The following is an annotated list of the components involved in the Capital Planning Process:

• Project Initiation-The need for a project is determined and approval of the Capital Projects Council (CPC) is sought.

• Analysis and Alternatives-Facilities Planning studies alternatives to solve the project needs. The alternatives may include reassignment of space, remodeling, an addition to an existing building, a new building, or a combination of all.

• Building Program-The building program is a document consisting written and graphical representations of the needs of the project. It is approved by all those involved in the project and is the basis for the architect’s design. It is the yardstick by which the design is measured.

• Architect Selection-The selection of the architect who will lead the design team of designers, engineers, and specialized consultants is one of the most important steps in the process. It is important to select an individual, individuals, or firms with the experience, creativity, and technical ability for the project to ensure success. The selection committee is made up of representatives of the user group(s) and university administration with guidance from the project manager and Facilities Planning.

• Construction Delivery Method-Choosing the appropriate method of constructing the project occurs early in the process. Although the most common method used is that where a design is developed, construction documents (drawing and specifications) are made, and a firm price bid is taken from qualified contractors; several other methods and variations are considered to best suite the needs of the project.

• Project Design-The project design is a synthesis of all of the needs of the project (functional, aesthetic, financial, time, and political), into a building that is greater than the sum of its parts. The architect takes the information contained in the building program and creates design alternatives for evaluation by the planning committee. Once an acceptable design has been achieved, the architect further develops it into documents from which the building can be constructed. The planning committee reviews the progress of the work as it progresses to ensure the final documents are consistent with the building program requirements.

• Bidding and Award-When the construction documents are completed, they are distributed to interested construction contractors who prepare and submit bids for construction of the project. The contractor submitting the lowest bid is awarded a contract to build the building assuming the bid is within the established project budget

• Construction-Construction is monitored by the construction manager and the architect to ensure compliance with the construction documents. Changes to the design during this phase are sometimes unavoidable, but every attempt should be made to limit them to those that are essential to success of the finished project. 

• Close Out-When the construction is substantially complete, the architect and construction manager review the project to make a "punch-list" of items that are left to complete. This is usually the point when the occupants can begin moving into the building. The contractor has a specified period of time to complete the "punch-list" items and a portion of the contract amount is withheld until these are completed.

Click on a component for more information.

The following is a flow chart that illustrates the components of the process and key review and approval points.

Project Management Fees

A project management fee is included in the project budget for all capital projects (projects > $25,000) to cover the costs associated with administering and managing a project at Iowa State University. These services are provided by the Design and Construction Services unit of FP&M.

Facilities Planning & Management
Email: FP&M Web Services

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