Last Updated: June 7, 2012
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
PREDESIGN REVIEW FORM for ACADEMIC PROJECTS
Institution:
Project Name:
Reviewed by:
Gregory Ewig, System Director, Capital Development 651.201.1775 gregory.ewig@so.mnscu.edu
Heidi Myers, System Director, Design and Construction 651.201.1773 heidi.myers@so.mnscu.edu
Lisa Jansen, Senior Planner, 651.201.1788 lisa.jansen@so.mnscu.edu
Program Manager
Review Status :
% Review
Consultant:
Date Received:
Date Reviewed:
1. SUMMARY STATEMENT
 Summarize the basic data in 1 page: explaining what’s being done (scope), for how much (cost),
when (schedule), and the square footage being impacted (created, repurposed or demolished).
More particularly:
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What the project is (example – construction, renovation, demolition)
Where it is on the campus
Who is served (all students or a specific subset) and who participated (partners, stakeholders)
How this serves the workforce and How Much what the project costs and funding are
Why the project is needed and
When the project is designed, funded and constructed
This also needs to include evaluation of alternative solutions for the scope, cost and schedule.
Consultant:
Synthesize
document
Campus:
Provide, data, assist,
review and approve
document
 Note that all predesigns should reflect the Board of Trustees Strategic Framework:
1. Ensure access to an extraordinary education for all Minnesotans
2. Be the partner of choice to meet Minnesota’s workforce and community needs
3. Deliver to students, employers, communities and taxpayers the highest value/most affordable option
 Brief description program delivery that will benefit access, stewardship, and workforce need
 Other elements include scope of work, academic and operational programs affected project size in gross
square footage, and major components of the work.
 Highlight major facilities issues impacted (deferred maintenance or renewal issues, space utilization
improvement, sustainability, B-3 guidelines adherence, renewable energy and FCI addressed in the
project scope)
 Cost breakdown relating to demolition, new construction, renovation and renewal.
 Project schedule including milestone dates and funding sources for the project.
 Include brief summary of the alternative or options evaluated. There are many potential solutions to any
given problem; the most appropriate solution may vary depending on priorities, schedule or timing, and
amount of available funds. Predesign should present a series of potential options for delivering the
academic program. Intention of the predesign is to examine alternatives to delivering the scope in a
variety of potential different scope and cost alternatives.
Reviewer’s Comments:
2. PROJECT BACKGROUND NARRATIVE (SCOPE)
 Statutory requirements that drive the project’s operational program. Include any past appropriations.
State “There are no statutory requirements tied to this project.” if not applicable.
 Summary of the project scope based on the following:
 Provide the detail relating to the project process, planning process, participants and significant outcomes
during the process, academic and operational programs, strategic plan, course schedule related to the
project, learning or workforce and economic vitality.
 Alignment with Facilities Master Plan – note the graphic relationship between this project and Master
Plan. If proposed scope and project varies significantly from Master Plan then additional information
may be required.
 Include supporting data, analysis or studies which support the proposed program delivery and
Consultant:
Gather information,
analysis, synthesis,
review document
Campus:
Provide
documentation,
analysis, review
document
demonstrate the need; type of pedagogy, enrollment, workforce, regional issues, etc.
 Facilities systems summary; include deferred maintenance backlog, FCI (Facilities Condition Index) of
campus and affected buildings. FCI = deferred maintenance/current replacement value, and future
renewal needs data obtained from the FRRM, Facilities Reinvestment Renewal Model.
 Space utilization analysis; based on current data, include any pertinent data sheets. Verify that the data is
from the most recent system studies.
 Sustainability highlights; note sustainable concepts and specifics or potential impact the campus is
engaged that may impact this program or project.
 Include alternatives or options that have been evaluated for this program delivery. List any alternative
program delivery, site, leasing, financing, or building options that been studied or explored.
 Include photos of proposed renovation area or potential new area location.
Reviewer’s Comments:
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (SCOPE)
 Provide detailed information relating to the design intent, project program and project process.
 Purpose/rationale of the project: Describe how the scope of the project responds to academic plans,
workforce and economic development, access goals and objectives. Include aerial map, site and building
plans of proposed project. Provide additional graphics which visually describe the project. Note:
graphics should not be Schematic Design – but general concepts that explain size of spaces that contain
the scope to evaluate cost and schedule.
 Detail the planning process (include supporting materials, meeting minutes, studies, in Appendix).
 Provide complete building data sheets that explain the academic program detail.
- Physical condition audit and recommendations. Renovation projects must include detailed photos of
the interior and exterior spaces. An evaluation by a specialized consultant is required of conditions
and cost for correction of significant exterior work or major infrastructure work (mechanical,
electrical, civil, etc). Contact Office of the Chancellor at beginning of the Predesign to review any
special such requirements.
- Deferred maintenance backlog and renewal data: Note existing and proposed and/or renewal building
and campus FCI. Address how will this project impact the FCI.
- Space Utilization Analysis: Utilize the most current ISRS database information in analyzing impacted
rooms and proposed areas of development.
- Current conditions, adjacencies, spatial issues and user needs for academic programs. Incorporate
Room Data Sheets for each space. Provide adjacency diagrams for all spaces and a diagrammatic
layout of spaces that reflect the programmatic conditions.
- Bibliography: state applicable codes, standards, cited research and publications referenced.
 Sustainability: scope should include analysis of sustainable concepts and specifics of site development,
specific building items (intended design, systems, building materials, etc), operational issues, potential
geothermal system to augment heating and/or cooling.
 State special security issues or safety concerns impacting the operations or location of this project.
 Provide project alternative analyses and options relating to program delivery, site options, and/or
building scope and cost options, etc.
- Clearly identify alternate solutions such as a reduction in the scope of work (programmatic and/or
project), a building project emphasizing reuse and renovation of an existing structure, partnerships
with nearby institutions, flexible class scheduling, alternate project delivery methods, etc. The
alternate solutions are intended to utilize the knowledge gleaned during the Predesign process of the
scope analysis to create a series of options that would allow the program to function without one single
large project
- Consider program delivery without one large capital investment – potential concepts may include
leasing an existing building, more intensive use of existing spaces (e.g. evening classroom hours),
distance learning, swing spaces, phasing, double scheduling, etc. Team to create a “menu of
possibilities” to deliver the program in the event that a large, single funded project is not feasible.
- Analyze alternate solutions, methodologies and practices for the proposed project, and provide a
recommendation and justification for each alternate solution.
Reviewer’s Comments:
4. SUSTAINABILITY/ENERGY STATUES (SCOPE)
Consultant:
Synthesize, analyze,
develop options,
document
Campus:
Input, review and
approve document
 Address energy conservation and sustainability issues/solutions that may or could be applicable to this
project. The system intent is to be sustainable for the long term stewardship of the campus. (Note the
appropriate B3 data and comment if this project will improve overall consumption.)
Note that these requirements must be an integral part of the Scope description of the project (Section 3)
and the Cost (section 5 and 6) and Schedule (section 7) as appropriate. Clearly site each statutory
requirement as addressed and affirmative (and within project cost) or briefly not reason for noncompliance.
 Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (MSBG) Compliance with Minnesota Statute
§16B.325, identify Sustainable and High Performance goals for the project using “The State of
Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines” at http://www.msbg.umn.edu/ Include adequate funding for
building construction.
 Include a table of energy design initiatives to exceed the State Energy Code by 30%.
 §16B.32, Subd 2: Energy Conservation Goals (may participate in Program – not mandatory)
 §16B.323, Subd 2: Solar Energy System for new or renovation buildings (solar photovoltaic modules
along installed in conjunction with a solar thermal system.
 §16B.325: Sustainable Guidelines (B3) for new building or adds/replaces a stand-alone mechanical
system. (after Jan 1, 2009, all renovations over 10,000 sf). NOTE B3 data.
 §16B.326: Written plan w/predesign to consider providing Geothermal & Solar Energy Heating &
Cooling Systems for new buildings, new HVAC System or replacing a HVAC system.
 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/data/revisor/statute/2009/326B/2009-326B.pdf
 §16B.335, Subd. 3c: Consider the use of MINNCOR products www.minncor.com
 §16B.35 % for Art: Include 1% of construction cost if it is $100K.
 §216B.241 Subd 9: Sustainable Building 2030 - Energy Conservation Goals www.mn2030.umn.edu
 Waste Management: Include a statement that the project adequately addresses any cost or schedule
issues for the contractor to provide and submit a “Waste Management and Recycling Program Plan” for
both demolition and construction that will advance concepts of sustainability.
Consultant:
Document, review,
and include
compliance or
reason for noncompliance.
Campus: Input,
review and approve
document
Reviewer’s Comments:
5. FINANCIAL INFORMATION – CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (COST)
 Estimate the capital expenditures for the project including alternate solutions and use the state
approved forms (Project Cost, Project Detail, Construction, and Workforce Alignment )
displaying all capital funding requirements through the life of the project. Use the Agency Capital
budget form as found on the website www.finance.mnscu.edu/facilities/capitalbudget/index.html.
 Include project gross square footage and separate line items for new construction, renovation and
renewal costs.
 Provide budget and schedule impact for atypical considerations that may affect the project.
 Include actual cost histories, adjusted for program variations that support the proposed budget.
 Identify project funding sources including state capital bond, revenue bond, etc.
 Reference other cost estimation (i.e. comparable campuses or regional facilities whose construction cost
is relevant to the current project).
 Evaluate academic schedule options and construction sequencing to optimize construction dollars. Need
to provide alternate schedules that may impact the scope or cost of the project.
 Confirm adequacy of construction cost budget in relationship to:
- Sustainability or energy efficient items and their cost need to be reflected as options or as part of the
final overall cost.
- Security Assessment for the program to determine is additional security costs need to be included.
- Any variances that impact construction require approval by the Office of Chancellor.
- Verify existing utility infrastructure contains adequate capacity to support the proposed building/
facility or renovation. Incorporate costs for upgrades, if any, into the budget.
- Identify special mechanical or electrical needs or upgrades.
- Determine the extent of asbestos abatement, fuel tank removal, contaminated soils or other hazardous
material clean-up costs for the proposed project or site if applicable.
 Beyond construction cost, determine the full project cost; FF&E, files, interior/exterior signage, exterior
landscaping and fixtures, telecommunication devices, security camera system, or specialized equipment
such as lockers, trash compactor, window coverings or washing equipment, etc.
- Include percent for Art in the project cost. MN Statute 16B.35 Subdivision 1 states that up to 1% of
the appropriation can be allocated to art in public buildings.
- Non-construction categories such as the project management fees for state staff can be assisted by the
Office of the Chancellor.
 Include financial statements regarding the alternative or optional solutions. For example: extend the
Consultant:
Synthesize, analyze,
develop options,
document
Campus: Input on
operations and debt
capacity, review and
approve document
funding request over several capital bonding sessions, private funding, a phased construction schedule, a
mix of private and public funding.
 Consider alternate or modified funding mechanisms; other sources of community, campus or other
potential funding possibilities.
Reviewer’s Comments:
6. FINANCIAL INFORMATION – ONGOING OPERATING EXPENDITURES (COST)
 Estimate the project impact on operating budgets associated with the design, construction, occupancy
and on-going operation of the project area. Note alternative solutions may require different operating
costs. Campus to quantify the on-going operating expenditures and revenues (with assistance from
consultant). Use the state form to describe and schedule operating revenues and expenditures associated
with the occupancy and operation of the project area.
 Campus to estimate staffing levels and corresponding salaries, building repair, replacement and
maintenance such as impact of additional maintenance engineers required during and/or after new
building construction or operating cost for energy (HVAC, electrical and other utilities). $5 - $9 is
suggested to reflect these associated costs; but campus should verify and compare to existing structures.
 Campus to address debt capacity and the institution’s ability to pay debt. Campus to verify current and
proposed debt information with Facilities Business Support Unit and note this information in the
document.
Consultant:
Synthesize, analyze,
develop options,
document
Campus: Input on
operations and debt
capacity, review and
approve document
Reviewer’s Comments:
7. SCHEDULE
 Graphically convey a realistic schedule for all project stages including: site selection and acquisition,
required government actions and proceedings at all levels, designer selection, design approvals,
construction occupancy and commissioning. Include in the schedule time for hazardous material
abatement, phasing time, relocation/move time and any potential long-lead material deliveries. Include
quality control/ coordination review and cost in the design budget; a minimum of one month is
suggested.
 A bar chart to illustrate the schedule is recommended to convey all design phases and construction
design through completion. Note that construction staging and academic offerings are a balance.
Evaluate various options of the potential academic schedule against construction sequencing to optimize
construction dollars.
 Statue16.B.33 State Designer Selection Board is required for projects over $2 million in cost. Selection
of a designer may begin prior to the actual appropriation.
 Review periods to be included following each project phase for campus staff, project manager and Office
of the Chancellor Program Manager. Length of review period should be a minimum of two weeks to six
weeks depending on size and complexity of project.
 Schematic Design has a longer review period: Formal approval by the system office is required upon
completion of Schematic Design. This process entails: Submission of Schematic Design document to the
Program Manager, Review Meeting attended by consultant, campus representatives and facilities staff.
Review Meeting will occur within two to three weeks following submission. This working session is a
forum to discuss and review issues. Upon completion of this session, Schematic Design presentation to
the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities and the Vice Chancellor CEO is then scheduled.
 Include 16.B335 Legislative approval following Schematic Design as an item. Approval period may run
concurrent to Design Development initiation, but must be finalized prior to initiation of Contract
Documents.
 Include alternative phasing for the delivery of the project and clearly designate the schedule options and
the corresponding cost impact.
Reviewer’s Comments:
8. TECHNOLOGY PLAN/BUDGET
Consultant:
Synthesize, analyze,
develop options,
document
Campus: Input,
review and approve
document
 Summarize the institution’s Technology Plan and current Information Technology infrastructure as it
impacts this particular program or project.
 Describe the technology applications and associated budget detail included in the scope of this project
and/or any of the alternatives or options studied.
 Describe the impact and improvements of any technology that impact the overall scope or cost, including
cost effectiveness that the project will have on current and future infrastructure. Detail additional
positive outcomes that may be a direct or indirect consequence of technology implementation associated
with this project.
 Include alternate solutions. State any deduct in square footage and cost that can occur with technology.
Reviewer’s Comments:
Consultant:
Synthesize, analyze,
develop options,
document
Campus: Input,
review and approve
document
9. APPENDIX
Include all supporting information that will assist in the development of the project as it proceeds into design, construction and ongoing operations: academic master plan reference material, program delivery discussions, research and reference material, meeting
minutes, technology master plan reference material, ISRS Space Utilization data, FRRM data, workforce/demographic data,
photos, infrastructure reports on any significant areas of concern (roof loading, mechanical or electrical capacity, etc), soil reports,
other studies or related supporting information, project visit notes, websites, etc.
Note: The purpose of the Appendix is to have a useful reference for campus administration and facilities staff to house a 'living
document' which contains important facilities related information as it impacts this predesign.
PREDESIGN REQUIREMENT
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 16B.355 Subd. 3: Predesign package must be sufficient to define the purpose, scope,
cost, and schedule of the project and must demonstrate that the project has been analyzed according to appropriate
space needs standards. The Predesign communicates essential project objectives with factual data prior to the
commencement of the design process. The outline identifies the content and organization of predesign documentation
for major capital projects.
Minnesota State College and Universities is interested in development of a predesign that presents multiple solutions to
a proposed academic program. It is critical that alternative or optional solutions are thoroughly investigated to allow
for maximum flexibility for a campus as they pursue academic excellence. There are many potential solutions to a
given problem; the most appropriate solution may vary depending on priorities, schedule or timing, and amount of
available funds. The Predesign document must include multiple options for the academic program delivery intended to
utilize the knowledge gleaned during the Predesign process and the team. Predesign must present options in the scope,
cost and schedule for delivery of the campus programs.
In preparing the necessary predesign documentation, review the following documents that are under Planning and
Programming on the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Facilities website: www.facilities.mnscu.edu./facilities/
planning-programming/predesign/pdf
 Predesign Review Forms for Academic Projects. (updated June 2012)
 Predesign Guide presentation (Updated June 2010)
 Predesign Review Forms for Academic, Revenue funded, and HEAPR
Previous Predesigns are available for review by appointment at the facilities planning system office. Contact Lisa
Jansen at 651-201-1788 for an appointment.
PREDESIGN LAYOUT
 Cover Letters:
Consultant to campus president affirming that the report meets Minnesota State Colleges and Universities criteria,
signed by a registered architect/engineer with accompanying registration number AND a formal submission letter
from the Campus President to Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
 Table of Contents:
1. Summary Statement
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Project Background Narrative
Project Description (scope with site and space program and alternate solutions)
Sustainability/Energy Statues
Financial Information - capital expenditures
Financial Information - ongoing operating expenditures
Schedule
Technology Plan/Budget
Appendix
PREDESIGN FORMAT
 50% first submittal: One copy. List basic programs impacted by the overall scope, cost, and schedule, space,
square feet, potential cost, schedule, project description, sustainability issues, options/alternative studies.
 95% second submittal: One copy - all items except for cover letters, misc. details and Appendix.
 Final submittal: 100% complete: three copies in three separate binders + 1 Compiled pdf. File on CD.
 3-ring binder format using text font no less than 10 points.
 Number pages by Section - allows easier corrections by sections. Printing on both sides is encouraged.
 Ensure entire document is capable of clear black/white reproduction.
 Label front AND spine, with the following: Name of Institution, Predesign status (50% first submittal, 95%
second and 100% final), Name of Consulting Firm: contact information, address, phone, email, and date.