Specifying Commissioning Derek De Jesús, CxA Commissioning Manager Chinook Systems, Inc. Understanding the Commissioning Process October 14, 2008

Topics Commissioning Specifications Commissioning Specification Coordination Related Sections

Commissioning Specifications What is a Commissioning Specification? – Relays the expectations and requirements of Commissioning to the contracting team Outlines the Process from a contractual perspective – Includes documents in Division 1, 15, and 16 Could also include 13, 17, etc… – Define Roles and Responsibilities Division 1 is the General Contractor as well as sample documentation Other sections are the respective sub-contractors all related back to Division 1

Commissioning Specification So what really goes into each section? – Anything to accurately relay the intent and requirements of the contractor for this project Defines what a “deficiency” and “retesting” are – Defines the exact requirements for Warranty and Training Does not repeat information from those particular sections – FILLS IN THE GAP!!! – Anything that could cost the contractor money or time needs to be identified

Commissioning Specifications So what is the difference between a Plan and the Spec? – The spec typically does not change Plan is a living document Allows for wiggle room in the process of getting from A-Z – As it relates to process, the spec speaks in generalities and references the Plan Plan is specific and detailed – Contractor bids the specification Plan is used a reference tool to be used in conjunction with the specification

Specification Coordination What is the purpose? – Incorporates Commissioning into ALL related sections – Requires coordination and interaction between the CxA and the A/E specification builder – Performed as part of the CxA design review Back checked before bid documents – Fills in the gaps between disciplines and even between sections within the same division

Specification Coordination Approach – “What would I need in this document to….?” Test, maintain, operate, and commission – Looking to ensure that the requirements to properly operate, maintain, and commission the equipment and system are defined Not looking from the design team perspective but from the O&M, testing agency perspective

Specification Coordination Division 1 – Incorporates all related sections to the Commissioning section(s) – Review the requirements of: Demonstration and Training Closeout Submittals Operations and Maintenance Warranty

Specification Coordination Division 15 – XXX

Specification Coordination Division 16 – Coordinate the requirements of other disciplines Building Automation System (Div 15) Fire Alarm (Div 13) Telecom and Security (Div 17) Miscellaneous systems – Spare parts are defined

Specification Coordination Division 16 – Ask the design team specific questions about any contradictions between plans and spec Use their knowledge of the intent to define what is listed – Use the OPR and/or BOD to drive questions NOT, “I would do this…” or “I would prefer this…” Code interpretation based on Lessons Learned

Related Sections What effort is there for the CxA in… – Demonstration and Training specification Define the level of expectation directly with the owner and O&M staff – Classroom, site, slide presentation Develop topics and who will present – System overview = Design team – Equipment = Qualified manufacturer representatives Final repeatable format – DVD, interactive, web-based

Related Sections What effort is there for the CxA in… – Operations and Maintenance specification Define what type of information is provided based on equipment and systems – Requirement for generators and chillers may not apply to plumbing fixtures and BAS – Are emergency operation manuals required? System level manuals required? Define what the review process shall be – 1 hardcopy with threaded conversation for comments – 1 Final hardcopy with electronic submission on CD

Related Sections What effort is there for the CxA in… – Warranty specification Assists in defining the lengths of coverage for specific equipment and components Typically based on O&M experience Extracted from owner and O&M staff – Special warranty periods are identified beyond standard manufacturer provided – Closeout submittal specification Define how as-built documentation is delivered

Related Sections Just like the Commissioning Specifications… …leave the Division 1 sections to define the requirements …coordinate with the Division 15 and 16 Cx sections Allows the general contractor to be responsible for the delivery and overall requirements Defines the individual sections for the particular sub- contractor

Recap Commissioning authority’s role in developing specific specifications is quite intensive Define the cost and time associated with performing commissioning to the contractor – Give them something to bid on Allow the Commissioning authority to assist in properly coordinating the specification

Wrap-up Questions and Answer Session Derek De Jesús, CxA Chinook Systems, Inc Jefferson Davis Hwy, Suite 905 Arlington, VA