<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Protection Development, Incorporated</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.pdifire.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.pdifire.com</link>
	<description>Protecting lives and property though the practical application of integrated fire protection engineering</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:22:27 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5</generator>
		<item>
		<title>ANOTHER NEW COMPANY FOR THE BOB ANDREWS GROUP</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2013/04/another-new-company-for-the-bob-andrews-group/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2013/04/another-new-company-for-the-bob-andrews-group/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:40:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MEmler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BAG Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob Andrews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob Andrews Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sam Goldwater]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup companies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pdifire.com/?p=1443</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[BAG BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT The Bob Andrews Group, LLC announces the launching of BAG Business Development. BAG-BD is a consulting firm taking advantage of the Group’s experience in starting and growing business in the field of fire protection. Headed up by Sam Goldwater, Vice President of the Bob Andrews Group and 40 year veteran in the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>BAG BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT</h1>
<p><div id="attachment_1350" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/SOG2.jpg"><img src="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/SOG2-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="SOG" width="150" height="150" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1350" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Samuel O. Goldwater</p></div><br />
The Bob Andrews Group, LLC announces the launching of BAG Business Development.  </p>
<p>BAG-BD is a consulting firm taking advantage of the Group’s experience in starting and growing business in the field of fire protection.  Headed up by Sam Goldwater, Vice President of the Bob Andrews Group and 40 year veteran in the field of fire protection, BAG Business Development will help start-up companies and legacy fire protection companies grow to their true full potential and to the expectations of their owners and investors.   The Bob Andrews Group has several thriving companies, most of which are in some sector of fire protection.  Within the Group are companies ranging from Fire Protection Engineering to Fire Equipment to Emergency Response.  Some companies are services related, some are equipment related, and some are people driven.</p>
<h3>Grow your business with BAG-BD</h3>
<p>Starting and growing businesses in fire protection is part art, part science, and part engineering.  Whether it’s starting a distributorship, a manufacturing company, or a consulting / rep firm, BAG knows how to get it going and keep it going.  If your organization has reached a plateau and is looking to grow, BAG knows how to do it.  With over a hundred years of experience in the field of fire protection, BAG-BD’s business professionals can support you in sales and marketing, accounting and administration, and operations and engineering.  Not only do we know how to support each of these important corporate areas, but we understand how they are connected and interact with each other.</p>
<p>We’re not consultants who just went to school and read up on the subjects.  We have lived the actual process of starting companies and growing them.  We have our own companies and we have consulted with some of the best companies in the industry;  sometimes heavily involved and sometimes just tweaking the details to make them more profitable, or sometimes just helping land that one big project.</p>
<p>If you are new to the industry, or if you are trying to create your own sales staff, or develop distribution, or if your sales have outpaced your infrastructure, BAG can help make you more successful – faster.</p>
<p>For more information, contact Sam Goldwater at (210) 547-2400 or via email to <a href="mailto: sogoldwater@bobandrewsgroup.com">sogoldwater@bobandrewsgroup.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2013/04/another-new-company-for-the-bob-andrews-group/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>PDI Opens New Austin Area Office</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2012/01/pdi-opens-new-austin-area-office/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2012/01/pdi-opens-new-austin-area-office/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MEmler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[PDI Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bastrop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[engineering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fire protection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[special hazard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suppression]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pdifire.com/?p=1220</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To better serve our clients &#8211; PDI has opened a new office in Bastrop, Texas. Additionally, we have hired Carter M. White, P.E. to serve as branch manager.  As an experienced fire protection engineer and an area resident, Mr. White will expand PDI&#8217;s presence in the Austin and Houston markets. Mr. White has been in the Fire Protection industry in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: justify;">To better serve our clients &#8211; PDI has opened a new office in Bastrop, Texas. Additionally, we have hired Carter M. White, P.E. to serve as branch manager.  As an experienced fire protection engineer and an area resident, Mr. White will expand PDI&#8217;s presence in the Austin and Houston markets.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/CMW.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-1181" title="CMW" src="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/CMW-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Mr. White has been in the Fire Protection industry in various capacities for over 24 years. Duties and roles of responsibility have included, but are not limited to: Operations Manager, Project Manager, Project Engineer, Regional Sales Manager, Outside Sales, Designer, Manufacturers&#8217; Representative, Installer and Technician. His extensive knowledge of Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems and in-depth understanding of fire alarm and water-based suppression systems offers an excellent complement to the core competency of PDI&#8217;s services.</div>
<div><a href="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Bastrop-Office.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-1222" title="Bastrop Office" src="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Bastrop-Office-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="168" height="150" /></a></div>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>New Office Location!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>111 North Hasler Boulevard, Suite 211</strong><br />
<strong>Bastrop, Texas 78602</strong><br />
<strong>(512) 581-4331</strong></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2012/01/pdi-opens-new-austin-area-office/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ziemba Promoted to Vice President &amp; General Manager</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/11/ziemba-promoted-to-vice-president-general-manager/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/11/ziemba-promoted-to-vice-president-general-manager/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MEmler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[PDI Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fire alarm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fire protection engineer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sprinkler]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pdifire.com/?p=1216</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gilead R. Ziemba, P.E. has been promoted to Vice President &#38; General Manager.  Gilead has proven that he is an exceptional leader and a very talented engineer.  When asked to comment, PDI President and CEO Bob Andrews stated that &#8220;I am extremely proud of Gilead&#8217;s accomplishments since joining PDI in 2009.  He is a dedicated person [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gilead R. Ziemba, P.E. has been promoted to Vice President &amp; General Manager.  Gilead has proven that he is an exceptional leader and a very talented engineer. <a href="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/GRZ1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1182" title="GRZ1" src="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/GRZ1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<div>When asked to comment, PDI President and CEO Bob Andrews stated that <em>&#8220;I am extremely proud of Gilead&#8217;s accomplishments since joining PDI in 2009.  He is a dedicated person and has shown an outstanding grasp of the business and engineering aspects of PDI.&#8221;</em></div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/11/ziemba-promoted-to-vice-president-general-manager/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ann Garcia joins PDI as Permit Coordinator</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/10/ann-garcia-joins-pdi-as-permit-coordinator/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/10/ann-garcia-joins-pdi-as-permit-coordinator/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:44:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>MEmler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[PDI Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[permit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.pdifire.com/?p=1208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce that Ann Garcia has joined the firm as Permit Coordinator. Ann comes to PDI after working for the City of San Antonio Development Services Department for over 9 years. She has experience in researching historical permits, issuing Certificate of Occupancy, retrieving plan review and inspection status, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is pleased to announce that Ann Garcia has joined the firm as Permit Coordinator.</p>
<p>Ann comes to PDI after working for the City of San Antonio Development Services Department for over 9 years. She has experience in researching historical permits, issuing Certificate of Occupancy, retrieving plan review and inspection status, and routing plans for commercial and residential review, as well as processing new permit application submittals. Her involvement with the different departments and areas of service within Development Services give her a behind-the-scenes understanding of the development process.<a href="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/AJG1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1213" title="AJG" src="http://www.pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/AJG1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p>
<p>Ann Garcia will assist PDI’s clients in obtaining construction permits through the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. She has excellent customer service skills and can guide each project through the permit process. Ann can be reached via email to <a href="mailto:agarcia@pdifire.com">agarcia@pdifire.com</a> or by calling our office at 210.828.7533.</p>
<p>PDI’s permitting services focus on helping Owners, Developers, Architects, Engineers, and Contractors navigate the plan review, inspection, and Certificate of Occupancy process. We are knowledgeable in all aspects of commercial development including platting and zoning.</p>
<p><strong>About PDI</strong></p>
<p>Founded in 1985 as a fire protection engineering firm, PDI provides a full spectrum of fire protection engineering services including sprinkler and fire alarm design, smoke modeling, and performance-based designs offering innovative solutions to complex fire and life-safety challenges. In addition, PDI provides consulting services for fire, building, and life-safety codes, including plans review and the issuance of commodity letters. PDI also provides government third-party plan review services on behalf of local, state, and federal agencies.</p>
<p>In addition to its engineering and consulting services, PDI, through its Permitting Section, assists its clients in negotiating the complex project permitting process, managing that process from initial application, through all necessary inspections, to final certificate of occupancy.</p>
<p>PDI is a Bob Andrews Group Company (<a href="http://www.BobAndrewsGroup.com">www.BobAndrewsGroup.com</a>).</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/10/ann-garcia-joins-pdi-as-permit-coordinator/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gracia Rosslow</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/02/gracia-rosslow/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/02/gracia-rosslow/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2011 01:19:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>adminPDIfsite</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Qualifications Summary]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pdifire.com/?p=518</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gracia S. Roslow, M.A., CPA Chief Financial Officer Human Resources Manager Curricula Vitae]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://pdifire.com/our-people/gracia-s-roslow-m-a-cpa/"><strong>Gracia S. Roslow, M.A., CPA</strong></a><br />
Chief Financial Officer<br />
Human Resources Manager</p>
<p><span class="collapseomatic highlight" title="Qualification Summary" id="5168"  >Qualification Summary</span><div id="target-5168" style="display:none;" class="collapseomatic_content ">This is a test of the display of Gracia&#8217;s Qualifications Summary.</p>
<p>Ms. Rosslow is the Chief Financial Officer and Human Resource Manager of Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) and has held that position since joining the Bob Andrews Group in 2006. In addition to her responsibilities with PDI, Ms. Rosslow serves as Chief Financial Officer and Human Resource Manager for Industrial Emergency Services, LLC (IES), IES Global Services, LLC (IEGS), and the Catalpa Falls Group, LLC (CFG).<br />
</div><br />
<span class="collapseomatic highlight" title="Email Ms. Rosslow" id="7921"  >Email Ms. Rosslow</span><div id="target-7921" style="display:none;" class="collapseomatic_content ">[contact-form]</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://pdifire.com/our-people/gracia-s-roslow-m-a-cpa/">Curricula Vitae</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2011/02/gracia-rosslow/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>“X” Train Announces Selection Of PDI Rail Solutions To Provide Technical Expertise To Assure Federal Railroad Administration (Fra) &amp; Amtrak Mechanical And Safety Compliance For All “X” Train Locomotive And Passenger Railcars</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2010/07/x%e2%80%9d-train-announces-selection-of-pdi-rail-solutions-to-provide-technical-expertise-to-assure-federal-railroad-administration-fra-amtrak-mechanical-and-safety-compliance-for-all-%e2%80%9cx/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2010/07/x%e2%80%9d-train-announces-selection-of-pdi-rail-solutions-to-provide-technical-expertise-to-assure-federal-railroad-administration-fra-amtrak-mechanical-and-safety-compliance-for-all-%e2%80%9cx/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 08:40:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admincontent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[PDI Press Release]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pdifire.com/?p=864</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[LAS VEGAS, NV Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (“X” Train), a Delaware company (OTCBB: XTRN) is pleased to announce the selection of PDI Rail Solutions (PDI) to assure that its “X” Train meets all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) &#038; Amtrak mechanical and safety standards. “The safe design and operation of the “X” Train is our Number 1 corporate priority. We believe that PDI Rail Solutions exemplifies the industry’s best practices [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/XTrainLogoWhite..jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-872" title="XTrainLogoWhite." src="http://pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/XTrainLogoWhite.-300x227.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="227" /></a>News Release</h2>
<h2>NEWS RELEASE for July 13, 2010</h2>
<h4>Contact:</h4>
<h4>Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc<br />
Mr. Michael Barron, CEO<br />
mbarron@libcapital.com<br />
(702) 583-6715</h4>
<h4>Allen &amp; Caron Inc<br />
Mr. Michael Mason (investors)<br />
michaelm@allencaron.com<br />
(212) 691-8087</h4>
<h4>Len Hall (financial media)<br />
len@allencaron.com<br />
(949) 474-4300</h4>
<h3><strong>LAS VEGAS RAILWAY EXPRESS, INC. – </strong>“X” Train Announces Selection of PDI Rail Solutions To Provide Technical Expertise To Assure Federal Railroad Administration (Fra) &amp; Amtrak Mechanical And Safety Compliance For All “X” Train Locomotive and Passenger Railcars</h3>
<p><strong>LAS VEGAS, NV</strong> Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. (“X” Train), a Delaware company (OTCBB: XTRN) is pleased to announce the selection of PDI Rail Solutions (PDI) to assure that its “X” Train meets all applicable Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) &amp; Amtrak mechanical and safety standards.  “The safe design and operation of the “X” Train is our Number 1 corporate priority.  We believe that PDI Rail Solutions exemplifies the industry’s best practices and  brings the necessary expertise and experience to assure that LVRE meets all of the myriad regulatory, safety and mechanical requirements needed to ensure our passengers that the “X” Train will be the safest travel experience in the country”, said “X” Train Chairman and CEO Michael A. Barron.</p>
<p>Specifically, PDI Rail Solutions has been selected to guide LVRE in achieving full federal compliance under 49 CFR 238 “Equipment Safety Standards” and 49 CFR 239 “Emergency Preparedness”.  Additionally, PDI will assure that all LVRE locomotives and passenger cars meet all Amtrak mechanical and safety standards. Among the numerous initiatives PDI has been assigned, in cooperation with the Class I railroads and AMTRAK, specific tasks to include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li> Creation of FRA &amp; Amtrak Compliance Inspection Reports</li>
<li>Inspection, Testing &amp; Maintenance Plan</li>
<li>Emergency Preparedness Plan</li>
<li>Fire Safety Analysis</li>
<li>Training, Qualification, and Designation Plan</li>
<li>System Safety Program Plan</li>
<li>Pre-Revenue Service Acceptance Plan</li>
<li>Qualified Maintenance Person Program</li>
<li>Emergency Preparedness Training for On-Board Services Personnel</li>
</ul>
<p>Commenting on their selection as regulatory consultants, PDI President &amp; CEO Robert C. Andrews, Jr. said, <em>“We have been in close communication with the LVRE since October 2009.  We are pleased to formally join the project at this time and look forward to doing all we can to assure the safety, reliability, and compliance of the “X” Train.”</em></p>
<h3>About Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc.</h3>
<p>Las Vegas Railway Express, Inc. has been planning for the establishment of a &#8220;Vegas-style&#8221; passenger train service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas since early 2009. Roundtrip service will be Thursday through Monday each week with an introductory price of $99 roundtrip. In addition, the “X” Train will also offer the ability for its passengers to book hotel rooms, transportation transfers, entertainment &amp; show tickets and other travel incidentals.</p>
<p>For more information, please visit the Company website at <a href="http://www.vegasxtrain.com" target="_blank">www.vegasxtrain.com</a>.</p>
<h3>About PDI Rail Solutions:</h3>
<p>Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, PDI Rail Solutions (www.PDIRail.com) is the rail / transit consulting division of Protection Development, Incorporated. PDI Rail Solutions provides comprehensive consulting and project management services divided into the following nine areas of expertise:</p>
<ul>
<li>Equipment and System Analysis</li>
<li>Inspection and Project Oversight</li>
<li>New Commuter Rail and Passenger Services (Mechanical)</li>
<li>New Commuter Rail and Passenger Services (Operations)</li>
<li>Operations, Maintenance, and Planning Support</li>
<li>Passenger Equipment – Fire Safety Standards</li>
<li>Private Rail Car Services and Special Trains</li>
<li>Regulatory Compliance</li>
<li>Specification Writing</li>
</ul>
<p>Protection Development, Incorporated is a Texas Registered Engineering Firm (Firm Number F- 2816), licensed under the authority of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE).</p>
<h3>Forward Looking Statements</h3>
<p>Statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the company&#8217;s plans, beliefs, and estimates as to projected market size are &#8220;forward- looking statements.&#8221; Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including factors listed from time to time in the company&#8217;s SEC filings, and actual results could differ materially from expected results. These forward-looking statements represent the company&#8217;s judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims, however, any intent of obligation to update these forward-looking statements</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2010/07/x%e2%80%9d-train-announces-selection-of-pdi-rail-solutions-to-provide-technical-expertise-to-assure-federal-railroad-administration-fra-amtrak-mechanical-and-safety-compliance-for-all-%e2%80%9cx/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>PDI Launches Rail / Transit Consulting Division</title>
		<link>http://www.pdifire.com/2009/06/pdi-launches-rail-transit-consulting-division/</link>
		<comments>http://www.pdifire.com/2009/06/pdi-launches-rail-transit-consulting-division/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:17:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admincontent</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[PDI Press Release]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[commuter rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emergency Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal regulatory compliance reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fire & Safety Risk Analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freight rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inter-city passenger rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[light and heavy rail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rail transportation industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smoke Flammability and Toxicity Testing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://pdifire.com/?p=341</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For Immediate Release PDI Launches Rail / Transit Consulting Division San Antonio, TX – June 12, 2009 Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) announced today that it is expanding its commitment to the rail / transit consulting business by launching a new, dedicated division, targeted specifically to that industry. The new division will be called PDI Rail [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>For Immediate Release</h2>
<h3>PDI Launches Rail / Transit Consulting Division</h3>
<h3>San Antonio, TX – June 12, 2009</h3>
<p>Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) announced today that it is expanding its commitment to the rail / transit consulting business by launching a new, dedicated division, targeted specifically to that industry. The new division will be called<a href="http://www.PDIRail.com" target="_blank"> PDI Rail Solutions</a> .</p>
<p>PDI is an established engineering firm, bringing a quarter century of experience to the marketplace. PDI, established in 1985 to practice fire protection engineering, began working in the rail / transit market in 2006 when it performed a comprehensive fire safety analysis for a new commuter passenger rail service. PDI has enjoyed steady growth since it’s establishment in 1985 and continues as a leader in its field.</p>
<p>Joining PDI Rail Solutions will be transportation engineers and professionals whose major focus has been to serve the rail transportation industry. Their expertise comes from long years of experience, working for and with major transportation providers, freight and passenger, public and private. With that experience will come an understanding, based upon multiple points of view, which in turn, will lead to common sense economical solutions.</p>
<p>PDI Rail Solutions will concentrate on the rail transportation industry, including light and heavy rail, commuter, inter-city passenger rail and freight rail, providing engineering, quality, inspection and related consulting services to both the public and private sectors. PDI Rail Solutions personnel will bring economical, real world experience to projects from start to finish and will be able to assist our clients at any phase of their project:</p>
<ul>
<li>Procurement Phase (for new vehicles and existing vehicle rehabilitation)</li>
<li>Manufacturing Phase</li>
<li>Acceptance Phase</li>
<li>Operational Certification and Training Phase</li>
<li>Maintenance Program Development and Training Phase</li>
<li>Project Closeout Phase</li>
</ul>
<p>PDI, with its existing cadre of Fire Protection Engineers and Code Analysts, will continue to provide fire and life-safety consulting for the rail / transit industry and apply their expertise in the areas of:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fire &amp; Safety Risk Analysis</li>
<li>Smoke, Flammability, and Toxicity Testing (vehicular and wayside applications)</li>
<li>Emergency Planning</li>
</ul>
<p>The new consultants of PDI Rail Solutions will add to PDI’s traditional services by entering the arena of rail / transit project management, procurement of new equipment, rehabilitation of existing equipment, regulatory compliance, and rail vehicle manufacture, operation and maintenance. PDI Rail Solutions consultants will have Class 1 and short-line freight experience, as well as passenger experience, ranging from local agency to national passenger operations.</p>
<p>PDI Rail Solutions’ new consultants will be well versed in the myriad aspects of project management, as well as having demonstrated technical expertise in the following areas:</p>
<ul>
<li>Specification development and writing</li>
<li>Drawing review and approval</li>
<li>Bid review and analysis</li>
<li>Federal regulatory compliance reviews including ADA, FRA, and FTA</li>
<li>State and local regulatory compliance reviews</li>
<li>Prime and subcontractor quality oversight and audits</li>
<li>Quality assurance including first article and pre-shipment inspections</li>
<li>Resident production engineering and oversight – both domestic and international</li>
<li>Fleet system proof and vehicle testing</li>
<li>Vehicle fleet implementation and integration</li>
<li>Small program start-up</li>
<li>Operational and Maintenance planning and support</li>
<li>Qualified Maintenance Person (QMP) training (to meet FRA §238.109)</li>
<li>Equipment / Systems Analysis</li>
<li>Documentation / Car History Books</li>
<li>Services to the Private Rail Passenger Car Segment</li>
<li>Pre-purchase inspection of existing equipment</li>
</ul>
<p>The employees of PDI Rail Solutions will be active in industry associations and panels. They will hold membership on important national transit association committees, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Public Transit Association (APTA), American Association of Railroads (AAR), American Short Line Railroad Association (ASLRA),<br />
Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC), and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). They will maintain membership in appropriate professional organizations and will also maintain numerous professional and technical certifications.</p>
<p>Bullish on the rail / transit consulting market, PDI President &amp; CEO, Bob Andrews, stated “While the launch of this division is new, PDI has been involved in the rail consulting business for the past three years. The establishment of PDI Rail Solutions will provide the necessary organizational structure to allow us to serve this very important market in a very focused way. When asked about hiring and staffing plans for the new division, Andrews stated, “I am very excited, and I believe the industry will be truly impressed, with the caliber of professionals that will be joining PDI Rail Solutions in the very near future.”</p>
<p>About PDI:</p>
<p>Founded in 1985 as a fire protection engineering firm, PDI provides a full spectrum of fire protection engineering services including sprinkler and fire alarm design, smoke modeling, and performance-based designs offering innovative solutions to complex fire and life-safety challenges. In addition, PDI provides consulting services for fire, building, and life-safety code compliance, including plans review and the issuance of commodity letters. PDI also provides government third-party plan review services on behalf of local, state, and federal agencies. In addition to its engineering and consulting services, PDI, through its Permitting Section, assists its clients in negotiating the complex permitting process, managing that process from initial application, through all necessary inspections, to final certificate of occupancy.</p>
<p>In June 2009, PDI expanded its commitment to the rail / transit consulting business by launching a new, dedicated division, aimed specifically at that industry. The new division is called <a href="http://www.PDIRail.com">PDI Rail Solutions</a> .</p>
<p>Protection Development, Incorporated (PDI) is a Texas Registered Engineering Firm (Firm Number F-2816), licensed under the authority of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPE). PDI is a <a href="http://www.bobandrewsgroup.com">Bob Andrews Group Company.</a></p>

<iframe src="http://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fpdifire.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F01%2FPDIRailSolutionsAnnouncementFinal1.pdf&hl=en_US&embedded=true" width="100%" height="500" frameborder="0" class="gde-frame"></iframe>

<p class="gde-text"><a href="http://pdifire.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/PDIRailSolutionsAnnouncementFinal1.pdf" target="_blank" class="gde-link">Download (PDF, 84.19KB)</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.pdifire.com/2009/06/pdi-launches-rail-transit-consulting-division/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
