Starting a new construction project is an exciting opportunity. Whether building a new facility or expanding current infrastructure or operations, it offers growth opportunities. While the details of construction planning, contracting, project management, budgeting, and contractor selection seem complex, they provide a valuable framework for success. An Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) becomes an essential partner who advocates for the owner’s interests. With an OPM, your project can be on time, within budget, and meet the expected quality standards.
An OPM acts as the owner’s advocate, guiding intricate teams, complex scheduling, and tight budgeting for construction projects. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the project team, increasing the probability that all aspects align with the owner’s vision and requirements. Throughout our time offering OPM services, PMA has found that an OPM can add significant value to the following areas:
Risk Management and Cost Control
Construction projects carry a wide range of risks, such as unforeseen delays, cost overruns, labor shortages, design flaws, weather impacts, regulatory changes, and project scope alterations, all of which can threaten project success. An OPM is essential for finding, evaluating, and managing risks during the project. The OPM anticipates potential challenges by conducting thorough risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies, including contingency planning, regular risk reviews, and stakeholder alignment.
By preparing an independent cost estimate and conducting a detailed risk analysis early in the project, the OPM can propose a more accurate budget and allocate a risk contingency fund. Ongoing monitoring of risk factors enables continuous adjustments to the project plan, minimizing disruptions and enhancing overall project control.
Contract and Compliance Oversight
Construction contracts involve various complexities, so it can be extremely valuable for the project team to have an OPM to navigate them. The OPM reviews performance specifications and recommends the best contract type. This could be Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, EPCM, CM at Risk, or other models like IPD, Alliance, Progressive DB, or Progressive P3. They also help with contract negotiations. This guidance ensures that the contract terms match the project’s goals. It offers strong protection for the owner and allows the project to run smoothly.
Schedule Management
Keeping a construction project on schedule is critical to success. An OPM prepares an owner’s schedule that integrates all project phases from design to construction and closeout. Construction schedule management serves as a roadmap for all stakeholders and helps ensure the project progresses as planned. The OPM also provides regular updates, keeping the owner informed and involved at every stage.
Contractor Selection Process
Choosing the right contractors and vendors is crucial for the success of any construction project. An OPM can prepare a shortlist of potential contractors and assist with the selection process. They ensure the chosen contractors, including designers and specialty consultants, have the necessary experience and capabilities to deliver the project successfully.
Quality Assurance and On-Site Management
During construction, the OPM provides on-site management to ensure the work is done according to the plans and specifications. This includes administering the contract, managing change orders, and addressing any issues during construction. The OPM’s involvement ensures that the project maintains its quality standards and that problems are resolved quickly and effectively.
Across a host of different projects, from transit to medical facilities, PMA has seen firsthand how these value areas factor into the overall success of a project. Here are just a few of our recent projects that illustrate this:
Austin Transit Partnership Commercial, Risk, and Project Delivery Advisory
This $8 billion Austin Transit Partnership Project expands transit options throughout the Austin area, including a new light rail, subway, and additional services across the city. As the OPM, PMA helps ATP create the best procurement, risk, and financial models. These models are for the Orange Line and Blue Line light rail projects and provide construction cost control. PMA provides strategic advice on project delivery methods, procurement alternatives, financial modeling, and risk assessment, ensuring a transformative transit system for Austin.
Los Angeles World Airports On-Call CIP
To effectively deliver its $14 billion capital improvement program, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) engaged specialized consultants for on-call services, including PMA. The projects vary in scope, including new airfield taxiways, service roads, and terminal renovations. As an OPM, PMA supports LAWA’s terminal project managers, focusing on IT/hardware systems like access controls and baggage monitoring. PMA implemented an innovative inventory tracking system to improve the identification and management of system components across the airport.
Foods Processing Plant
In this $20 million project, constructing a 30,000-SF addition to an existing meat processing facility, faced a significant challenge when the designer omitted submittal review services from its contract. The OPM stepped in to handle all construction submittals, saving the owner approximately $100,000 and avoiding project delays.
Eye and Ear Chiller Replacement
This $6.1 million project at a Harvard teaching hospital involved replacing critical infrastructure in a sensitive environment. The OPM provided comprehensive construction project management services, including logistics planning, on-site monitoring, and coordination with the engineering team. The OPM’s expertise ensured the project’s success with minimal disruption to hospital operations.
PMA’s expertise in managing construction projects for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, processing and manufacturing, education, transportation, energy, and healthcare, makes us an ideal partner for owners embarking on new construction or expansion projects. By involving an OPM early, owners can protect their interests and deliver successful projects.
Working with an experienced OPM is essential for owners and companies beginning construction projects. With the proper guidance, a challenging endeavor can transform into a smooth, efficient process that delivers results.
If you are considering a construction project, we can help you understand how an OPM can add value. For more information, please contact us and we would be happy to help you.