Project & Construction Management

Project Scope
The project scope phase includes defining the end result and the means to get there. During this phase the concept development of the project takes place. The feasibility of the concepts is explored and cost effective approaches are identified. The project boundaries are defined and a project approach is selected. The project team is also defined at this point. The project team would consist of the engineering disciplines required to design and manage the project with an overall project manager.

Basic Engineering
After the project is defined and an approach is identified, the team identifies the engineering data needed to complete the design and collects the data necessary. This may include field measurements for existing conditions, applicable code identification, client standards and preferences identification, and existing limitations identification. The basic engineering also includes identifying the design tasks and limitations to complete the project design. This includes identifying the applicable specifications for the design.

Engineering Design
After the basic engineering work is complete, the engineering design begins. This includes project drawings and initial construction/fabrication scope development. This effort includes client input, review and approval. This phase involves fieldwork by the designers, engineers, and field technicians to complete and document the design. The end product is construction/fabrication package consisting of drawings and a statement of work. The statement of work includes the general scope of the work package, specific scope of the work package and specifications. In some instances a suggested sequence of work is included to assure the intent of the design.

Cost Estimation
After the construction/fabrication package is completed, an engineering cost estimate is assembled. The cost estimate may use budgetary quotes received in the project scope phase and/or independent estimating from national standards. The estimating process involves the discipline engineers and the costing staff.

Bidding Process
After the construction/fabrication package and the cost estimate are complete, a request for quotation is issued to potential bidders. The request for quote contains the construction/fabrication package, instructions to bidders including bid format, and terms and conditions. Generally a bid meeting is held and a site visit is included if necessary. Upon the return of the bids, a bid evaluation is done including comparison with the engineering estimate, evaluation of the bidders past performance, evaluation of the bidders current capabilities to complete the work, and the total cost. The results of this evaluation are documented in a bid tabulation, which is reviewed with the client before contract award. Once the contract has been awarded, either fabrication monitoring and surveillance commences or construction management.

Fabrication Monitoring and Surveillance
After contract award for an equipment item, fabrication monitoring and surveillance starts. For off the shelf items this may be expediting only. This involves tracking vendor progress and delivery. For true fabricated equipment this may include visits to the contractors facility to assure the quality of the equipment and monitor the progress of the fabrication for payment purposes. Specification and code compliance issues are addressed during the visits and critical compliance testing is witnessed. All vendor data and drawings are reviewed for compliance with the specification and completeness.

Construction Management
After contract award for construction, the construction management process begins. This activity may involve multiple construction contracts and include monitoring the construction for quality, specification compliance, cost and scheduled monitoring, job progress for progress payments, change order review and approval/recommendation, and re-engineering as required. This phase may culminate with a formal sign off, system testing, or participating in a start up with a team of project personnel, construction contractor personnel, and client personnel.

Project Turn Over and Closeout
During and after the construction phase all vendor drawings and data is collected for the project turn over and closeout. All redlines and changes generated during construction are collected and transferred to the as built documentation. Project documentation is assembled into project books and delivered to the client and the client’s designated recipients. Additional documentation requirements may be accommodated at the client’s request.