Client:
Verizon

Project Duration:
1999-2001

Parsons Services:
Program management, database support

Project Manager:
Jim Wallace

The Verizon Signage Program represents a new area and market for Parsons. Formed by the merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE on June 30, 2000, Verizon is one of the world's premier communications services providers and is the largest wireline and wireless communications provider in the United States. Verizon needed to replace the signs at high-profile locations across the United States to reflect the Verizon name and logo. Verizon chose the locations based on building size and employee population as well as on the location's advertising value. Parsons was selected to provide project management services for signage replacements at 2,700 locations—this number was later increased to 4,200 due to Parsons' efficient scheduling and project management—in 44 states within 18 months. Parsons began work in December of 1999 and completed the project on time and within the original budget.

Verizon's physical plant in Arlington, Virginia

Parsons coordinated with Verizon, a corporate branding consultant, and two signage fabrication/installation companies to replace these signs in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The project schedule presented challenges to our team because of the volume of work to be completed at geographically dispersed locations over a short period of time. As the project progressed, we were ahead of schedule and under budget, so the client increased the number of locations until they depleted their project's performance period and budget. To help meet the aggressive schedule, Parsons divided the facilities into geographical areas and used regional coordinators working in existing Parsons offices to manage and provide oversight for the sign replacements. A central program management office located in Charlotte, North Carolina, led the program team.

One of the key components of Parsons' management system was a web-based database for posting, reviewing, and issuing work orders. The website displayed proposed and actual key milestone dates for viewing by the program team and Verizon personnel. This effort streamlined the project and allowed us to install 35% more signs at 1,500 additional locations within the originally established schedule and budget. Upon program completion, Parsons delivered the web-based database to Verizon, which included an electronic record of the program that will serve as a basis for future signage programs.

Workers raise a new sign at a facility in Virginia...

...and finalize sign placement

Major work components included:

New signs in Anaheim, California

Click here for more information on signage.

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