1. Capital Project Process
Jeff Grimm, Assistant Vice President
Julia Parker, University Architect
Lehigh University Facilities Services

3. Overview Generic Capital Project Timeline Capital Project Phases
Pre-Design Phase-WE ARE HERE!
Project Constraints
Feasibility Assessment Study
General Program Goals
Where Do We Go From Here?

4. Generic Capital Project Timeline

5. Capital Project Phases
Project Initiation - Project Request Form/Capital Budgeting Approval Process
Pre-Design  - Facility Feasibility Assessment Study
Schematic Design Documents (SD’s)-Specifications and Drawings
Design Development Documents (DD's)-Specifications and Drawings
Construction Development Documents (CD’s)- Bid Documents
Request for Bids & Bid Award
Construction and Commissioning
Occupancy
Post-Occupancy Evaluation

6. Pre-Design What Is A Facility Feasibility Assessment Study?
A partnership between the Facilities Department and the building users
Conducted under the auspices of an appointed Project Steering Committee
Project “Steering Committee” vs. “Program Committee”
Usually 6-9 full time members: Project Shepherds
Knowledge Experts
Facilitated by outside consultant(s)
Planners, Architects, Engineers
Identifies parameters of project going forward
Cost, time, schedule, logistics

7. What Is In A Feasibility Assessment Study?
Pre-Design
What Is In A Feasibility Assessment Study?
Project Definition (Concepts) and Scope
(Program Elements)
Space/Land Use/Codes/Constructability/Life Cycle Renewal (Physical Elements)
Budget/Fund Source (Affordability)
Schedule (Realistic/Logistics)
Final Report/Presentation for Executive Decision

8. Project Constraints

9. Project Constraints

10. Feasibility Assessment Study
Project Definition (Concepts) and Scope (Program Elements)
Evaluation of existing space (Condition? Adequacy?)
Objectives (What is the project intended to do? Academic program impacts? Pedagogical changes)
Conceptual Space Program (How big is it? What are its pieces?)
Conceptual Functional Program (How will it work? Who will support it? What are its general needs?)
Sequencing Relationships (What other projects must precede/follow this project, if any?)
Potential Alternatives (Different ways of getting to the same point)

11. Feasibility Assessment Study
Space/Land Use/Codes/Constructability/Life Cycle Renewal (Physical Elements)
Space evaluation (suitability, type of space, quantity available)
Building systems evaluation (envelope, HVAC, power, asbestos, lead paint, etc.)
Code compliance issues (exiting, occupancy, life safety, ADA, etc.)
Utility assessment to the building or site (power, water, sewer, gases)
Structural capacity (weight bearing requirements, seismic)
Land Use/Location(s) (vicinity map & adjacencies, circulation issues)
Compliance with University Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan

12. Feasibility Assessment Study
Space/Land Use/Codes/Constructability/Life Cycle Renewal (Physical Elements)
Appropriateness within context of unit's long-range academic plan (program growth, change of pedagogy, new program or program elements)
Constructability
Construction Phasing (Interim Moves and Logistics?)
Temporary space requirements (Relocation)
Additional studies required (detailed phasing plans, detailed relocation plans, geotechnical reports, in-depth asbestos and lead paint investigations, etc.)?
Life Cycle Renewal Needs and other major physical issues

13. Feasibility Assessment Study
Budget/Fund Source (Affordability)
Confirmation of funding availability and source, establish budget index
Develop budgets for soft costs (design, equipment, owner’s rep/construction manager and inspector costs, contingencies, temporary space and relocation costs, etc.-can be upwards of 30% of construction costs) and hard costs (construction)
Comparison to similar projects
Operating issues/fund sources involved? (Include operating budget for personnel, utilities, specialized equipment, contracted services, etc.)

14. Feasibility Assessment Study
Schedule (Realistic/Logistics)
Pre-construction work/projects
Phasing plans, if required
Proposed start/finish of:
Any identified predesign requirements
Design
Construction and commissioning
Occupancy
Critical milestones
Windows of opportunity (weather, academic schedule, etc.)

15. Feasibility Assessment Study
Final Report/Presentation for Executive Decision
Feasibility assessment completed, report issued
Appropriate presentations to BOT, senior leaders, committees, etc.
Decision reached
Board approval to move forward
Establish funding sources for remainder of project

16. General Project/Program Goals
• Engage facility user representatives in iterative interviews/workshops/surveys • Respond flexibly to the distinct culture of diverse users • Challenge pre-conceptions of spatial hierarchy • Develop strategies with leadership to manage expectations • Encourage shared and collaborative spaces • Emphasize multi-use spaces to enhance utilization and flexibility • Continue to test design against program goals/aspirations and budget

18. Needs Identification Phase
User Input/Impact
Needs Identification Phase
Feasibility/Programming Stage
Design Phase to 65%
Design after 65% to Construction Documents (CD’s)
Construction and Commissioning Phase
Occupancy Phase

19. User Input/Impact

20. Where Do We Go From Here?
Final Identification of Project Steering Committee Members
Project Steering Committee Kick-Off Meeting
Selection of Outside Consultant Facilitators
Complete Project Facility Feasibility Study Assessment

22. Questions ?