The feasibility study is a detailed investigation and analysis conducted to develop design options for a proposed project. During this phase each option will be reviewed for existing site conditions (including utilities), space and programming requirements, environmental issues, associated risks, budgetary and scheduling constraints and logistical considerations.

The objective of programming is to expand upon and refine the option recommended at the end of the feasibility study. This phase will include a site and space assessment, an in-depth review of the client’s programmatic requirements, a project budget, a project schedule and an operational plan.

A Request for Proposal is issued to design professionals and responses are reviewed by the University’s selection committee with a recommendation made to Senior Administration.

A determination will be made whether a construction management or general contractor delivery method will be utilized.

The schematic design phase produces drawings and other documents including a conceptual site plan, preliminary building plans, sections and elevations including simple diagrammatic documents delineating room sizes and relationships and single line diagrams of all systems.

This phase shall illustrate and describe the development of the approved schematic design documents and shall consist of drawings and other documents including plans, sections, elevations, typical construction details, equipment layouts, and diagrammatic layouts of building systems to fix and describe the size and character of the Project as to architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, and such other elements as may be appropriate. At the completion of this phase state and local permitting submissions are made.

The approved design documents are developed into comprehensive construction drawings and specifications that are used to competitively bid the work among qualified contractors, and ultimately serve as the basis for the project’s construction.

Depending on the delivery method selected, bids will be solicited to general contractors or through the construction manager to sub-contractors. Contractors/sub-contractors will be selected based on low bids and post bid reviews.

During this phase, the project is built to quality level included in the construction documents within the budget, schedule and scope defined and approved by the owner.

The commissioning agent, contractors and sub-contractors provide training for the University’s Physical Plant Staff who will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility following user occupancy.

Typically, professional movers are hired to facilitate the move-in process. A user’s representative is designated to coordinate the move for faculty and staff with the Department of Facilities Design & Construction.

At the time of initial occupancy, the project manager will give a facility overview and tour to the client’s designated representatives as well as transfer responsibility for maintaining the facility to the Physical Plant Department.

Upon owner occupancy, the one-year warranty period begins. While Physical Plant is responsible for routine maintenance of the facility and systems, during the initial year, the contractor retains responsibility for any construction related deficiencies. An 11-month warranty walk-thru is scheduled to review any outstanding items.