful that you have our best interests at heart in holding the general contractors to these high standards."

-Roy Dwarka, ERCDC Senior Project Manager

"Please allow me to comment on the services provided by IBTS to the District of Columbia under the Housing Quality Standards Inspection Contract. Your company's performance enabled DCHA to complete its annual inspections of housing units under the Housing Choice Voucher Program on schedule, and without IBTS, we would not have made those deadlines.

In particular, your efforts resulted in the recruiting, training and use of Housing Authority Residents to conduct all inspections. IBTS developed a Web-based system within 30 days to manage the project, delivering the reports to the agency via the Web. This system provided the current, up-to-the-minute status of all inspections during the entire inspection process. It contained a chronological collection of all correspondence and reports.

IBTS was able to handle an increased workload on short notice when additional inspections were requested. This resulted in the completion of over 1600 inspections in a three-month period. IBTS developed a Project Operations Manual to establish necessary work procedures to ensure uniform quality work. Your management team maintained excellent communications and coordinated its efforts with the Housing Authority.

I would like to thank IBTS for its professional management and technical expertise."

- Lisa Dean, Director Administrative Services/Contracting Officer, District of Columbia Housing Authority

California Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

"I am writing this letter in appreciation of the training that IBTS has provided to the HCD field inspection staff. HCD's field staff consists of 52 inspectors, investigators and supervisors that certify manufactured home installations , alterations and perform investigations of licensed dealers and salespersons.

The IBTS training consisted of a comprehensive two-day training course providing insight into the Federal laws, regulations and construction standards for manufactured homes that was very well received by all in attendance. I appreciate and thank you for the professionalism and technical expertise you brought to this training, and hope that we can continue to work together in future projects."

-Robert Barger, Director, Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety

Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety

"The State of Arizona's Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety would like to thank you for your recent visit. All of the employees who were involved in the audit found the visit from Elizabeth Cocke, Ken Abel and [Howard Weissman] to be very beneficial. The training and constructive criticism you provided us with was extremely beneficial and your collective wisdom helped us to bridge our educational transition. I would strongly urge any other state to take advantage of your expertise and experience.

The group study case reviews at Laurel Creek were very enlightening and will help us educate the manufacturers so that we all improve as we continue to develop our relationships throughout the industry and with HUD."

--Robert Barger, Director, Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety