Planning Rationale
The goals for each project are met by addressing the primary purpose of the work and associated renovations needed to support a complete project. Projects are developed by using a scope to budget strategy. Each facility is unique and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis for the development of scope requirements.
Scope definition is a process that involves an understanding of the primary goals of the project, a comprehensive analysis of current existing conditions, budget constraints, schedule and constructibility. Unlike design for a new construction project, which can commence with a written program and through the use of CPS design guidelines, a renovation project is often more difficult to define.
Order of Magnitude (OM) Scope
The order of magnitude (OM) scope is a descriptive outline of required scope elements, quantities, and prices based on unit costs. The CPS planning team develops the OM scopes based on either virtual or actual on-site walk-throughs and uses the document to provide guidance to the design team about aspects and locations of work that will be required.
A third party estimator provides an estimate of the cost of work outlined in the OM document. This document then establishes the parameters for the design team to initiate the design process. Scope and quantities are required to be validated by the AOR/EOR as part of the ongoing design process.
Upon receiving the OM scope, it is imperative that the AOR/EOR provide an on-site assessment and verification of the scope. The AOR/EOR is not to rely on specifically called out quantities or equipment sizes and should confirm all new work on their own by use of calculations and field verified information. If the AOR/EOR identifies missing scope within the order of magnitude document which may be considered a better design solution, a more recommended solution, or additional scope that is pertinent to the completion of the project’s primary intent, it is the AOR’s/EOR’s responsibility to notify the CPS Design Manager so that CPS can consider the AOR’s/EOR’s concerns and recommendations. CPS will provide further direction to perhaps include such scope of work to the project or not. Additional scope approved by CPS may be included into the base project scope, however, may be tracked separately by the AOR/EOR as an additional service.
The “Standard OM Disclaimer’ located on all approved order of magnitude scopes addresses the CPS standard and expectation of the AOR/EOR to provide a complete assessment and verification of the OM scope in order to provide a complete set of construction documents which meet the project’s intent:
Standard OM Disclaimer:
It is the responsibility of the Architect and Engineer of Record (AOR/EOR) to verify all listed items including existing systems and associated building elements to confirm a complete scope of work has been established. If the AOR/EOR, determines that scope needs be added or modified, these clarifications shall be communicated to the CPS Design Manager. It is the duty of the AOR/EOR to provide a final set of plans that meets CPS Design Standards, all applicable Building Codes, Statutes and Laws (Local, State and Federal), and is constructible without extraordinary effort not documented in the plans.