Public project: concept design

This stage is concerned with preparing a concept design for the preferred option and may also include making an application for planning permission.

The Government Construction Strategy proposes that publicly-funded projects adopt either a design and build, private finance initiative (PFI) or prime contract procurement route. These routes involve contracting an integrated supply team to design, construct and sometimes finance, operate and maintain the development. This means that concept design takes place after the integrated supply team has been appointed, although in practice a considerable amount of design can be undertaken by the integrated supply team during the tender process.

[edit] Starting the work stage.

The client updates the project execution plan to reflect comments made at the end of the previous stage. The integrated supply team co-ordinates a start-up meeting attended by the client to receive comments made at the end of the previous stage, and to agree the programme for the stage.

The client may identify a requirement to appoint additional independent client advisers (such a contract administrator or employer's agent to administrate the contract). Go to work stage: Public project: appointment.

[edit] Preparing an initial concept design.

The integrated supply team carries out any additional site appraisals or site surveys that may be necessary.

The integrated supply team prepares an initial concept design including outline specification. The requirement for the integrated supply team to prepare design documents (such as concept design report) for the client to comment on will vary depending on what has been set out in the contract documents.

The integrated supply team co-ordinates any necessary consultations with user panels, champions, and other stakeholders, including statutory authorities. The integrated supply team then co-ordinates the incorporation of comments received into the developing concept design.

The integrated supply team co-ordinates a design review of the concept design and then co-ordinates any necessary amendments and amends the elemental cost plan and prepares a cash flow projection.

If required by the contract, the integrated supply team prepares design documents describing the concept design for the client (such as a concept design report).

The client considers whether these initial concept design ideas satisfy the requirements of the output-based specification and makes comments (perhaps with the benefit of advice from independent client advisers). NB This can only be done in relation to compliance with the output-based specification. Comments which amount to a change in the output-based specification may be charged for by the integrated supply team and could result in delays to the project.

The client may wish to undertake a value management exercise with the entire integrated project team to ensure that optimum, whole-life solutions are being pursued. If necessary the integrated supply team amends the concept design and then amends the elemental cost plan and cash flow projection.

[edit] OGC decision point 1.

The client considers OGC decision point 1: outline design, and confirms whether the project should proceed to detailed design.

[edit] Making an outline planning application or detailed planning application if necessary.

If no previous applications have been made by the client, the integrated supply team should consider whether to make an outline planning application or detailed planning application. Go to work stage: Public project: planning permission.

⇒ outline plan | previous stage Tender or PFI Tender | next stage