1. Performance (function)-based Decision Making
A Focus on objectivity and consistency with project decisions

2. Challenges with decision-making
Individual Preferences/Mentality
Not what “I” want
Not how “I” would do it
Organizational Preferences/Mentality
We’ve never done it that way
Been there done that
Understanding the Basis for Decisions
Lack of Consistency

3. Defining performance (function)
How Must This Job Perform/Function – What Defines Success?
Purpose & Need
Project Objectives
Political
Technical
Contractual
What Must It Do?
Maintainability
Schedule

4. What happens when performance (function) is ill Defined?
What is the Function of—

6. Performance Attributes (Agency-based)
Project Stakeholders quantify what and how well the project delivers a project scope by establishing, measuring the impact and rating the effectiveness of the project alternatives with performance attributes
This allows the project stakeholders to measure and optimize the project scope, project schedule and project costs

7. Performance Based Benefits
Building consensus among project stakeholders (especially those holding conflicting views)
Developing a better understanding of a project’s goals and objectives as they relate to Purpose and Need
Developing a baseline understanding of how the project is meeting performance goals and objectives
Identifying areas where project performance can be improved through the VM process
Developing a better understanding of an alternative concept’s effect on project performance
Developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between performance and cost in determining value
Using value as the basis for selecting the best project, design concept or approach

8. Standard Performance Attributes for Caltrans Transportation Projects
Definition
Mainline Operations
An assessment of traffic operations and safety on the mainline facility(s), including off-ramps, and collector-distributor roads. Operational considerations include level of service relative to the 20 year traffic projections as well as geometric considerations such as design speed, sight distance, lane widths and shoulder widths.
Local Operations
An assessment of traffic operations and safety on the local roadway infrastructure, including on- ramps and frontage roads. Operational considerations include level of service relative to the 20 year traffic projections; geometric considerations such as design speed, sight distance, lane widths; bicycle and pedestrian operations and access.
Maintainability
An assessment of the long-term maintainability of the transportation facility(s). Maintenance considerations include the overall durability, longevity and maintainability of pavements, structures and systems; ease of maintenance; accessibility and safety considerations for maintenance personnel.
Construction Impacts
An assessment of the temporary impacts to the public during construction related to traffic disruptions, detours and delays; impacts to businesses and residents relative to access, visual, noise, vibration, dust and construction traffic; environmental impacts related to water quality, air quality, soil erosion and local flora and fauna.
Environmental Impacts
An assessment of the permanent impacts to the environment including ecological (i.e., flora, fauna, air quality, water quality, visual, noise); socioeconomic impacts (i.e., environmental justice); impacts to cultural, recreational and historic resources.
Project Schedule
An assessment of the total project delivery from the time as measured from the time of the VA Study to completion of construction. 8

9. Optional Performance Attributes for Caltrans Transportation Projects
Definition
Phaseability
An assessment of how easily a transportation facility can be improved or expanded upon at some future date. This attribute considers the degree of “throw-away work” involved as well as future traffic and public impacts when the planned future improvements are made.
Land-Use Compatibility
An assessment of the overall compatibility of transportation facilities with existing and planned land uses. This attribute considers how a transportation facility will directly affect the quality and viability of the land-uses around it. [NOTE: This attribute is often used for projects that involve significant right-of-way acquisition and that will have significant impacts to municipalities and/or private entities.]
Cultural Impacts
An assessment of the permanent impacts to cultural, recreational and historic resources. [NOTE: Sometimes it is desirable to split the standard attribute “Environmental Impacts” into multiple, free-standing attributes. This is in recognition that sometimes socioeconomic, cultural and natural resources are in conflict with one another.]
Ecological Impacts
An assessment of the permanent impacts to the ecological resources including flora, fauna, air quality and water quality. [NOTE: Sometimes it is desirable to split the standard attribute “Environmental Impacts” into multiple, free-standing attributes. This is in recognition that sometimes socioeconomic, cultural and natural resources are in conflict with one another.]
Hydrological Impacts
An assessment of the project’s impact to lakes, rivers and streams in its vicinity. The attribute also considers the performance of the transportation facility during flood events. 9

12. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA MATRIX
Greenacres Elementary School Project
TOTAL %
Flexibility: multi-functional classrooms and/or spaces (e.g., library-as-classromms/2 groups); future uses A b c d e f
0.0 0%
Collaborative: relationship with colleagues; proximity to teaching partners; bring staff together B
b/d
3.5
23%
Comfort: electrical / mechanical systems; environment - air/heat/cool C
1.0 7%
Accessibility: traffic flow; access to spaces D
4.5
30%
Durability: flooring, roof, wall coverings, color longevity (avoid trends) E
4.0
27%
Maintainability: ease of maintenance; appropriate inventory; similar/standard systems; ease of access (don't disrupt classrooms) F
2.0
13% a
More Important
a/b
Equal Importance
15.0
100%

13. Replacement versus Rehabilitation Evaluation
Value = Performance (Function)/Cost

14. Uses of performance-based decision making
Project Decisions
Helping to evaluate risk, alternatives, impacts
Programmatic Decisions
Helping to evaluate risk, projects, impacts
Helping to Educate the Decision-Makers
Defining success that ties the outcome to Performance
Consultants
Understanding client/project
Marketing (proposal “understanding”)