Bidding/Negotiating/Purchasing Phase
In this phase construction documents become part of a procurement document
and contractors are solicited to formally respond to the procurement. The
designer of the integrated building systems will participate in the process by
answering questions, providing clarification, and eventually evaluating and
recommending contractors for the work.
Depending on the method used to specify the technology systems and
corresponding funding sources only some of the systems’ components, such
as the cabling infrastructure, may be included in the construction documents
as a part of the construction budget. Other components, such as the net-
working equipment, may not be included in the construction documents or
construction budget and may be funded by the owner directly or a within a
budget for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE). If this is the case, the sys-
tem designer will prepare specifications and bidding documents outside the
construction specifications and may bid the equipment later in the process to
guarantee acquisition of the most recent releases of hardware and software.
Construction
Building construction involves everyone: owner, architect/engineer team, consul-
tants, product representatives, authorities having jurisdiction over the cons-
truction, among others. The integrated building technology system designer
conducts contract administration, essentially ensuring that the systems installed
are in accordance with the specifications, drawings and contract. This involves
review of contractor submittals, responding to information requests, observa-
tion reports of the installation, review of acceptance tests, commissioning, and
so on.
During the last stages of construction the technology designer and contrac-
tor may be involved with the client’s information technology (IT) department
to assist in migration of services and equipment to the facility. In addition,
they will be involved with the client’s vendors for telecommunications services,
furniture, moving and so on.
A couple of tools are available to help with coordination between designers
and trades representatives. One such tool is called “coordination drawings”
which are typically prepared by the contractor and submitted to the designer.
These drawings show coordination of all trades’ installations of the diverse
systems or equipment.
The other tool is called a “matrix of responsibilities” which is prepared by
the designer during the design process. The matrix delineates the division of
144 Smart Building Systems for Architects, Owners, and Builders