This is the third part in a four-part discussion about an upcoming design-build (D-B) case study. Last month we highlighted the D-B firm’s facility assessment strategy to produce a layperson’s interpretation of existing conditions, what was needed to reinvest in this historical building in New England, and how to present the report to the Building and Maintenance (B&M) committee. This month I’m going to address the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and final engineering documents.
With the summer of 2000 fast approaching, the B&M committee accelerated the D-B process by approving the initial facility assessment budget of $2 million so that final engineering could be completed and necessary agency approvals made. In addition, a “window-of-opportunity” would be required to pre-purchase long lead items so that the summer closing of the building would not be hampered by equipment not being on-site when needed. Another integral part of the GMP and the accelerated construction schedule would be to partner with the most knowledgeable hvac and electrical contractors for this building.