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There is a lot of discussion these days about the pros and
cons of various contractual approaches to hospital construction. These
discussions often focus on which approaches enable a project to be completed
more quickly: traditional design-bid-build? Design-build? Construction
management at risk? Integrated project delivery?
One way to speed up construction—and a method that can be
used with any of these approaches—is fast tracking. Fast tracking is the
release of a project in stages or packages. This method expedites delivery of a
completed project and often results in reduced costs and enhanced quality.
Andrew Quirk, the author of this article to be published in
the March issue of hfm, discusses four
factors an organization should consider in determining whether to adopt a
fast-tracking approach:
- Expectations of project length, quality, and
cost
- Whether decisions can be made quickly by
hospital leaders as issues arise
- Commitment from hospital leaders, architects,
engineers, construction managers, and others involved in the projec
- The extent to which hospital leaders are willing
to share how and why decisions are being made
Quirk also describes another option for fast tracking –
design assist. Design assist is a method of contracting that can help
organizations save money on the mechanical-electrical-plumbing (MEP) component
of a construction initiative, which typically accounts for 40 to 50 percent of
total project costs.
The author illustrates several financial and quality
controls that would aide in financial transparency as well as user satisfaction
for a hospital construction project.
Read this article in the March hfm to learn more about the strategies that facilitate the
fast-track delivery process and ensure that quality is not compromised simply
because a project is being delivered at a faster pace.
Publication Date: Friday, February 01, 2013