Small-Scale Construction and Renovation

Sponsor: Paul Page, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance

Team Leader: Don Robinson, Environmental Health & Safety

This review covered all aspects of small-scale, customer-funded renovation and construction work on the Amherst campus. The review team identified that the current priorities for Physical Plant focus on maintenance and repair, before the completion of small projects. Without a staff dedicated to such projects, time from initial request to completion (total turn-around time) averaged 235 days in FY98. To improve the timeliness of project work, the review team recommended that a small unit dedicated to small-scale renovation and construction be formed. In July of 1999, a job description was developed for a new director of the Alteration Department in the Physical Plant Division. The Alteration Department is expected to complete facility alterations, building improvements, and minor construction in a timely manner at a competitive rate. In the fall of 1999, start-up funding for the director's position was approved. During the spring of 2000, the search for the director is being completed. Once hired, the director will develop a business plan for the Alteration Department and negotiate agreements with the appropriate units on campus. The department is expected to become a self-supporting entity within the Physical Plant Division, after repaying its initial start-up costs.

For comments or questions regarding the implementation of this project, please contact the project sponsor or the project team leader.

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