Minor Capital Improvement Projects are capital projects based on a predetermined thresholds.
Projects that are over $35,000 and do not impact major building systems are considered Minor Capital Projects. These projects would ideally be initiated in January and their planning and approval would align with the budget approval process.
As the need for projects do not always coincide with the budget approval process, use the Request to Modify Space form to begin the development for planning the project and submit this form to spaceplanning@ucmerced.edu.
Understanding the Process
To better understand the overall Minor Capital Process, please reference the Space Modification Process Map. Once the Request to Modify Space form has been submitted, a Space Analyst will evaluate the request for alignment with the Campus Principles of Space Management and the Campus Space Standards.
Following this evaluation, the Space Analyst will reach out to the project sponsor to better define the scope of work and to schedule an appointment to walk the space together.
1. Programming Phase
The Programming Phase consists of programming, drawings, code review, cost estimate, and schedule development. Once the programming package is completed, the Project Sponsor will approve the ROM (rough order of magnitude), and the Space Analyst will complete the R&A (Renovations and Alterations) Form and route it to Capital Programs for funding approval.
2. Design Package
Upon allocation of budget, the Project Analyst will create the Design Package. The Design Package, depending on the extent of the scope, may include development of architectural and/or engineer drawings, bid documents, DSA approval, and specifications. Typically projects will not require this extra step enabling the finalization of drawings, furniture plans, and specifications to be managed in-house.
3. Final Project Package
The project sponsor will be consulted again for approval on the final project package. Simultaneously, the drawings will be sent to the Campus Engineer and Building Inspector for plan check. Once it is determined that all aspects of the project are code compliant, the design package is passed to the Contract Analyst to create the bid documents. The bid phase is always required for construction, and may require additional steps depending on project costs.
Once bids are received, the project sponsor is asked to authorize costs, and the Contract Analyst issues the NTP (Notice to Proceed) for work to begin. The Minor Capital Project Manager will manage the work and will notify any impacted building occupants. The Minor Capital Project Manager is also responsible to for complying with the budget and delivering the project on time.
4. Close Out Package
At the end of the work, the Minor Capital Project Manager creates a Close Out Package, which includes as-built drawings, issuing of the NOC (Notice of Completion). The Close Out Package is given to the Space Analyst to update MetaBIM. The project is complete and the end-user may utilize their new space.
All projects, regardless of scope, require time. The development of a thorough scope of work, and expeditious approval of funding will help streamline the project process. For more detail on the process, please contact UC Merced Space Planning and Analysis: spaceplanning@ucmerced.edu.