In a competitive bid situation, the general contractor's first priority is controlling construction costs. The actions the general contractor take focus on adequate control, effective communication, efficient use of resources, and prevention of delays. (MLF)

The management contracting (MC) method applied to building a residence hall. (Editor)

One of the newer management systems used in school construction is design build bidding. It is most useful where no conflict exists, where the only goal is to get the least expensive building, and where no user input is desirable. It is not desirable if the building needs flexibility for future needs, or if there is concern for life-cycle cost.…

Innovative planning and performance specifications cut New Jersey's costs by a third. (Author)

A SET OF EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATION DRAFTED BY THE FIRST CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS GIVES INFORMATION ON BIDDING PROCEDURES, A DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM, PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, DATA AND CONDITIONS RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE OF THE PROJECT, COMPONENT CONTRACTS, AND GENERAL…

The article describes the responsibilities of public colleges and universities to award construction contracts to the lowest responsible bidder; discusses the purpose of bid statutes; and lists the factors institutions should consider in determining a bidder's responsibility. Also covered are the standard of review and due process rights of the…

In the design/build process, an owner asks an architect to team up with a builder to provide both design and construction services at a fixed price. Design/build procedures, used successfully in Jefferson County, Colorado, to provide facilities that satisfy school district needs in quality, cost, and fast delivery, are described. An editorial…

The working papers that document the planning, constructing, equipping, and operation of a laboratory facility dedicated to educational research and development (R&D) are organized into three volumes. Volume I sets forth the technical substance of the 12 working papers. This volume, Volume II, includes 35 technical attachments for Working Papers…

This report summarizes the results of a program initiated in July of 1967 that was based on the findings and recommendations of the First Phase Report, which was completed in June of 1967. Seventeen different school districts participated in systems programs, and 20 new schools and additions were completed during the 1968-69 school year.…

This report provides a survey of existing policies and procedures for Massachusetts school planning and construction processes; and explains systems building as a set of procedures, the most important of which procedures are market aggregation and component prebidding. The importance of systems building in reducing construction costs and improving…

This article provides a detailed discussion of a team approach to building that involves a construction manager, an architect, and a contractor. Bidding methods are outlined; the major components in construction management -- value engineering and fast track scheduling -- and the use of performance specifications are discussed. The construction…

This study is focused on organizational and procedural aspects of the Construction Systems Program (CSP), a developmental/demonstration project. The report is derived principally from practical observations by 42 active participants (architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, owner's staff) in a four-school pilot program. Also…

The Construction Systems Program (CSP) is the management process utilized in the construction of additions to four schools in the Detroit School District. The objectives of CSP were (1) to reduce the time required to plan and construct new buildings and additions, (2) to reduce the cost of new buildings and additions, and (3) to maintain or…

This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of a feasibility study of industrialized building method utilization in school construction. The 3-part format attempts to define the conditions necessary for the satisfactory operation of an industrialized building system for the benefit of the community; explain the conditions relevant to…