Toolbox/Best Practices

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• Working Without Sign Pro - tips and tools

  Sign Program Management

  • Sign Plan
    A sign plan is more than an inventory - it is a management tool that evaluates compliance, effectiveness, and is the base for short and long-term decisions impacting signs at your project. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sign plan.
  • Forms - Fillable forms for inventory, replacement planning, ordering, and maintenance.

  Sign Design: Visuals / Verbiage

  • Sign Manual (Volume 1)
  • Approved Safety Signs - a list of all approved "Caution, Danger, and Warning" safety signs not otherwise appearing in the published manual
  • Request a Nonstandard safety sign
    Have a unique condition that the requires a sign not otherwise available in the manual? There's a process for that!
  • Corps owned Helvetica Font
    Ever wanted the sign fonts (Helvetica) for use in MS Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, etc.? Click link and save them to C:\windows\fonts. They should then appear in the list of fonts in your various programs.
  • Typography (Sign Manual, volume 2, section D)
    In a pinch and need to grid out your sign measurements? It can be done!
  • Traffic Signs
    Know what is consistent and what is not between the Sign Manual and the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways)
  • Fee Signage
    This link details a variety of methods to advise the public of fees and collection methods that are both consistent with EC 1130-2-550, Chapter 9 (DRAFT - Recreational Use Fee Program), and compliant with the Sign Manual.
  • Security Signs
    "Big Army", your security office, and even Homeland Security have opinions on required signage. We can help you navigate that!
  • Non-English Signs

  Procurement

  • Sign Manual (volume 2, section A and section B)
    Don't forget: the manual offers information on sign procurement (Sec. A) and Materials & Specifications (Sec. B)
  • Sign Order Forms
    • Excel version
  • Corps of Engineers Sign Shops
    
  • UNICOR - Federal Prison Industries
    UNICOR "detailers" are familiar with the Corps Sign Manual and can make compliant, quality signs at competitive prices. For purchases greater than $3,000 - UNICOR is the mandated supplier if their price, quality, and time of delivery is comparable to private sector (according to formal Market Research).
  • Private Industry
    Program managers can utilize private industry for sign production, but don't waste valuable money! Make sure the vendor can meet sign standards. Here are some lessons learned!
  • Sign Making
    PowerPoint providing basic how-to on sign production

  Install & Maintenance

  • Sign Manual (volume 2, section C)
    Don't forget: the manual offers a sign maintenance section
  • Retroreflectivity
    DOT requirements for measuring and maintaining Retroreflectivity (nighttime visibility of traffic signs)
  • Sign Maintenance
    PowerPoint providing basic how-to on sign care, repair, and other maintenance.