Navigating the complexities of campus construction demands fresh perspectives and flexible approaches. The University of Illinois system showcased its innovative strategies at the recent Higher Ed Facilities Forum (HEFF), offering valuable insights into modernizing project delivery. Mike Wilson, Assistant Vice President of Capital Programs & Utilities, and Angela Jacobs, Director in the same department, shared their experiences in adapting to the evolving landscape.
Wilson’s core message throughout? "No one delivery method is best for every project. It's really important to have tools in your toolbox so that you can deliver each project effectively."
This flexibility has become crucial for the U of I system, which manages diverse projects across three campuses, from urban Chicago to rural Champaign. Recent legislative changes have allowed them to expand beyond traditional design-bid-build processes, enabling a more responsive approach to various project needs and market conditions.
The U of I system now employs several alternative delivery methods:
- Single Prime Contracting: Streamlines the process by consolidating contracts.
- Design-Build: Recently authorized, already applied to a $200+ million research pavilion in Chicago.
- Energy Performance Contracting: Addresses deferred maintenance while focusing on energy efficiency.
- Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): Described as their fastest delivery method, particularly useful for projects requiring long-term financing.
- Retained Vendors: Maintains up to 65 different retainer contracts for various project needs.
- Job Order Contracting: Used for small, quick-turnaround projects.
This diverse toolkit allows the university system to tailor its approach to each project's unique requirements. For instance, P3s might be ideal for large-scale developments needing extended financing, while Job Order Contracting suits rapid, smaller-scale work.
By embracing this flexible strategy, the U of I system demonstrates how a varied approach to project delivery can help institutions manage costs, accelerate timelines, and address complex campus development challenges.
The U of I example offers a valuable lesson for other higher education institutions striving to modernize facilities within budget constraints: adaptability in construction methods is key to meeting development goals in an ever-changing landscape.
Watch the full talk here:
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