Capital Projects

COVID Space Modification Requests

The DU social distancing policy outlines the measures to be taken prior to any facility modification such as work-from-home and use of unoccupied spaces. DU will consider making modifications to workspaces to provide engineering controls where social distancing is not feasible.

For COVID-/social distancing-related building modifications, the Building Managers/COVID Access Managers shall make requests via the COVID Classroom/Building Modification Request form, and submit to fac.capitalprojects@du.edu. Please save the file(s) with the name of the building.

Building Managers/COVID Access Managers are assigned to gather requests for the building and are to complete this form. All buildings, regardless of occupancy or use, shall have the following improvements/updates made without the need to submit this type of request: physical and digital signage, taping off water fountains and restrooms, and controlling building access.

• Classroom modifications will be submitted through coordination with the Registrar.
• Requests for disinfection and cleaning support will still be made through the iServiceDesk work request system.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Capital Projects and Planning, Rachel Stonecypher, at x1-2167 or rachel.stonecypher@du.edu.

For University updates and information, visit the DU COVID-19 website and follow @uofdenver on Twitter.

Capital Projects Overview

The University requires potential capital projects to be developed in a uniform manner that helps senior leadership understand and consider the idea. Capital projects should contribute to fulfilling the goals of the University, including inclusive excellence, innovation, integrity, and engagement. Proposed projects must explicitly include a statement of how the project addresses the needs of our diverse campus community.

The Capital Project Request program in FY22 will follow a similar approach to previous years with respect to timing of the requests and departmental scoping required upon submission. However, we will maintain the FY21 approach to project review and approval that was put in place last year due to COVID-19 budget impacts. This process includes the additional layer of project review and approval by campus leadership in order for units to expend funding on a project.

For all projects other than minor repairs, a project development review process will be staffed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Business & Finance for the Provost's Office. The first step in the review process is to fill out the Concept Description section of the Phase I Capital Project Proposal form. After you have filled out the Concept Description, please email the form to the Capital Projects Team at fac.capitalprojects@du.edu. Once received, the Projects Team will facilitate the process with the appropriate Facilities and Provost staff, and will develop the remainder of the Phase I document with the project contact.

Capital Expenditures and Lead Time

As outlined in a recent memo to the Administrative Council, Capital Projects and Expenditures at all levels require adequate lead times to ensure that the proposed project expenditures are aligned with the unit's and University's strategic plan as well as the Campus Framework Plan, are within quality guidelines as well as available financial resources, and can be completed in a timely manner.

The dates listed below establish the timeline necessary for submitting projects that require design and permitting. Projects of less complexity (not needing design consultants or permitting) will likely be able to be completed during the school year or during winter or spring breaks.

• Upon submission of the Phase I request, the department should account for the time required for scoping, estimating, and departmental approvals.
• The reflected dates should take into consideration the three- to six-week timing for Phase I approval, ledger 7 establishment, contract review, and issuing of a purchase order.

*All projects are reviewed and approved by senior leadership who may alleviate a project's timing to meet pressing University needs.

Note: Project submission timeline reflects anticipated design and permitting effort based on project budget (scope complexity). Permitting with the City and County of Denver can take 13 to 16 weeks.

The Capital Project Process

Capital project planning is a sub-field of Capital Asset Management, which is strategic and distinct from Facilities Management (a technical function). The 10 phases in the capital project process and their purposes are:

1. Project Initiation and Concept Development – Ensure general understanding of the proposal and inform administrators of the intent of a project sponsor.
2. Feasibility Plan and Project Approval – Document in detail the concept developed in Phase I and develop the basic financial plan to provide thorough information for the approval group.
3. Project Planning and Design – Describe the requirements of a proposed initiative in such a manner that a professional consultant could prepare a proper design.
4. Architect Selection – Hire consultants necessary for the planning, design, and management of the capital construction project.
5. Schematic Design – Develop the concept and basic framework for the design of the project.
6. Design Development – Develop a rational plan to incorporate the program in a building form on the site.
7. Construction Documents – Develop the construction plan, process and site/material specifications.
8. Bidding and Negotiation – Review bids and negotiate terms with the general contractor to be hired.
9. Construction – Build the building and complete the construction work.
10. Warranty Period – Typically one year after completion, during which deficiencies are evaluated and addressed.