SUBJECT: CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
APPLICABILITY: TOTAL UNIVERSITY
I. PURPOSE: To establish procedures for the
construction, renovation, repair and alterations of University buildings
and facilities in a safe, cost effective manner consistent with laws and
regulations of the State and the University.
II. APPLICABILITY: This policy applies to all
construction projects on all University buildings and facilities as herein
defined.
III. DEFINITIONS: The following terms whenever used or
referred to in this policy shall have the following meanings:
A. "Project" means any construction
project. The term "Project" shall include the construction of
any building or any structure or any facility or any addition to,
alteration, rehabilitation, or major repair of any existing building,
structure, facility or supporting utilities.
B. "Project Costs" includes but shall not
be limited to, the cost of construction, installed equipment,
architectural and engineering and legal expenses, cost of surveys and
plans and specifications, site development, and other expenses required
to provide a completed project.
C. "Construction" means acquisition,
construction, and reconstruction.
D. "Rehabilitation" means renewal,
restoration, extension, enlargement, and improvement.
E. "Alteration" means any change or
modification to any structural, mechanical, or electrical component of a
building or facility.
IV. PROJECT REQUESTS AND APPROVALS: Every project must
be processed through the Office of Facilities Planning and Construction (OFPC),
University of North Texas for review and approval (limited exception noted
below in #4 and #5). All requests for
work that would require the reclassification of classroom or laboratory
space must also be approved through the Facilities Planning Committee and
University Planning Council in addition to normal Departmental and
Administrative approvals.
A. Departmentally Funded Projects.
1. Requesting department forwards a written request
to the OFPC describing the project and requesting a cost estimate.
2. OFPC, in consultation with requestor, evaluates
feasibility and prepares a budgeting cost estimate. Estimate is
forwarded to requesting department.
3. Requestor obtains necessary approval through
appropriate channels and provides account authorization to Physical
Plant to proceed with the project.
4. Union and residence hall projects will only
require OFPC management if they involve architectural, electrical,
mechanical or structural components of the buildings which mandate
aggregate design fees in excess of $25,000, or a Project Cost greater
than $350,000. In this case they must be coordinated with the Physical
Plant prior to accomplishment.
5. Routine maintenance type projects
that are expected to cost under $10,000, may be sent directly to
Physical Plant, Facilities Services, for evaluation, processing and
execution.
B. Non Departmentally Funded Projects.
1. Requesting department forwards a written request
to the OFPC describing the project, the need, and the suggested
funding source.
2. OFPC, in consultation with requestor, evaluates
feasibility, explores alternatives and develops a budgeting cost
estimate. Estimate is forwarded to appropriate Vice President with
approval authority for proposed funding source.
3. Vice President obtains project approval by
forwarding the request to the proper level through the University
Planning Council, Steering Committee, President, Board of Regents,
Coordinating Board or Legislature as appropriate.
V. PROJECT DESIGN:
A. OFPC staff will accomplish the project design if
within their capabilities and time is available. If an outside
consultant is required, the OFPC Design and Construction Guidelines
will be followed in making a recommendation to the Board of Regents
who will make the final selection of the Architect or Engineer (AE)
for all projects, which require their approval. For projects within
the Administration's approval authority, the selection of the AE will
be made using the OFPC Design and Construction Guidelines and the
selection will be approved by the Vice President for Administrative
Affairs.
B. All project designs will comply with the International
Building code and the Life Safety Code as appropriate. Project design
will comply with the Elimination of Architectural Barriers Act,
Article 9102, Texas Civil Statutes.
C. The OFPC will coordinate the review of project
design documents with the user, Risk Management Telecommunications,
and the Physical Plant staff at the Preliminary Design and the 50%
Construction Documents phases.
VI. BIDDING AND CONTRACT AWARD: All projects not
performed by University in-house staff will be accomplished using one of
the following procedures.
A. Purchasing guidelines allow the use of telephone
bids for certain projects depending upon the source of funds and the
amount of the contract. Current Purchasing guidelines will be followed.
B. All other projects will be accomplished using one of the following
methods as defined in the Education Code, Chapter 51, Subchapter S. The
method selected will be the one that will deliver the project while
providing the best value for the University.
- Competitive Bidding on Contracts
- Competitive Sealed Proposals for Construction Services
- Design-Build Contracts for Facilities
- Construction Manager-Agent
- Construction Manager-at-Risk
- Job-Order Contracts for Facilities Repair
C. Requests-for-bids or request-for-proposals for projects with an
estimated cost of $25,000 or more will be advertised in the "Texas
Marketplace" website. For projects costing less than $25,000, bid
or proposal packages may be mailed to prospective bidders who have
requested to be on a bidder's list and who have performed satisfactorily
on any prior University project. Current Purchasing guidelines will be
followed.
D. Bids or proposals will be opened and evaluated. For bids, a
recommendation will be made for award to the lowest responsible bidder.
For proposals, a recommendation will be made for award to the bidder who
can deliver the project at the best value for the University. Contract
award shall be made by the Vice President for Administrative Affairs or
by the Board of Regents as appropriate.
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