Alexandria, Va. and Plano, Texas, March 28, 2003 -- Creating a more efficient and effective total power generation solution for utilities and industrial power producers is the goal of a new strategic alliance announced recently by officials of MPR Associates of Alexandria, Va., and Plano, Texas-based Innovative Control Solutions.

The design and engineering of power generation facilities typically has been separate from the implementation of control systems used in these operations. This two-staged approach requires that the plant owner or a third-party firm play the role of integrator between the plant and its control systems. According to Alex Zarechnak, principal officer with MPR Associates, the new alliance between the firms will provide clients with a one-stop solution that reduces overall operating complexity.

"MPR is known in the industry for its vast core competencies in power plant design, but implementation and integration of plant controls are highly specialized functions," said Zarechnak. "The ability to link MPR's experience in advanced engineering technologies with ICS' recognized depth of field expertise in advanced control system applications creates unmatched service to the clients of our respective firms, as well as a broader range of opportunities to both of our companies."

Gaining total-cost-of-ownership advantage

Beyond fundamental coordination issues, present and future financial considerations demand that power plant construction and operations be streamlined. The strategic alliance between ICS and MPR is expected to substantially reduce total cost of ownership for facilities engineered by the team, maximizing plant performance. According to Milt Neher, vice president of engineering at ICS, the results of this teaming for the alliance's clients could be far-reaching.

"While our respective disciplines are separate and unique, the manner in which general plant design and control systems work together can make the difference between financial, environmental and operational success, and unacceptable facility performance," said Neher. "The synergies between ICS and MPR will result in better engineered and delivered solutions for our mutual clients, a critical interest to energy managers throughout the world."

Early in the process of identifying this opportunity, the MPR and ICS organizations realized that the logic of creating an alliance went beyond the highly complimentary nature of the two firms' product and service offerings. As employees of the companies began talking about the potential for teaming, it became readily apparent that both share a common business philosophy and view of the marketplace, as well as a common culture and vision for technical excellence.

As a strategic alliance, each company will continue to operate independently, as in the past. However, ICS staff will introduce counterparts at MPR in situations where their system control clients need the addition of power generation engineering and design capabilities. Conversely, MPR personnel will include ICS expertise in power plant engineering and design engagements where closely integrated control capabilities are included in job specifications or the benefits of such integration are evident.

About Innovative Control Solutions

Innovative Control Solutions is a control systems integrator, specializing in advanced control applications for fully integrated power plant, steam and chilled water production control systems. Located in Plano, Texas, the company is specifically experienced in plant operations and maintenance, construction, start-up, engineering, and control system theory. ICS' focus is on using its depth of engineering and field experience to anticipate client needs, solving a full spectrum of control requirements. Additional information on Innovative Control Solutions is available at www.icstexas.com.

About MPR Associates, Inc.

MPR Associates, Inc. is a global engineering and consulting firm that specializes in energy technology and regulatory issues confronting electric power industry clients. The company takes a customized, hands-on approach to projects, focusing its technical resources, assets, operational and maintenance expertise to provide added value to its customers.

The MPR approach includes supplying independent assessment and third-party objectivity to challenges and opportunities, employing solid technical understanding and proven processes, and soliciting customer involvement and feedback to optimize the final solution. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., the company also has U.S. offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Houston and an international office in Sao Paolo, Brazil. For more information on MPR Associates, Inc., visit the company's web site at www.mpr.com.