Procurement Example: Design Build
University of California, Irvine
The Projects
The Process
The Design Build process is highly efficient, reduces the risk of claims, and allows the contractor’s technical expertise and creativity to be incorporated into the design process. This process also accelerates project schedules because procurement, fabrication, and construction of utilities can begin while construction documents are still underway. The Design Build process has proven so successful in controlling costs, increasing speed, and maximizing value that the UCI campus delivers virtually all projects using this method.
Significant planning and programming efforts are undertaken before any project is designed and constructed, and this project is no exception.
1. The process begins with defining the Vision, Mission, Goals, & Strategy
The strategy determines the infrastructure required to achieve the Vision, Mission, and Goals. In February 1999, UCIMC formulated the UCI Health Sciences Strategic Plan, laying the groundwork for the UCIMC Long-Range Development Plan (LRDP) in 2003. The LRDP outlined a detailed vision for the future expansion and evolution of the College of Medicine and UCIMC, addressing land use, academic goals, and environmental impacts from a proactive standpoint.
2. Facilities Master Plan (Guidance on the project development/ sequencing)
The 2013 Facility Master Planning Study was created by a consulting architecture firm to guide decisions on expanding the facilities at the Orange and Irvine campuses over the next 10 years.
3. Physical Design Framework (Guidelines on design principles for buildings)
Building on the foundation laid by the 2003 LRDP, the 2014 Physical Design Framework implements its concepts. It provides detailed guidelines for designing sites, buildings, landscapes, pathways, outdoor lighting, furniture, signage, and utility systems. The framework sets forth design principles and standards for new constructions, renovations, and routine maintenance of campus facilities to maintain a consistent appearance for UCIMC. This Framework is integral to all phases of planning and managing property and projects, encompassing establishing project objectives and budgets, analysis of land use, and project design.
A Facility Master Planning study is generally led by an Architectural firm, with input from a landscape architect, civil engineering firm, environmental consultant, and perhaps a transportation consultant.
Typical Process for the University of California:
4. Project Identification and Funding
UCI secured approval for funding both projects within the 2018-28 Capital Financial Plan, which was accepted by the Regents in November 2018. It was agreed that the projects would take place during the fiscal years 2018-19 to 2023-24 and would undergo review by the Finance and Capital Strategies Committee. Funding for the buildings would come from a mix of gift funds, external financing, and campus funds.
Gift Funds:
$200 million from Sussan and Henry Samueli for the College of Health Sciences
$30 million from Sue and Bill Gross for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Hall
5. Setting the Project Criteria
UCI adopted a traditional Design-Build approach for these two projects and engaged a separate architectural firm to create a Detailed Project Program (DPP) in January 2018. This DPP aimed to compile an in-depth bid package specifying the projects' comprehensive requirements, including functional space needs, architectural design criteria, performance standards for building systems, and site development and utility demands.
Typically, the DPP process is spearheaded by an Architectural Firm, incorporating contributions from construction cost consultants and engineering companies specializing in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP). Depending on the nature of the building, expertise from specialized planners like laboratory or hospital planners is also integrated.
6. Project Execution (Design Build)
UCI combined the bidding for two buildings into one contract to leverage economies of scale and efficiencies from having a single contractor on site. The bidding packages were distributed to prequalified Design Build teams, who then prepared and submitted preliminary plans and cost estimates for a Design Build competition. The contract was awarded to the team, offering the best value within the allocated budget. See Best Value Comparison
Design Build Team
Design & Construction Teams, General Contractor, Architectural Firm, Lab Planning, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical/Plumbing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Landscape Architecture
Electrical, Plumbing, Elevators, Drywall/Medical Studs/Plaster, Fire Protection, Mechanical, Earthwork, Concrete, Laboratory Casework, Glazing, Doors and Frames, Landscape & Irrigation
