Why studies come first
A construction project needs a defined scope, a cost estimate and, on federal land, usually an environmental clearance. Every one of those comes out of a study. Without one there is nothing concrete to fund, so the project waits.
The order does not change: study, then design, then build. What changes is how long each step takes to start. A study scoped early is finished early, which moves the design and the construction up with it.
Facility condition assessments
An FCA walks a campus and grades every deficiency, from floors and ceilings to mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structure, with a photograph and a cost estimate for each. The result is a capital plan instead of a list of complaints.
We have run FCAs for the VA at Reno, and at Sacramento, Martinez, McClellan and Mare Island under a single task order.
Seismic evaluations
For a building that predates current seismic code, an evaluation tells you whether you are looking at targeted bracing, a structural reinforcement or a replacement, before any construction money is spent.
It does not always have to be a separate study. On our facility condition assessments at Reno and the four Sacramento area sites, the engineers inspected the structural components with particular attention to seismic, so the condition report already flagged where a closer look was needed.
Environmental assessments
On federal property, a project usually cannot start until the environmental review is done. At Reno, our NEPA assessment for the geothermal test well concluded with a Finding of No Significant Impact, which is what allowed the drilling to go ahead. Starting that review early keeps it from becoming the reason the schedule slips.
The takeaway
No study, no project to fund. Get the study moving this fall, and when the money comes through, the project is ready for it.