Unit Price Books & Other Things JOC

Unit Price Books – UPBs & Other Things JOC

A Job Order Contract requires the use of a unit price book, UPB, and an associated co-efficient.  Contractor bid one, or multiple co-efficients and then apply the co-efficient to the unit price line items when preparing an estimate for specific JOC project (task order).

In many cases, an area location factor may also be be applied to the estimate, in addition to the construction co-efficient.

Line items from the current UPB are called “priced”, or “prepriced” line items.  Any line item used in a JOC  estimate is called a non-prepriced, NPP line items.  JOC contracts typically limit the total value of NPP line times to be no more than 10% of the total cost of the project estimate.

2015 optimized facility renovation and repair

Historically, most Job Order Contracts have used the  Facilities Construction Cost Data publication from the RSMeans Company, LLC as the UPB.   This was likely because the RSMeans Company, LLC was recognized at an objective national resource for cost data. With the acquisition of the RSMeans Company, LLC by The Gordian Group, the types(s) of unit price books used, and their prevalence, may change.

Most job order contracts, at least in the public sector, require the use of “bare cost” line items, i.e. costs that do not include contractor overhead and profit.  Contractor overhead and profit and other costs are generally expected to be accounted for within the contractor’s JOC co-efficient.

standardized cost data

Any selection of a unit price book for a Job Order Contract should consider the following:

  1. Detailed descriptions for each line item in common industry terms, and with a minimum of abbreviations.
  2. Cost data research and provided by an independent and objective source.
  3. Ease of use
  4. Full search capability
  5. Annual updates
  6. Area cost location factors, with quarterly availability

 

 

Job Order Contracting Metrics – LA County June 2016

The Board of Supervisors routinely authorizes County departments and agencies to sign Job Order Contracts (JOCs) with contractors, which are used as an alternative to traditional procurement methods in order to expedite and competitively bid various construction and refurbishment projects.

In the last four months alone, the Board has authorized departments to sign 17 separate JOCs for $4.5 million each, totaling $76.5 million.

A recent article in the Long Beach Press Telegram reports that an audit of the City of Long Beach’s use of JOCs found “a significant lack of controls over all key areas of the process, creating an environment that is highly vulnerable to fraud.” The audit found that contractors would lowball their bid for a JOC in order be awarded the contract, and then proceed to charge the City for multiple change orders, unnecessary parts and labor, and specialty items that are not listed within the price book, for which the City must pay full value plus a 10 percent premium.

Over the 17- month period of the City’s use of JOCs that was reviewed in the City’s audit, 91 percent of JOC projects had change orders and cost overruns, and cost city taxpayers $1.9 million.

Given the County’s extensive use of JOCs and the large amount of public funds used to pay for them, it is imperative that the processes and procedures used by our County departments to administer their JOCs ensure that this type of abuse does not happen.

I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board of Supervisors instruct the CEO, in coordination with the Auditor-Controller and all departments that utilize JOCs, to report back in 45 days on:

1. The percent of JOC projects over the last year that exceeded the initial project cost estimate due to change orders or fees for specialty items not listed in the price book; and

2. The process by which departments evaluate requests by JOC contractors for change orders and fees for specialty items; and

3. The frequency with which contractors made unreasonably low bids for JOCs, and whether the County was warned about these low bids by The Gordian Group, with whom the County contracts to help administer JOCs;

4. A thorough review of the concerns raised in the audit released by the City of Long Beach’s Auditor on May 25, 2016, and identification if similar concerns exist within the County’s use of JOCs, with recommended corrective actions if any similarities are found.

(Source: MOTION BY SUPERVISOR DON KNABE June 14, 2016 )

Job order contracting performance metrics

job order contracting

Tips for Bidding a Job Order Contract

TIPS FOR BIDDING A JOC – Job Order Contract

A more predictable revenue stream and long term relationships with owners are just two of the many benefits that Job Order Contracts provide to construction contractors.

If you are one of the many contractors are not familiar with locating, bidding, and winning job order contracts, the following may be of some help.

  1. Talk with owners, contractors, and professional/support organizations familiar with job order contracting.
  2. Locate JOC opportunities in Federal, County/State/Local Government publications (i.e. fbo.gov)
  3. Carefully review Job Order Contract solicitations, requests for proposals, and requests for information. Key factors include: contract term, location, service requirements, experience requirements, past contract history, and mobilization costs.
  4. Document your past performance history. If you don’t have any prior JOC experience, consider teaming agreement and/or acting as a subcontractor on a JOC.
  5. If your firm qualifies, consider registering as a set-aside organization – HUBZone, 8(a), woman-owned, small business, etc.
  6. Attend training/workshops on line item unit price estimating using unit price guides.
  7. Consider hiring a consultant that is skilled in preparing JOC proposals and setting coefficients.
  8. Attend pre-proposal conferences and site visits if available.

 

 

Best Value

Job Order Contracting – Best Practices Implementation

 job order contracting

JOB  ORDER CONTRACTING

 

 Job Order Contracting GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES

 

job order contracting

LEAN best management practices are integral to  the administration of a Job Order Contract (JOC).   Job order contracts, provides a flexible and responsive contractual capability in supporting its real property maintenance and renovation mission.

Job Order Contracting enables a pre-qualified contractor(s) to perform repair, renovation, or minor construction of a facility or other form of built structure based on pre-described and pre-priced tasks as defined within a Unit Price Book – UPB.

The procurement process for a JOC contractor begins with an Owner request for proposal (RFP) where the real property Owner identifies the type(s) of work for which it is requesting services. The contractor(s) may submit sample bids and a coefficients (a multiplier(s) to be applied to the referenced unit price book.

The intent and purpose of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is to establish a term contract to provide on demand, quality general construction services  (renovation, repair, sustainability, minor new construction ) for the Owner.

JOC, an annual contract and multiple option year agreement for general construction, generally requires the Contractor to e furnish associated labor, tools, materials, equipment and transportation.  The Owner provides an overall JOC manager, generally a procurement/purchasing authority, and a Project Manager / Coordinator assigned to each project during all phases of a project, including construction.

Projects may be architectural (finishes) , electrical, mechanical and/or plumbing in nature.  Asbestos and similar abatement may also be included if part of an overall project.  The architectural scope includes, but is not  limited to, demolition and construction of building exteriors and interiors and may include suspended ceilings, gypsum and masonry walls, metal frames and solid core doors, and resilient flooring. The electrical may consist of, but not be limited to, demolition and construction of building electrical systems and may include service and distribution, general lighting, communications, controls and instrumentation, and other systems.  The mechanical may consist of, but not be limited to, demolition and construction of building mechanical systems, and may include rough and finish plumbing in cold and hot water, chilled water, and steam drain piping,  the  construction  and  extension  of  ducts  in  supply,  return  and  heating  ventilation  and     air conditioning systems (HVAC), the installation of fan coil units or DX type air conditioning systems, and hot water and steam generators.

A JOC generally includes a nominal guaranteed minimum contract value for the initial year, and for exercised option period during the term of a multi-year program, provided the Owner has been reasonably satisfied with the contractor’s performance to date.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Owner is not obligated to issue task orders or an amount of work beyond the stated minimum.

 

 Work Limits

The JOC established a dollar limit per task order, for example $100,000 or $150,000 per job order.  It is generally not acceptable to split a project into more than one JOC in order to stay under the maximum amount.

Term

Contractors are generally selected as part of a multi-year agreement, and/or for one year with tw0(2) to four(4) option years.

Unit Price Books

The “Facilities Construction Cost Data” historically provided by the RSMeans Company, LLC and similar line item cost books are used for the vast majority of job order contracts.   Generally the most recent edition of the UPB is used for Year 1 of the JOC, and updated annual.   Quarterly economic factors are also viewed as a best practice.

If the  does not provide appropriate pricing for required tasks and/or the best value for the Owner, the Contractor should be allowed to provide alternative pricing for consideration during the proposal process and show a cost comparison  (cost/benefit)  option  to  the  Owner for  consideration.    It  is  expected  that  the chosen contractors will always provide the best value option for the Owner on all projects for which they are contracted.

Specifications

Best practice Job Order Contracts typically rely upon the Owner’s existing  construction  design specifications, and the UPB.   Individual task orders generally include drawings, detailed unit prices, and reference specifications.

The Technical team (Facilities Management / Engineering) develops specifications and plans necessary for the procurement and implementation of the JOC. The intent of the specifications is to furnish concise organizational standards for maintenance, repair, and construction of Owner facilities.

Where the unit price offers minimum/maximum costs associated with a particular task, or if the task is not listed in the unit price book, the Contractor will submit a not-to-exceed time and materials proposal for the specific task to the Owner for approval.

Job Orders / Task Orders

A job order (JO) or task order (TO) is the contractual document  issued by the purchasing/procurement or its designated representative to the Contractor.  The Contractor provides a detailed line estimate as the TO proposal, submitted to the Owner for review and approval, itemizing tasks and quantities of labor, materials, and equipment to do the work. The TO is issued and approved upon agreement between the Owner (purchasing/contracting and engineering/technical/facility management) and the Contractor on the scope of work, performance time, and the price for that work.

The Notice to Proceed (NTP) is provided by the Owner (procurement/contracting/purchasing)  and issued to the Contractor.

Non-Pre-Priced Work

 Non-pre-priced works includes tasks that are not specifically included in the unit price, but are within the basic intent and general scope of the JOC, and/or tasks which are included in the unit price, but require adjustment because of unusual site conditions which differ materially from those ordinarily encountered and generally inherent in the character of the

If materials specified by the Owner Technical team for a specific task exceeds the unit material bare cost in the unit price book, the Contractor may be allowed increase and adjust the bare cost as needed. In these instances, copies of at least two (2) competitive materials vendor quotations should be submitted to the Owner to substantiate material costs in excess of the unit

If the JO task is not defined in the unit price book, material costs should be reimbursed to the Contractor, based on the actual cost of materials to the Contractor from its usual sources of supply with all usual trade practice discounts deducted.   All cash discounts should  be deducted  in determining material costs.

The Contractor provides equipment and material as specified by the Owner from sources at the least cost to the Owner.  Competitive quotations shall be secured wherever feasible, and in all instances, when requested by the Owner.  Contractor  will be required to provide copies of invoices and proof of payment when requested by the Owner.  Contractor is responsible for receiving and securing materials, including unloading of delivery trucks, checking deliveries, and transportation to the work area. Owner staff are not responsible for this.

The Owner reserves the right to purchase material or job-required merchandise. Materials not  used on the job shall be returned to the Owner’s  stock for credit to job.  The Owner will  be required to deliver such materials to the job site or compensate the Contractor for providing labor to deliver Owner-furnished materials to the job

Equipment

Equipment costs can be included in the task order only if a unit cost for equipment is listed for the specific task  in the unit price book, and actually on the job. The Contractor shall furnish as part of its overhead cost, included in the coefficient, all necessary protective equipment, concrete mixing boxes, water barrels, wheelbarrows, hoes, shovels, tools, mortar boards, ladders, portable scaffolding, shop tools, hand tools, shop equipment, and fabricating items customary to the trade, etc., and all other movable equipment necessary to complete the work performed under this contract. The furnishing of tools shall include all maintenance, fuel, loss and breakage. Any equipment reimbursements must be approved by the  Owner prior to its use.

Labor

 Labor costs will be reimbursed to the Contractor at the unit price rate multiplied by the Contractor negotiated coefficient(s). The Owner will not recognize any premium or incentive pay and no work shall be performed on an overtime basis or shift differential and no overtime pay or shift differential shall be included as a “job cost” unless the performance of such overtime or shift differential has been authorized by the issuance of an additional letter of acknowledgement on a particular project or as agreed to in the submitted TO by the Contractor, or as required in the scope of work issued by the Owner, and/or a separate coefficient is allowed.

If a task is not properly identified in the unit price book, then the Contractor will be reimbursed for only laborers and journeymen at their respective hourly labor rates (inclusive of salary only), multiplied by the negotiated coefficient. Taxes, insurance, fringe benefits, and vacation allowances are to be included in the Contractor’s coefficient.

As per the Owner’s General Conditions, a worker with overall project supervisory authority is to be present on the job site at all time.  Supervisory costs are to be part of Contractor’s negotiated coefficient and will not be reimbursed as a separate labor.

Travel time or costs associated with transportation between an employee’s residence and job site are not reimbursable. Out of state travel of any kind will not be reimbursed or allowed in the cost model.

The Contractor shall perform the work under this Contract on the job site in association with Owner staff,  other Owner Contractors, and/or Subcontractors, per JOC stimulations (whether union / Davis-Bacon, or non-union and shall complete the work assigned in the time required.)

If off-site time and materials work is required, such as site fabrication, the Owner  shall be so notified at the time of the issuance of the TO by the Contractor. The Owner reserves the right to inspect such off- site work at any

The Contractor shall maintain a local office with telephone available for receiving and making calls throughout the working day and shall have available sufficient storage space for materials and equipment if its local office is not located within 50 miles of the work site.

The response time of the Contractor (or Contractor’s representative with equal authority) to the Owner is stipulated in the contract, i.e.  Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM  and/or normal working hours.

Subcontracts

 When it is necessary for the Contractor  may be allowed to use the services of a Subcontractor. The Contractor may be reimbursed for Subcontractor at cost plus the negotiated coefficient. Proposals to the Contractor under both the unit price and time and material methods and consist of a “Not to Exceed” time and material nature. Copies of the subcontractor proposals are to be a part of the Task Order submittal, and shall be included as backup. At the completion of the project, any savings associated with the Subcontract may  be required to be passed along to the Order by way of a change order.

The Contractor shall, as soon as practicable, and before the execution of the contract, notify the Owner in writing of the names of Subcontractors proposed for the principal parts of the work and that of other Subcontractors, as the Owner may direct. The Contractor shall not employ any Subcontractors that the Owner may object to as being incompetent, unfit, irresponsible or

The Contractor agrees that it is fully responsible to the Owner for the acts and omissions of the Subcontractor(s) and any person(s) directly employed by them (Subcontractor), as he/she is for the acts and omissions of persons directly employed by them (Contractor).

Nothing contained in the JOC or contract documents shall create any contractual relation    and/or obligation between any Subcontractor and the Owner, and nothing in the contract documents is intended to make the subcontractor a beneficiary of the contract between the Owner and the Contractor.

The Contractor agrees to bind every Subcontractor, and will see that every Subcontractor agrees to be bound by the terms of the JOC and related contract documents, and each of these as far as is applicable to their work, unless specifically noted to the contrary in a subcontract, approved in writing, as adequate by the Owner.

Execution Procedures

Owner Technical Team – Facilities Management / Engineering  – Work Coordination

Owner submits request for maintenance, construction, or facility modification by completing an established form and submitting it through the JOC established authority (generally Purchasing/Procurement/Contracting).

The JOC authority and the Owner Technical Team will then perform the following actions once the form is received:

  1. Request is assessed for validity and
  2. Priority is established, a gross scope and cost estimate range is associated
  3. The funding source is identified and funds available for the requested work are
  4. Preliminary plans and specifications are generated
  5. Plans and specifications are noted

Initial Review of Proposed Project with Contractor

Facilities Management / Engineering contacts the Contractor. The primary Contractor or primary Contractor’s representative shall respond within an established time frame (i.e. two (2) calendar days) by meeting with the Owner Technical Team  (and possibly the end-user customer) to conduct a scope validation site visit and conference. During this meeting, the following issues will be discussed and established:

 

  1. Project number and title
  2. Site investigation
  3. Methods and alternatives for accomplishing work
  4. Definition and refinement of requirements
  5. Detailed scope of work

If the primary Contractor is unable to respond to the initial contact by Owner  within the given amount of time, the Owner reserves the right to contact an alternate contractor for a proposal on the project.

Owner Facilities Management/Engineering and Contractor JOC Activities

Owner formally requests the Contractor to make a proposal by listing the project title and Task Order/Job Order number, acknowledging the scope of work, and any special instructions or conditions that may exist, as per plans.

The Contractor is responsible for preparing a detailed proposal by identifying tasks, refining quantities, pricing priced an d non-pre-priced tasks, developing performance times and preparing a proposal document. The Contractor furnishes this proposal to the Owner within and established timeframe (i.e. within five (5) calendar days from the date of the initial site visit).

Owner reviews the Contractor’s proposal for completeness, tasks and pricing data. Owner reviews the Contractor’s proposed performance time. The reasonableness of the Contractor’s price proposal is authenticated by comparing it with Owner estimate or a review of the Contractor’s line item estimate by the Owner.

After a review of the proposal, the Owner will either approve the proposal or will set up and conduct a proposal review meeting with the Contractor and negotiate any variations involving price, time, and quantities.

If Contractor’s proposal is not acceptable, the proposal may be returned to the Contractor for additional development, or; the Owner determines the project should be canceled, delayed, accomplished by other means, or reassessed.

Upon validation that the project should be accomplished, the project package will be compiled by Owner and a Job Order / Task Order issued to the Contractor.

The project package is to include:

Any Owner work request, correspondence, including estimates, plans and specs, General and Supplementary Conditions including funding, Contractor proposal, Record of negotiations, Owner Task Order/Job Order, etc. and any other required various forms completed by the Contractor.

Once the Task Order/Job Order is approved and issued, the Contractor will begin work as per date ranges. The Owner  will perform the contract administration associated with the until work completion, including the final inspection and acceptance.  Upon acceptance and certification of work completion by the Owner, all required delivery order data will be filed in the JOC electronic record system and other required areas.

At the time of project completion, the Contractor will submit a Certificate for Payment or similar document to be approved by the Owner JOC authority. The Owner may hold a retainage for completion of any punch list(s) for the estimated cost to complete the punch list and /or release of liens.

Modification to Job Orders

 If differing site conditions are encountered during execution of the Task Order/Job Order, or there is a desired change to quantity or quality of work, then the Task Order/Job Order must be amended.

Generally,issuing modifications may be required due to differing site condition (unforeseen conditions), increased scope of work (requested/approved by the Owner), decreased scope of work (requested/approved by Owner), and/or time / schedule adjustments.

All modifications must include a detailed explanation of the circumstances that caused the modification.

Reporting Requirements and Payments

All work flows, reporting requirements, and payment procedures are specified in the Job Order Contract.  The will be responsible for administering all task orders under the Job Order Contract with Finance/Purchasing/Contracting, Internal Audit, Contracts Administration, and the Technical Team providing guidance.

Application and Certification of Payment shall be submitted by the Contractor using properly executed forms provided by the Owner, including any set-aside documentation.

Upon receipt of Contractor invoices and approval of work thus far completed, the Owner makes payment to Contractor for work completed and materials purchased for the Task Order.

Final payment shall be made to the Contractor promptly after final completion of work and acceptance by the Owner as stipulated per the Job Order Contract.

The Owner generally reserves the right to deduct from the contract sum an equitable amount for any damaged or uncorrected work until such time as the work is deemed to be satisfactory by the Owner.

The Owner may withhold or, on account of subsequently discovered evidence, nullify the whole or part of any payment certificate to such extent as may be necessary to protect the Owner from loss on account of  legal claims filed against the Contractor or reasonable evidence indicating probable filing of claims; failure of the Contractor to make payments properly to the Subcontractor or supplier for material or labor; or a reasonable doubt that the work can be completed for any associate unpaid  balance.

Exclusive of any issues, payment shall be made with each Application for Payment.

The Owner is responsible for maintaining  Job Order Contract information, such as the following:

List of job orders, with description and dollar amount, issued.

List of job orders, with description and dollar amount, completed.

Status of all incomplete job orders

Statement of total number and dollar amount of job orders issued for each.

List of job order modifications issued during the

 

Owner Proposal Rejection Right

 The Owner reserves the right to reject any proposal if the evidence submitted by a proposer, or if an investigation of such proposer fails to satisfactorily convince the Owner  that such proposer is properly qualified by experience and/or capabilities to carry out the obligations of the contract and satisfactorily complete the work contemplated, or   the proposal(s) are deemed   not to be in the best interest of the Owner.

JOC Proposal Form

Proposals shall be submitted by the Contractor using the forms furnished by the Owner. Generally the required format is electronic, standardized, and completed using the same/similar software utilized by the Owner.  Generally any alternative format will not be accepted by the Owner.

Delivery of Proposals

Proposals are submitted as noted in the Job Order Contract.  Typically, this is by done via email, or within some form of online/collaborative software program.  A proposals must be submitted at the specified location, and by the specified time set for the “opening” of proposals in order to be accepted by the Owner.  Generally the FAX transmissions or paper submissions via mail or hand deliver are not allowed or encouraged.

 

Terms as Used in All Documents

It is critical that standardized terms, definitions, and data architectures be used throughout the Job Order Contract life-cycle, from initial conceptualization through close-out and warranty period.

Owner – Refers the Owner and or Owner authorized representative responsible for the JOC.

Coefficient –  A numerical factor which represents costs not considered as included in Unit Price Guide unit prices (examples may or may not included the following as defined in the Job Order Contract document)-  general conditions, administrative and other overhead costs, insurance costs, protective gear and clothing, contingencies such as changes in wage rates and inflation, contractor’s profit.  Typically JOC coefficients range from 0.80 to 1.20, however, due to unusual site conditions or other requirements, the accepted coefficient my vary beyond this upper or lower limit.

Non Pre-priced Item (NPP) –  A necessary unit line item(s) associated part of a JOC Task Order / project that is not within the JOC Unit Price Guide. Generally a coefficient is not applied to a NPP.  A limit upon the total value of non pre-priced items associated with a Task Order is generally specified in the Job Order Contract.  This value is generally  expressed as not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the value an individual task order.

Statement of Work – (SOW) – A description of a task order / project to be ordered under a Job Order which contains sufficient detail to determine quantities, quality, and the time required for completion.

Unit Price Guide –  A compilation of real property repair, rehabilitation, alteration, maintenance, and minor construction tasks, along with associated units of measure and unit prices designated or provided by the  Owner to be used in administration of this contract.  Information is in the form of unit prices times including a description of the task,  direct material, labor and equipment costs, but not indirect costs or profit. The Unit Price Guide generally includes approximately 30,000 line items for routine facility management tasks.  The number can be far lower in the case of certain “trade” JOCs, such as painting, fencing etc..  The number of line items may also be significantly higher for diverse portfolios and/or requirements.   The later two instances represent outliers.

 

 

Performance and Payment Bonds

 The awarded Contractor generally is required to execute and supply to the Owner with a Payment Bond associated with the JOC, and specified total project/task order values.  The accumulative total of the Job Order Contract may be a consideration for establishing bond premiums. Payment Bonds   are for the protection of all claimants supplying labor and materials as defined by the scope noted in the fully executed job order/task order.

Performance bonds shall be solely for the protection of  Owner / Owner authority awarding the contract.

Time Period

 The Owner will assure the facility/area associate with the specified job order/task order will be available.   Work must be completed within the specified time frame mutually agreed by the Owner and Contractor.  Credit may or may not be given for days of inclement weather based on specifications.

Failure to Complete Work on Time

 The time set forth in the job order /task order  for the completion of work is an essential element of a Job Order Contract.   Contractor’s failure to complete the work within such time will cause damage and/or operational inconvenience(s) to the Owner.

A breach of contract as to completion time will cause damage and liquidated damaged my by associated with the Job Order Contract.  For example, for each and every calendar day after the expiration time of the anticipated completion date of the task order/ job order that any work is not completed and accepted, including the correction of deficiencies found during the final inspection, the amount per day, as stipulated, an amount  may be deducted from the money due, or to become due to the Contractor, not as a penalty but as compensation to the Owner for additional  expenses  incurred, and inconvenience caused by failure of the contractor to allow the Owner to receive the premises at the designated time of completion.

Liquidated damages may be assessed for each calendar day for job order contracts.  An example is shown in the below table.

 

 

Job Order Amount From                To Liquidated Damage Per Calendar Day
$  —– $25,000 $42.00
25,001 50,000 70.00
50,001 100,000 105.00
100,001 500,000 140.00
500,001 1,000,000 210.00
1,000,001 2,000,000 280.00
2,000,001 5,000,000 420.00
5,000,001 Over 5,000,000 600.00

 

Insurance

The Contractor shall procure and keep in force insurance with companies acceptable to the Owner conforming to a defined schedule. The Contractor shall supply all required insurance prior to starting the project on the scheduled date. The Contractor shall also provide a certificate from the insurance carrier naming the Owner as an additional insured and that the insurance shall not be cancelled until ten (10) calendar days written notice of said impending cancellation has been given to the Owner.

Material

Only new, unused, and first-quality materials or equipment shall be supplied as specified in the Job Order Contract.  It is not the intent of the specifications to limit materials, or the products of any particular manufacturer. Where specific materials, equipment and/or fixtures have been specified by name, manufacturer, or catalog number, it has been done to set a specific minimum standard and reference for comparison as to quality, longevity, and performance. There is no intent to discriminate against, or prevent any dealer or manufacturer from furnishing materials, equipment, and/or fixtures which meet or exceed the characteristics of the specified items. However, substitution of materials shall not be made without prior written approval from the Owner.

Contract Warranty and Guarantee

The Contractor warrants all Work against defects in materials, equipment, or workmanship for a period defined in the Job Order Contract.  The time period begins upon substantial completion of the entire project, or designated portions of completion.

Correction of Defects – Upon receipt of written notice from the Owner of the discovery of any defects, the Contractor shall remedy the defects and replace any property damaged there from occurring within the warranty and guarantee period. If the Contractor, after notice, fails to proceed promptly and remedy the problem within a defined period (i.e. thirty (30) days or within another period of  time which has been agreed to in writing, in compliance with the terms of the warranty and guarantee) the Owner may have the defects corrected and the Contractor and its surety shall  be liable for all expenses

State Sales Tax

The Owner may qualify for exemption from State and Local Sales Tax.

Subcontractors

 The Contractor shall not assign, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the contract, or any portion thereof, or his/her rights, title and interest therein without the written approval of the Owner, as stipulated in the Job Order Contract.  To sublet, assign or otherwise dispose of any portion of the contract shall not relieve the Contractor of any responsibility for the fulfillment of the contract. If the aids of subcontractors are used to complete the project, the contractor will be responsible for supplying the following information about the subcontractors at or before completion of the project:

  1. Subcontractor name and
  2. Vendor identification number (if available).
  3. Set-aside / Small Business Classification (if appropriate).
  4. Subcontract bid
  5. Lien

An Identification (I.D.) Badge is required for all contractors, subcontractors and their agents working on or about the Owner property.  This is generally a Photo I.D. Badge for any person(s) on site.   A Non-Photo, Color-Coded Badge  generally required for individuals on site for less a specified period of time to include but not limited to,   equipment setup, delivery person(s), and temporary labor crew(s).The Contractor is responsible assure Badges are properly assigned and maintain accurate records  and updated lists making information available for inspection upon the Owner’s request.The Badges will be worn and displayed prominently by each cardholder near the front shoulder area.

Site Supervision

 The Contractor shall supervise and direct all work using his/her best skills and materials, shall be solely responsible for all construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures, and for coordinating all portions of work under any contract.

Site Inspection

The Contractor is responsible for having visited the site and having ascertained pertinent local conditions such as locations, accessibility, and general character of the site of buildings, the character and extent of existing scope of work within, and adjacent to the site, and any other work being performed thereon at the time of the submission of their Job Order price.

Trash and Cleanup

 The Contractor shall at all times keep the premises free from accumulation of waste materials or rubbish caused by their employees or the work. Upon completion of the project, and prior to the final inspection, the contractor shall have the premises in a neat and clean condition. The Contractor is not to use Owner trash containers for any reason.

Building Codes

 Code compliance is mandatory. Contractor is to furnish all materials and equipment and do whatever is necessary to comply with federal, state, and local laws, building codes and environmental regulations.

Safety Precautions and Programs

 The Contractor shall be responsible for initiating, maintaining and supervising safety precautions, programs and environmental regulations in connection with the work. For example: Public Law 91-596, 29 U.S.C. Sec.’s 651 et seq., The Occupational Safety and Health  Act (OSHA) of 1970, and all amendments thereto, and will enforce and comply with all of the provisions of this act. In addition, on projects in which trench excavation will exceed a depth of five feet (5’-0”); the Contractor and all of its subcontractors shall comply with all requirements of 29 C.F.R. Secs. 1926.652 and 1926.653, OSHA Safety and Health Standards, which are more fully described in the Special Conditions, of the above standard, and shall require a pay item classification, pursuant to Paragraph 7.1, for the particular safety system to be utilized by the Contractor.

Non-Discrimination

The Contractor shall not discriminate against any person because of race, sex, age, creed, color, disability, religion or national origin.

 Royalties, Patents and Licenses

It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Contractor and all of its subcontractors to be familiar and comply with all requirements of public law 102-560 enacted by Congress and effective November 28, 1992. The Contractor shall pay all royalties and license fees, and defend all suits or claims for infringement of any patient rights and shall hold the Owner harmless from loss or account thereof, except that the Owner shall be responsible for all such royalties and license fees and loss when a particular design, or process, or the product of a particular manufacturer, or manufacturers is specified; provided, however, if that Contractor has reason to believe the design, process or product specified constitutes an infringement of a patent, he shall be responsible for such royalties, license fees and loss unless he promptly gives such information to the Owner  and the Architect and/or Engineer. It will  also be required for each contractor to submit with their bid proposal a list of all licenses, or fees they  have determined necessary for completion of the contract.

Firearms

All Contractors are advised to inform all their employees the fact that weapons, of any kind, are strictly prohibited.  Violators can and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the proper designated authorities.

Wage Scale(s):

 The Contractor is generally required to pay not less than the wage scale of the various classes of labor as shown on the “Prevailing Wage Schedule” and/or Davis-Bacon.  The specified wage rates are minimum rates only, and the Owner will not consider any claims for additional compensation made by any contract because of payment by the Contractor of any wage rates in excess of the applicable minimum rate contained in the contract. Site work, paving and utility construction crafts may be used only for construction outside of the building line.

Prevailing Wage Rates

The Contractor is required to pay not less than the defined wage scale of the various classes of labors.  The specified wage rates are minimum rates only, and the Owner will not consider any claims for additional compensation made by any contract because of payment by the Contractor of any wage rates in excess of the applicable minimum rate contained in the contract. Site work, paving and utility construction crafts may be used only for construction outside of the building line.

 

 Sample Forms

SUBCONTRACTOR INFORMATION

Project Name:                                                                                                   

Company:                                                                                                         

Signature:                                                                                                         

Purchase Order No.                                                Date:                                  

Were Subcontractor(s) Used for this Project?       [     ] Yes              [    ] No If YES, complete the following information:

Company Name:                                                                                               

Company ID#:                                            *Classification:                            

Subcontractor Price (HUB’s only)                           Percentage:                 _

Company Name:                                                                                              

Company ID#:                                            *Classification:                           

Subcontractor Price (HUB’s only)                           Percentage:                  

Company Name:                                                                                              

 Company ID#:                                            *Classification:                           

Subcontractor Price (HUB’s only)                           Percentage:                  

Company Name:                                                                                              

Company ID#:                                            *Classification:                           

Subcontractor Price (HUB’s Only)                           Percentage:                 

*Classification Codes:

NAH = Not a HUB Contractor   /  HUB = HUB-Minority Owned Contractor   /   HUB-WO = Woman Owned Contractor

 

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS LIST

 

Project:                                                                                           Located on ___________________________

[   ] No hazardous chemicals will be used on the project. 

If, at a later date, it is determined hazardous chemicals will be required, this form must be immediately completed and posted.

The following is a list of hazardous chemicals currently being used or will be used on this project. Further information can be obtained from the material safety data sheets (MSDS). The MSDS pertaining to this work-site will be kept on file at

                                                                                                                       .

MSDS index #           hazardous material

(Name of Material, etc.)

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                         

 

  1.                                                                                                      

Company:                                                                                              

Superintendent’s Signature:                                                                     

Date: To:

Attention of: Re:

Project Name: Project #:

 

JOB ORDER CONTRACT REQUEST FOR QUOTE/Proposal

 Request for Job Order Contract Price Quote

The Owner hereby requests a written job order price quote to perform the services for the project described herein. The project is located at 4XXXXXXXX. Work to be performed is included in the drawings and project manual titled xxxxxx, FM #xxxxxx, dated xxxxx.

Owner Technical Team (Facilities Management / Facilities Planning and Construction/ Engineering) is the department  that will manage this project. A pre-bid conference will be scheduled for the week of xxxxxx. Please submit your proposal and construction schedule to the undersigned Project Manager no later than xxxxxx. 

Sincerely,

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Project Manager, Owner

Attachments: Project Drawings Project Manual

cc: Project File

 

Job Order Contractor Services Request

 

Memorandum

Phone:

TO: (Authorizing Manager)                 Fax:

FROM: (Owner Project Manager) (FM / Engineering Dept.)

DATE:

SUBJECT: Job Order Contractor Services Request Project Number: XXXXXX

Project Name:

 

The above referenced project requires the procurement of Job Order Contracting Services (JOC). Direct costs for the project are expected to be less than $XX<XXXXX  and the project is suitable for the JOC Program. Details in support of this request and justification are as follows:

Name of Requested Contractor: Selection Considerations and Justification

(Check all that apply and explain)

  • The requested Contractor offers a scheduling advantage over other available Contractors, (i.e. manpower or workload).

Briefly explain.

  • The requested Contractor has demonstrated exceptional performance accomplishing similar projects for Owner which is documented as follows:

FM Project No. FM Project Name Owner 1.

2.

3.

 

  • The requested Contractor possesses an experience advantage over other available Contractors because of its prior construction experience associated with the project area (i.e. knowledge of existing site conditions)

Briefly explain.

  • The requested Contractor and one or more other Contractors are equally capable of performing the project, but the requested Contractor has been awarded a lower total dollar amount than other

Briefly explain.

 

Job Order Contractor Services Request Project Number:

Project Name:

SUBMITTED

By: Date:

(Owner Project Manager)

AUTHORIZED

By: Date:

(Owner Authorizing Manager)

PROJECT MANAGER –

  1. ATTACH ORIGINAL SIGNED JOC SERVICES REQUEST TO THE VENDOR PURCHASE REQUISITION.
  2. PLACE DUPLICATE COPY IN THE OFFICE CENTRAL
  3. PLACE DUPLICATE COPY IN THE PROJECT

 

HOW TO REVIEW A JOC PROPOSAL – WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

 

1.  Verify the proper coefficient is used and applied

  • The negotiated coefficient is applied to the Unit Price Guide line items only, including overtime calculations.

 

2.  Perform a math check on the Proposal Summary

  • Math should be checked in the “down column” and it is recommended to check certain high quantity line items “across” the detail

 

3.  Review and check all overtime applications

  • This includes crew rates used and the specific application of what is being performed
  • The overtime coefficient is the same as the normal working time
  • Distinguish between overtime for off-hours labor vs. straight-time with a shift

 

4.  Check and review the line item detail

  • Line items should clearly correspond to the scope of work and be categorized by the Construction Specifications Institute
  • The formulas cannot be changed or modified in the Unit Price Guide line

 

5.  Review and confirm quantities

  • Check the large quantities and the frequency of smaller quantities
  • Look for duplication
  • Confirm that inter-related line items have appropriate inter-relating quantities, e.g., conduit quantity vs. wire hangers

 

6.  Review and confirm qualifications / clarifications

  • Clarifications are important because they confirm or spell out
  • Verify how clarifications affect the pricing in the proposal or the scope of

 

7.  Confirm the Job Order duration / final completion

  • All projects require a schedule. It should be noted that the final approved schedule can be furnished at an agreed upon later date and may or may not be attached as part of the initial

 

8.  Review the non pre-priced items – NPP

  • The goal is to keep non pre-priced items to 10% or less of the direct cost. However, at Owner may have proprietary systems and vendors. Some proposals may exceed the 10% due to the application of these proprietary sources. Authorizing Manager shall approve when non-pre-priced exceeds 10%.
  • All non pre-priced line items must have a complete material and labor breakdown
  • Confirm that the non pre-priced items are not in the UPB.

 

9.  Review and confirm the bonds

  • Applicable performance and payment bond premiums should be added to the sum of the pre-priced and non pre-priced line
  • Refer to the 2005 Uniform and Supplementary General Conditions for bonds and insurance

 

10. Verify the Set-Aside

  • Demonstrate participation and/or a good faith

 

11. Show Your Work!

  • Include red lines, comments / notes, printed addition tapes, notes, and confirmations directly on the proposal to substantiate your review. This action is very important as it clearly demonstrates “due diligence” in assuring Owner   is   getting   best      (See   JOC   Proposal   format     example.)

 

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF A JOB ORDER CONTRACTING PROGRAM

DO:

  1. Know the JOC Contract and its dollar
  2. Know your contract plans and
  3. Check the math and extensions of each
  4. Randomly verify line items and
  5. Keep non pre-priced scope to less than or equal to 10% of the project direct cost
  6. Review overtime applications /crew
  7. Apply the negotiated coefficient to only the unit
  8. Apply bond costs to the summation of all
  9. Verify the current approved Unit Price Guide is being used in the
  10. Question and validate the contractor’s proposal

DON’T:

  1. Bid any of the approved JOC Contractors against each other and “Shop” bid
  2. Use only non pre-priced quotes and call it a JOC
  3. Solicit JOC proposals from non-approved JOC contractors
  4. Assume a non pre-priced item is not in the Unit Price
  5. Allow manipulation of the Unit Price Guide units, formulas, or
  6. Allow non-normal working hour rates (overtime) on tasks that can be completed during normal working hours.
  7. Apply any City Index adjustments to the estimate unless authorized in the Job Order Contract
  8. Allow proposals developed other that using Unit Price Guide and noted NPP items.

Job order contracting

 

 

LEAN – Job Order Contracting WebCast – Society of Military Engineers Facility Asset Management Committee

“LEAN – Job Order Contracting WebCast” – Society of Military Engineers Facility Asset Management Committee

On April 14th, The Society of Military Engineers (SAME) Facility Asset Management Committee hosted a WebCast presented by the Center for Job Order Contracting Excellence – CJE.

The WebCast titled, Efficient Renovation, Repair, and Minor New Construction LEAN – Job  Order Contracting, Best Management Practices,  was well attended and well received by attendees.

Presenters included:

Peter Cholakis, CJE Board Member

Charlie Bowers, LEED AP – CJE Board Member, Center for Job Order Contracting Excellence

 Jacob Kashiwagi, PhD, – Program Manager/Lecturer, Performance Based Studies Research Group, School of Sustainable Engineering and the   Built Environment, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University

WebCast Outline:

  • Definition of JOC (Termed SABER / Air Force)
  • JOC Best Management Practice Areas
  • Defining Characteristics of a JOC Program
  • Experience, Capability, and Technology Requirements
  • Roles – Owners, Contractors, Subcontractors, Oversight Groups, COOPs, Service Providers
  • Performance Metrics
  • Lessons Learned
  • ASU 2015 National JOC Research Study

“Owner implemented and managed Job Order Contracts are, by far, the fastest growing.” – Charlie Bowers, CJE Board Member

“We need to make more Owners aware of JOC, as it clearly provides major benefits such as the highest rate of on-time, on-budget, projects, as well as higher quality and greater overall satisfaction” – WebCast Attendee

“Only a fraction of Owners are aware of JOC” –  WebCast Attendee

“Five percent (5%) or less of real property owners are aware of JOC and practice Job Order Contracting using “best management practices” – Peter Cholakis, CJE Board Member

“The biggest obstacle to efficient construction delivery is Owners not hiring experts, not using BEST VALUE procurement, and not allowing competent experts to exercise their expertise” – Jacob Kashiwagi  –  Performance Based Studies Research Group -p PRBSRG,  Arizona State University

20160414-SAME Facility Asset Management WebCast

20160414-SAME Facility Asset Management WebCast

 

Collaboration Matrix

job order contractingjoc CERTIFIED

BIM Policy Lags Techology

The primary challenge to BIM and the efficient life-cycle management of the build environment in general is a lack of awareness and education specific to total-cost-of-ownership and associated decision support tools.

BIM Policy

Owners simply are not capable of implementing required elements to enable BIM.  For example, BIM requires the following elements.

  • Collaborative construction delivery methods (Intergrated Project Delivery – IPD, Job Order Contracting – JOC)
  • Common terms, definitions, and data architectures
  • Metrics/Key Performance Indicators
  • Shared Risk/Reward
  • Trust/Mutual Respect
  • Written policies and procedures that fully define roles, responsibilities, and deliverables
  • Ongoing education and training
  • Continuous improvement
  • Supporting and open technologies

BIM Policy

 

 

 

LEAN Facility Renovation, Repair, & Construction

Collaboration Matrix

Owner focus upon a BEST VALUE approach to facility management is required in order to maximize productivity and minimize waster.   Prevalent “low bid” design-bid-build construction procurement and delivery and it’s associated narrow consideration of “first costs”, is extremely wasteful and typically results in poor quality, project delays, excessive numbers of change orders, and overall higher costs.  Even approaches such as design-build or CM@R don’t achieve maximized performance and satisfaction levels.

BEST VALUE construction project delivery methods include Integrated Project Delivery – IPD, and Job Order Contracting, JOC.  Both contractually require collaboration among project participants and deliver superior quality as well as on-time and on-budget performance.

Best practice IPD, JOC and related collaborative LEAN construction delivery methods share the following  characteristics.

  1. Early and ongoing participation of all project participants (owners, contractors, A/Es, subs, engineering, procurement, project managers, planners, oversight groups, users)
  2. Documented roles, responsibilities, deliverables, and metrics
  3. Shared risk/reward
  4. Continuous improvement
  5. Common terms, definitions, and standardized information formats (for example, UNIFORMAT, MASTERFORMAT, IFC…)
  6. Financial transparency (example – commerical unit price book, UPB – material, equipment, labor, productivity).

4bt processOpenJOC

The are multiple benefits to be gained by LEAN construction delivery participants.

  • Improved Customer Service and Responsiveness.
  • Shorter Procurement Times
  • Decreased Overall Project Delivery Times
  • Reduced Procurement Costs
  • Greater Financial Visibility
  • Longer term relationships
  • Shared Risk/Reward
  • Higher Quality
  • Greater Frequency of On-time Projects
  • Greater Frequency of On-budget Projects
  • More Funds Allocated to Construction versus Administration
  • Fewer Change Orders
  • Virtually Elimination of Legal Disputes
  • Greater Overall Satisfaction
  • Best Value

Next Generation Cloud Construction Cost Estimating and Efficient Project Delivery Solution in Beta

4Clicks Solutions, LLC is currently beta testing Ceasel, a next generation cloud computing application to enable collaborative construction cost estimating and associated efficient project delivery.

Cloud computing is more than a catalyst for change, it is a DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY, that will significantly enhance productivity within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management sectors.

ceasel-logo

Different form legacy client/server applications or “web-enabled” systems that tend to automate existing ‘ad hoc’ and inefficient business process, Ceasel and other “built from the ground” true cloud computing applications enables embed business best practices and drive true collaboration among Owners, Contractors, Architects, Engineers.  The core focus ends up being upon  CHANGE MANAGEMENT and how to best leverage cloud computing, vs. the technology itself.

Here’s just a few benefit of Ceasel’s cloud computing …

1. Collaboration – True cloud computing (vs. cloud-washing or simply posting legacy applications to the cloud) lets users work concurrently on projects in real-time…virtually anyone, anywhere, anytime in multiple languages and currencies.

2. Data Integrity – Information is NEVER deleted. This is potentially the best form of security available. “Who” does “What” and “When” is always tracked and changes can be “rolled back” at any time by authorized administrators.

3. Data Protection – It is YOU, the user who determines how, when, and where to publish data. For example, you can maintain information in your private area, publish as read only to specified members within a private cloud…or publish to all members in a private cloud, or publish information to all members in public cloud and enable rights to use and modify data.

4. Visualization – DATA visualization and the associated development and implementation of collaborative construction delivery methods such as integrated project delivery – IPD, and job order contracting, JOC, enable shared information earlier in the project life-cycle and among more participants.  This enable errors to be found and corrected and/or changes to be accomplished earlier in the project timeline.  This results in few change orders, faster project timelines, and virtual elimination of legal disputes.  Cloud computing will accelerate data visualization and transparency among all stakeholders of physical infrastructure and promote multiple forms of performance-based processes.

5. Agility – Our work and natural environments are changing at an accelerated pace. Rapid deployment, monitoring, and the associated continuous modification of processes and policies are becoming increasingly important. Cloud computing deploys processes faster than any other method currently available. There is no longer a need to rely upon internal “IT” for deployment or applications specific changes, computing power, storage space, etc.

6. Mobility – It is neither cost effective, nor efficient, to have everyone working in offices or specified work settings. Resources need to be tapped from multiple locations enabling use of “the best of the best”. Cloud computing allows direct, transparent access to local resources while also communicating centralized processes and procedures.

7. Centralization of Information – While information can be scattered among several data centers, it also can be instantly consolidated to provide global management in support of an organization’s mission as well as associated, efficient local action.

8. Business Continuity – While Internet access is required (unless you host the “cloud” internally), would you rather store your information at your location and risk catastrophic failure, or at a location with multiple redundancies?

 

If you are interested in becoming a beta partner, please contact pcholakis@4Clicks.com

Managing JOCs ( Job Order Contracting) and IDIQs in spreasheets?

I regularly come across Owners (DOD and non-DOD) who run Job Order Contracts and other IDIQs in spreadsheets…or at least try to do so. I will come right out and say, it can’t be done efficiently, nor does the approach provide for an appropriate level of management/oversight. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Is it lack of education? Mismanagement? Other?

Certainly spreadsheets have many advantages over manual methods, however they fall way short of what a database application such as e4Clicks Project Estimator has to offer.

Is your spreadsheet difficult to use and maintain?
Do changes made in one spreadsheet force you to make changes in another?
Can you see all pertinent data on one screen or do you have to keep scrolling or open other tabs?
Can you easily update prices, quantities and other data elements in a single location?
Are estimates hard to find because they are buried in a confusing collection of folders and directories?
Does your spreadsheet automatically generate a series of reports and/or populate a government form?

http://www.4Clicks.com

Construction Productivity must be Owner driven – BIM, IPD, JOC

One thing is clear, the construction sector (architecture, engineering, contractors, owners, operators, users, suppliers) has been lagging virtually all other business sectors for decades with respect to productivity improvement.

I believe that the cause is largely cultural, however, any major improvement must be driven by Owners,and/or mandated by governmental regulation.

My reasoning is simple, Owners pay the bills.  Thus as long as Owners remain satisfied with the status quo and/or remain “uneducated” with respect to proven business “best practices” and lean management processes, as well as supporting technologies, economic and environmental waste will continue to be rampant.

Currently, my outlook is somewhat pessimistic.  If one looks at  capability and knowledge specific to life-cycle  facility management from an industry perspective, most has originated with the government sector, followed by higher education, state government, healthcare, process-based industries, etc. etc.    Basically, Owners whose mission is dependent upon their built environment tend to create and follow life-cycle management practices. These are Owners that can’t adopt a “churn and burn”, or “run to failure” approach to facility management.  These sectors can’t easily pack up and move if their facilities and physical infrastructure fail.

That said, even government owners, for the most part, have failed in any sort of department or agency-wide adoption of standardized best practices.  This is true even for  “simple” areas such as facility repair, maintenance, and renovation.  Only the Air Force appears to come close to having any true adoption of robust, proven, best-practices in this regard, as well as associated training, etc., most notably with their SABER construction delivery structure.

In order to effect measurable productivity improvement in the “construction” sector, , I have put together a core requirements “checklist”.

1. Robust Ontology – Cost effective information management and information reuse can only be accomplished with a detailed set of terms, definitions, metrics, etc.  This aspect is also critical to improved strategic and tactical decision support mechanisms.

2. An understanding of life-cycle management of the built environment from a collaborative, best-practices, process perspective as well as associated supporting technologies.  Forget the traditional strategy-design-construction-demolish approach.

3. Commitment to a total cost of ownership perspective including both economic and environmental costs vs. our classic “first-cost” mentality.

4. “Trust but measure” – Owners MUST conduct their own internal cost estimating and associated capital planning and compare these to contractor estimates, with each party using the same  data architecture (examples: RSMeans, masterformat, uniformat, omniclass).

5. Adoption of collaborative construction delivery methods such as Integrated Project Delivery, IPD, and Job Order Contracting, JOC, in lieu of antagonistic and inefficient design-bid-built, or even design-build.

6. STOP reinventing the wheel.  Nothing noted here is “rocket science”.  Many, if not most, processes, procedures, and technologies are readily available for anyone who does a bit of basic research!!!   Also, stop with the focus upon BIM from a 3D visualization perspective!  3D tools are great, and add value, however, INFORMATION and PROCESS drive success.

 

BLM2